Mark Richards

Mark Richards is a Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Physics within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London. He serves as Deputy Admissions Tutor, Principal Investigator for the Strengthening Learning Communities Project, and Head of Physics Outreach. Richards actively contributes to Imperial As One, the University's Race Equality Advisory Group, and leads initiatives promoting diversity in STEM education.

His academic credentials include:

• BSc in Chemistry from the University of Manchester
• PhD in Physics from Imperial College London

Richards' research focuses on Atmospheric Science and Environmental Monitoring, specializing in spectroscopic techniques for atmospheric remote sensing and wireless air quality networks. His work with Duvas Technologies applies Distributed Systems and Electrical Engineering to real-time pollution mapping, contributing to climate-health intersections through the Network of Excellence in Air Quality and Space, Plasma and Climate Community.

His distinguished contributions have earned:

• Fellow of the City & Guilds Institute of London (FCGI) in 2019 for unwavering support to youth education
• Presidents Award for Excellence in Culture and Community in 2022

Richards has pioneered widening participation programs to recruit underrepresented students into science careers, managed technology transfer initiatives, and co-founded Duvas Technologies. His current Strengthening Learning Communities Project develops inclusive pedagogical frameworks while his outreach includes BBC London News features and educational films exploring science-music connections.

Beyond academia, Richards performs as DJ Kemist and runs an independent music label, drawing creative parallels between sound wave experimentation in music production and spectroscopic light wave research.