Richard Lord

Richard Lord is a Professor of Geochemistry & Geo-Environmental Engineering at Teesside University, based at the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre. His research focuses on contaminated land remediation, low-carbon energy, circular economy strategies, and sustainable waste utilization. Previously, he held roles at Strathclyde University, leading the Circular Land & Water research group and contributing to projects like the €8M SURICATES and €3.5M CERESiS. He has extensive experience in interdisciplinary projects addressing environmental challenges, including EU-funded initiatives and UK policy advocacy.

His work integrates geochemistry, environmental engineering, and policy to develop nature-based solutions for net-zero goals. Notable contributions include pioneering the reuse of dredged sediments and water treatment residues, as well as advancing phytoremediation techniques for contaminated sites. He has secured significant funding from DEFRA, EU, and NERC, and won the 2010 'Best of Life' award for the BioReGen project.

Current research emphasizes low-carbon materials, net-zero transitions, and sustainable biomass production. He collaborates internationally, leading consortia across Europe, Canada, Brazil, and Ukraine. Lord is actively supervising PhD students in areas like circular economy and nature-based solutions.

• Key Projects: SURICATES (sediment reuse), CERESiS (contaminated land biofuel strategies), Growing Teesside’s Hydrogen Economy
• Impact: Influenced UK policy on non-coal minewater treatment and championed KTP collaborations for innovation.
• Labs/Teams: Previously led Strathclyde’s Circular Land & Water group; now part of Teesside’s Net Zero Centre.