From stay at home Dad to leading the way in computational chemistry

Richard is returning to research after a four-year career break taken to care for his two young sons with a Fellowship sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Dr Richard Matthews

Richard’s research project is looking at the development and application of computational modelling tools to investigate Protein Structure and Stability in Ionic Solvents. To date, his highlight has been completing the initial training in computational methods required to carry out his research. This has filled him with confidence, and he feels that he is now able to make good progress towards his research goals.

Richard has been well supported by his supervisor (Prof. Jason Hallett) and the Department of Engineering. In addition, he has been provided with further support from colleagues in the Department of Chemistry, and that has allowed him to reintegrate faster and set up potential future cross department collaborations. Richard has recently been awarded an Erasmus+ Staff Training Grant to receive training in new computational modelling tools and meet with potential collaborators based at the University of Vienna, Austria.

My Fellowship means I can work flexibly, meaning I can continue to juggle the needs of my children whilst retraining in a leading academic environment and working in an area I feel really passionate about.


  • Fellowship started in 2019
  • Hosted by Imperial College London
  • Fellowship sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Supervisor: Professor Jason Hallett (Imperial College London)
  • Project title: Developing the Key Relationships Involved in Protein Structure and Stability in Ionic Solvents.