Dr. Tom Swift

Biography

Dr Swift's research focuses on understanding how molecular organisation and molecular dynamics govern the behaviour of polymers, biomaterials and biological systems. His work combines polymer chemistry, diffusion NMR spectroscopy, molecular modelling and biomaterials research to investigate how molecular-scale interactions determine material performance, responsiveness and biological function.

He received a Master of Chemistry (MChem Industry) degree from the University of York, including an industrial placement with AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, where he worked on novel coating formulations and film functionality. Following a short period in industrial research and development, he undertook a PhD at the University of Sheffield specialising in stimuli-responsive polymer materials.

He joined the University of Bradford as a Lecturer in September 2016. During this period he served as Programme Lead for the BSc Chemistry Apprenticeship and contributed to industrial-engagement programmes including Project CAYMAN and Project SIBLING, initiatives designed to improve access to academic expertise and innovation support across Northern England.

He now leads a research group focused on polymer dynamics, molecular characterisation, functional materials and biomaterials, working closely with academic, industrial and clinical collaborators. The group has particular expertise in diffusion NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) and the development of quantitative approaches for understanding complex polymer systems.

Alongside his academic activities, he has an active interest in research translation and commercialisation. He is a co-founder of Molecular Titans. Ltd, a University of Bradford spin-out company developing advanced molecular characterisation technologies and analytical approaches for industrial applications. Through these activities he seeks to connect fundamental understanding of molecular behaviour with practical impact in materials, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Research

Research Overview

My research focuses on understanding how molecular organisation and molecular dynamics govern the behaviour of polymers, biomaterials and biological systems. Our group combines diffusion NMR spectroscopy, polymer chemistry, molecular modelling and biomaterials research to investigate how molecular-scale interactions determine properties such as self-assembly, responsiveness, degradation, biological activity and material performance. The group has a particular interest in the development of diffusion NMR methodologies for quantitative polymer characterisation, including molecular weight determination, dispersity analysis, conformational studies and polymer dynamics. Current research themes span:- diffusion-ordered NMR (DOSY) and molecular mobility - polymer dynamics and entanglement - responsive and functional polymers - biopolymer and food-polymer interactions - polymer degradation and sustainability - biomaterials and ophthalmic materials - anti-virulence and bacteria-targeting polymers - enzyme engineering and molecular biocatalysis Our group is devoted to developing quantitative experimental approaches that connect molecular-scale behaviour with real-world material and biological performance.

Current Research Themes.

1.  Molecular Dynamics and DOSY NMR Key question: What does molecular motion reveal about polymer structure and behaviour? This theme develops diffusion NMR methodologies and applies them to understand polymer conformation, molecular mobility, entanglement and self-assembly in complex systems. Recent topics include polymer melts, polymer diffusion, molecular-weight determination, food polymers and diffusion-based analytical tools.

2.  Predictive Polymer Science Key question: How can polymer architecture be linked to future material performance? This work explores relationships between molecular structure, architecture and macroscopic behaviour using experimental and computational approaches. Topics include responsive polymers, oxazolines, polymer conformation and structure-property relationships.

3.  Functional Materials and Sustainability Key question: How can polymer design improve material function while promoting sustainability? Research in this area focuses on polymer degradation, environmentally responsive materials and new approaches to balancing performance with sustainability.

4.  Biomaterials and Biological Interfaces Key question: How do polymers interact with biological systems? This theme investigates polymers for ophthalmic devices, drug delivery, anti-virulence materials, bacterial targeting systems and other biomedical applications.

Research Translation and Innovation

Alongside fundamental research, I am interested in translating polymer and diffusion-NMR technologies into practical applications. This work includes collaboration with industry, development of commercial analytical methodologies, and support for research commercialisation activities. I am a co-founder of Molecular Titans, a University of Bradford spin-out focused on applying advanced molecular characterisation approaches to industrial and commercial challenges. The company builds on expertise in diffusion NMR, polymer analysis and molecular measurement developed through our academic research programme. Through this activity, the group aims to connect fundamental understanding of molecular behaviour with real-world impact across materials, healthcare and industrial technologies. Find our more by visiting https://www.moleculartitans.org/

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Teaching

My focus is Research led teaching. I train students to gain new abilities, skills and insight to develop themselves as excellent researchers. From 2017 to 2023 I was the programme leader for our BSc Chemistry Apprenticeship programme (a part time programme delivering education to Laboratory Scientist Level 6 Apprenticeship students). I sit on the national Level 6 and Level 7 Laboratory and Research Scientist Apprenticeship trailblazer committees, discussing the needs of scientists in industry with professional bodies, representatives from industry and civil servants to ensure that we are teaching science students to meet the needs of future industry. At Bradford I am the module leader for the BSc Chemistry practical laboratory modules - meaning I have oversight of all practical taught laboratory classes throughout the programme. I also teach taught content in Materials Characterisation and Imaging, and oversee final research dissertation for our Materials Chemistry and Analytical Science MSc students.

Modules

• Practical Chemistry 1 - CFS4026-D
• Practical Chemistry 2 - CFS5019-D
• Advanced Laboratory and Research Skills - CFS6030-D
• Practical Chemistry 1 (for Apprentices - CFS4031-C
• Research Project - Advanced Investigation - CFS7023-E
• Materials Characterisation - CFS7018-B

Professional activities

Publications