Dr Richard Ball is a Reader in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath.  He graduated from the University of Bath with a BEng in Materials Science and Engineering and later completed a PhD in Materials Science also at Bath.  He has published 97 papers in refereed international journals covering batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, ceramics, composites, NDT, sensors, sustainable construction materials and air quality.  Recent research has focused on the development of novel coatings for buildings to help improve air quality.  Recently he has studied air quality in refugee camps around the world.  He is a chartered engineer and scientist and a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.