Professor Paul Topham is a Professor of Polymer Science and Co-Director of the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) at Aston University. His research interests focus on the design and creation of polymeric materials for a wide range of applications. The team use molecular understanding to address real world problems with sustainability at the heart of all activities. Paul received his PhD in 2006 from the University of Sheffield and was appointed as a Lecturer at Aston – and has never left since! Professor Topham is currently the Secretary of the Polymer Division of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), which is a body similar to the United Nations, but for Chemistry, and is a Visiting Professor of the South China University of Technology. He is happy to discuss all aspects of academic life, including the importance of international collaboration and training the next generation of researchers, scientists and professionals.