Alastair leads ANSTO-IER's Atmospheric Research Group. Group uses natural radioactive and stable isotopes as tracers to investigate the sources and movement of pollution and greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere, and to aid in the interpretation of observed changes in atmospheric composition. Alastair conducts experimental boundary layer research using atmospheric Radon-222 to quantify vertical mixing processes in the lower atmosphere using aircraft and tower-based platforms. Alastair is also a member of the IER Management Team.

 My research efforts are focussed on reproductive pathology, and I have published on a range of topics related to reproductive function mostly related to contraception, and benign and malignant gynaecological disease. My publications include papers on molecular aspects of cervical and ovarian carcinogenesis, as well as morphology and function of endometrium in response to pharmaceutical agents; a major focus has been on the effects of progesterone receptor modulators (PRMs) on endometrium. I have over 15 years experience of participation as a pathologist in a range of clinical trials. I am involved in pathological assessments of endometrial biopsies in Phase III studies of ulipristal acetate, sponsored by Preglem and Gedeon Richter (PEARL studies). I am also involved in clinical trials sponsored by Bayer, HRA Pharma and the Population Council. My experience in the specialised area of endometrial morphology in response to PRMs has been recognised with many invitations to give lectures at prestigious international conferences. I provide specialist gynaecological pathology expertise for a number of collaborative research projects in Edinburgh. These include various projects on molecular events in ovarian carcinogenesis and immune response to HPV in female genital tract. I am a member of the Scottish HPV Investigators Network (SHINe), and have participated in several studies of HPV prevalence in anogenital and cervical cancers and precancer.