Dr Rick Binns

I am Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education in the Faculty of Science and Environment and Associate Professor at Northumbria University. I lead the educational programmes across four schools, ensuring alignment with university strategy, professional body standards, and the needs of students and industry.  This includes oversight of approximately 44 undergraduate programmes, 20 postgraduate programmes, degree apprenticeships, and distance learning provision. I also leads the management of around 20 professional body accreditations, primarily within the UK, with some international reach.

My academic career began with a degree in Electronic and Information Engineering at Huddersfield (1993), followed by a PhD in Analogue Test Strategies (1997). I joined Northumbria in 2001 on an EPSRC postdoctoral contract, working with Ericsson Components and Cadence Design Systems on analogue synthesis tools. Since then, my research has spanned satellite electronics and communications, visible light communication systems, battery charging and energy management, power control systems, and radiation detection for personal dosimetry.

My current research, funded by the UK Space Agency, is part of the ALIGN project (Autonomous Laser Inter-satellite Gigabit Network). I focus on the design of analogue signal paths for laser communication drive and detection systems—work that sits at the forefront of the UK’s ambitions in secure, high-capacity space communications. Across my career, I have remained dedicated to analogue design, applying it to diverse domains and supervising numerous successful PhDs. A key priority for me is involving students directly in research projects, providing both technical training and inspiration for their careers.

Teaching remains central to my role. I specialise in analogue electronics, demystifying the so-called “black art” of circuit design by combining mathematical rigour, simulation, and laboratory demonstration. I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, drawing on live research examples—including the ALIGN project—to connect theory with practice. My philosophy is grounded in Universal Design for Learning and Bloom’s taxonomy, ensuring inclusivity, authenticity, and progression in learning. I particularly value project-based assessments and research-led teaching as ways to build confidence and professional skills.

Looking ahead, I plan to deepen my research in satellite communications and explore sustainable applications of analogue design in energy and transport. In education, my focus is on strengthening experiential learning, aligning programmes with industry, and enhancing student outcomes. I believe in linking research, teaching, and external partnerships to ensure both societal impact and an inspiring learning experience for our students.