Biography
Craig Kennedy received a degree in biochemistry from the University of Stirling and a PhD in structural biophysics from Cardiff University, examining the deterioration of collagen within historic parchments. This work married high-end scientific analysis (synchrotron radiation, neutron scattering, etc.) with the practical needs of conservators working on ancient documents. Further work at Cardiff included examination of the structure of cellulose microfibrils from wood and higher plants such as celery, sugar beet, tunicin and flax, as well as analysis of historical materials such as silk, paper, leather and glass. The effects of cleaning and repairs on historical materials was a major feature of this work.
Craig then joined Historic Scotland in 2006 and became Head of Science in early 2007 and Senior Conservation Scientist in 2011. As well as managing the science unit, Craig has supervised research internships, and co-supervised a number of studentships with Universities in to areas relating to historic building deterioration. The research carried out during this time included on-site analysis of Historic Scotland's Properties in Care as well as supporting and carrying out fundamental research in to building material decay and conservation.
In August 2013 Craig joined Heriot Watt University's School of the Built Environment as a Senior Lecturer in Building Materials.
Current research includes analysis of historic glass from archaeological dig sites and in situ, and timber, with continuing interest in the utilisation of science as part of the conservation process.
Craig is Editor-in-Chief of the Elsevier journal Global Heritage
He is currently Global Head of Discipline in the subject areas of Quantity Surveying and Construction Project Management, is a member of the Heriot-Watt University Senate (terms 2021-2024, 2024-2027), Chair of the Academic Integrity Group and Vice-Chair of the University Discipline Committee.