About me

I am Dr Jane Wood, a textile researcher whose work bridges textile science, sustainable materials, biotechnology and colour systems. I combine technical expertise with applied research to develop evidence-based approaches that support more responsible textile systems and manufacturing.

Before entering academia, I spent more than 18 years working internationally in industry—developing and testing materials for performance and commercial use across apparel, sportswear, and technical textile sectors. This deep industrial experience underpins my academic work and reinforces my commitment to research that is scientifically rigorous and relevant in real-world settings.

My academic qualifications include:

BSc (Hons) Textile Chemistry, University of Leeds
MSc Clothing Product Development, Manchester Metropolitan University
PhD in Applied Microbiology, investigating microbial contributions to textile materials

RESEARCH FOCUS

My research focuses on the development of sustainable textile systems, with particular emphasis on the relationships between materials, colour, and performance. I work across textile science, material evaluation, and applied research to support more responsible and evidence-based approaches to textile production.

My work combines laboratory-based investigation with applied experimentation and industry collaboration, enabling research outcomes to be tested, validated, and translated into real-world contexts. A central aim of my research is to understand how materials behave, how processes impact environmental performance, and how innovation in textile systems can be supported through robust testing and evaluation.

Key Areas of Research

Colour and Sustainable Colouration
Research into colour application, measurement, and evaluation, with a focus on improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and supporting more sustainable dyeing and finishing processes.

Bio-based and Sustainable Materials
Investigation of bio-based textile materials, including bacterial cellulose, examining their production, performance, and potential role within future textile systems.

Textile Testing and Material Performance
Development and application of textile testing methodologies to assess material behaviour, durability, and functionality, supporting evidence-led material development and product innovation.

Applied and Collaborative Research
Close collaboration with academic and industry partners to translate research into practice, support innovation, and contribute to knowledge exchange across the textile and fashion sectors.

Future Research Direction

My future research will continue to develop at the intersection of colour, materials, and sustainable textile systems, with an increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative work. I am particularly interested in advancing research that connects laboratory investigation with industry application, supporting the development of scalable and environmentally responsible textile solutions.

A key focus of my future work is the expansion of research into sustainable colouration, bio-based materials, and textile testing methodologies that support circularity, material efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making. Through this work, I aim to contribute to the development of internationally relevant research in textile science and sustainable material innovation.

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL

My work is informed by over 18 years of professional experience in the textile and fashion industry, working across material development, textile performance, and product innovation in both UK and international contexts. This industry background continues to shape my academic practice, ensuring that my research remains grounded in real-world challenges and industrial relevance.

I have extensive experience working through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and collaborative research projects, supporting the translation of academic research into practical application. Through this work, I have contributed to innovation in areas including colour technology, materials testing, and sustainable textile development, working closely with industry partners to embed research-led approaches within commercial environments.

Alongside collaborative research, I am actively engaged with professional bodies including the Society of Dyers and Colourists and The Textile Institute, contributing to knowledge exchange, professional development, and the advancement of best practice within the textile sector.

Through my industry engagement, I aim to strengthen connections between research and practice, support innovation in sustainable textile systems, and contribute to the long-term development of technically informed and environmentally responsible textile production.

TEACHING AND ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

My teaching is grounded in a research-led and practice-informed approach, integrating textile science, material performance, and sustainability into learning and assessment. I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in textile and fashion technology, embedding technical rigour alongside critical and creative enquiry.

My teaching philosophy centres on developing independent, confident, and technically informed practitioners, encouraging students to engage with material experimentation, evidence-based decision making, and real-world challenges within the textile and fashion industries. I place strong emphasis on enquiry-based learning and the integration of research into teaching, enabling students to engage with contemporary materials, processes, and debates.

I supervise undergraduate, MSc, and PhD research projects in areas including sustainable textiles, colour science, material performance, and bio-based materials. Through supervision, I focus on supporting students to develop strong research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate their work effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Alongside my teaching, I am actively engaged in STEM outreach and widening participation, with a particular focus on encouraging girls and under-represented groups into science, technology, engineering, and materials-based disciplines. Through outreach activities, workshops, and public engagement, I aim to broaden participation and highlight the scientific and societal relevance of textiles.

I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), reflecting my ongoing commitment to inclusive teaching practice, reflective pedagogy, and the continual enhancement of learning and teaching.