Dr. Rebecca Notman is an Associate Professor in the School of Biochemistry at the University of Bristol and a Royal Society University Research Fellow (2012–2026). She is an expert in biomolecular simulation, leading a research team that applies molecular dynamics simulations to study biological systems, particularly lipid membranes and proteins. Her research focuses on understanding and predicting how molecular structure and interactions give rise to experimentally observed behaviours.

A key focus of Dr. Notman’s work is the molecular structure and organization of the human skin barrier. For over 20 years, she has developed computational models of stratum corneum lipids and proteins that have advanced understanding of the skin’s barrier function, mechanical properties, and mechanisms of action of chemical penetration enhancers. Her research has applications in transdermal and topical drug delivery, dermatological formulations, safety and risk assessment, and personal care product design. Through collaborations with experimental and industrial partners, she provides molecular-level insights that guide pharmaceutical and biomedical innovations.

Before joining Bristol, Dr. Notman held academic positions in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, including Reader (2024), Associate Professor (2017–2024), and Assistant Professor (2012–2017). She was previously an independent Science City Research Fellow (2009–2012) and a postdoctoral research associate (2007–2009), also at Warwick. She holds a PhD in Computational Pharmaceutical Science from King’s College London and an MSc in Molecular Modelling and a BSc in Biochemistry from Cardiff University.