Dr Philip Skipper is an experienced microbiologist having spent 10 years employed on government research and development projects in the south of England. In addition to teaching at the University of Lincoln, he is a freelance consultant, currently contracted with Historic England to provide advice and run research projects on biological growth, biodeterioration of heritage materials, surface treatments and general heritage science. His PhD explored bacterial biodeterioration of limestone and the efficacy of biocides in treating it.