Ali Salik is Research Laboratory Manager of the Biomarkers for Environmental and Climate Science (BECS) research group in the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Originally from Wick in the Scottish Highlands, Ali began his career as a modern apprentice in the School of Chemistry and has progressed through a range of technical roles to become a senior research technical leader specialising in organic geochemistry, analytical chemistry, and isotope science.

Ali holds a first-class degree in Chemistry and Environmental Science and has extensive experience supporting interdisciplinary research across environmental, biological, and geochemical systems. His expertise includes compound-specific isotope analysis and advanced analytical platforms such as GC-MS, GC-IRMS, and LC-MS/MS, and he plays a central role in developing analytical workflows, training researchers, and enabling high-impact research outputs.

Alongside his technical and research role, Ali provides strategic leadership within the University and the wider sector. He is the University of Glasgow’s Technician Commitment Coordinator and a member of the institutional Steering Group, leading initiatives that support the visibility, recognition, and career development of technical professionals. Nationally and internationally, he contributes to the Technician Commitment as a Peer Reviewer, is engaged with UK ITSS and REF2029 activity on recognising technical contributions, and represents the University through networks such as Universitas 21.

Ali is also the Project Lead for the Wellcome-funded Scottish Research Technicians’ Professional (SRTP) Academy, a cross-institutional initiative across the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and St Andrews. Through this work, he leads on developing technician career pathways, building national networks, and shaping policy and practice for the technical profession.

Ali’s research interests span organic geochemistry, analytical chemistry, and isotope science, with a focus on understanding biogeochemical processes in environmental and biological systems. His work uses advanced analytical platforms, including chromatography and mass spectrometry, to investigate the composition, transformation, and origin of organic matter.

A key area of his research is compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA), particularly the application of hydrogen and carbon isotopes (δ²H and δ¹³C) to explore metabolic pathways, trophic interactions, and environmental controls on primary production. This includes current work on identifying mixotrophy in marine microbial systems using lipid biomarkers, and investigating hydrogen isotope fractionation during photosynthesis, including light-dependent processes in marine macroalgae.

His broader scientific interests include environmental biomarker development, marine biogeochemistry, and the application of isotopic techniques to palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and extreme environments, including astrobiological contexts.

Alongside his research activity, Ali has a strong interest in the strategic development of the technical profession within research. His work focuses on advancing recognition, career pathways, and leadership opportunities for technical staff, and on embedding technical expertise within research strategy and infrastructure. He contributes to institutional, national, and international initiatives aimed at shaping policy and practice in this area, ensuring technical contributions are recognised and supported across the research ecosystem. 

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• Member of the University of Glasgow SMG Shadow Board
• Member of the University of Glasgow Race Equality Group
• Member of the College of Science and Engineering EDI committee
• Member of the University of Glasgow Technician Commitment Steering Group
• Fire Safety Coordinator of the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Chemicals safety advisor of the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Peer reviewer for the Technician Commitment
• Project lead, SRTP (Scottish Research Technicians Professional) Academy