Stuart gained a BSc (Hons) degree in Physics from Bristol University in 1991.  After graduation he joined the Defence Research Agency (now Qinetiq)  where he was part of a team responsible for devising techniques to validate a knowledge based command and control system for naval use.  He then worked at the Health and Safety Executive’s research laboratory in Buxton for four years specialising in research into the behaviour of explosives.

Stuart joined Burgoynes in 1997 as an Associate and in 2001 he was appointed Resident Director of Dr J H Burgoyne & Partners (Int’l) Ltd, Dublin Office.  In 2005 he returned to the UK as a Partner.  Since 2004 he has been a panel member for the Institute of Physics professional standards committee, and routinely undertakes the examination of applications for Chartered Physicist status.

During his time at the Partnership he has been engaged full-time in the investigation of fires, explosions and related incidents.  He has been personally responsible for investigating in excess of 600 fires, gas explosions and dust explosions throughout the UK, Ireland (both north and south), Spain, and Greece.  He has given testimony as an expert witness in criminal and coroner’s courts within the UK and Ireland respectively.  He has also lectured on Fire and Explosion Investigation to delegates from the Institute of Fire Engineers in Ireland, An Garda Siochana and the insurance industry.

He has experience of investigating fires involving commercial and domestic premises, vehicles, plant, fishing vessels, and luxury yachts.  He has also investigated explosions involving gas leaks, flammable liquids, grain/meal handling equipment and sewage sludge drying plant.  Stuart has also investigated incidents involving the manufacture and disposal of explosives, and personal injuries from fireworks.