Sir Colin Humphreys CBE FREng FRS

Colin Humphreys is Professor of Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London. His research interests include semiconductor materials and devices, electron microscopy and analysis, high temperature superalloys for aeroengines, and using science to determine the date of ancient historical events. Recent research has focussed on the growth and properties of large-area, device quality graphene and 2D semiconductors for electronic devices and sensors.

In addition to its increasing use in transistors as a next-generation alternative to silicon, gallium nitride (GaN) emits a brilliant light that makes it an ideal candidate for use in energy-saving LEDs. Colin’s world-leading research on GaN has resulted in a substantially improved understanding of this important material with a wide range of technological applications. He has pioneered the development of low-cost, high-efficiency GaN-on-Si LEDs, and set up two spin-off companies to exploit the research of his group on low-cost LEDs. The companies were acquired by Plessey Semiconductors, which is now manufacturing microLEDs based on his patented research at their factory in Plymouth. The widespread adoption of GaN LED lighting is now saving the United Kingdom over £2 billion per year in electricity costs.

Colin founded the Cambridge/Rolls-Royce Centre for Advanced Materials for Aerospace Engines. Materials developed in the Centre are now flying in Rolls-Royce engines. In 2018, he founded Paragraf, to exploit the research of his group on graphene and other 2D materials, which promise to revolutionise a wide range of electronic devices, including sensors and transistors. Paragraf employs over 120 people and is manufacturing graphene Hall sensors for measuring magnetic fields and electric currents. The graphene sensors are the only Hall sensors that can measure magnetic fields at mK temperatures.

Colin’s outstanding research has been recognised with a number of prestigious national and international awards, including the Kelvin Medal of the Institute of Physics, the European Materials Gold Medal of the Federation of European Materials Societies, the Robert Franklin Mehl Gold Medal of The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (USA), Fellow of the School of Engineering, University of Tokyo (first year of the awards),  the Platinum Medal of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and the Royal Medal of the Royal Society.

In parallel with his scientific career, Colin has devoted considerable time and effort to communicating materials science to lay audiences. This work led to his being awarded a CBE in January 2003 for services to science as a researcher and communicator, followed by a knighthood in 2010. Since 1996, he has also been a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.