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The University of Cambridge welcomes Professor Manish Chhowalla as Academic Champion for Energy-Efficient ICT theme
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Prof Chhowalla takes over from Prof Sir Richard Friend from 1st July
The Henry Royce Institute welcomes a new Academic Champion for the theme of “Energy-Efficient ICT” at the University of Cambridge. Manish Chhowalla, Goldsmiths’ Professor of Materials Science takes over from Prof Sir Richard Friend whom we thank for his work in setting up the Royce facilities at Cambridge, and we wish him well as he steps down as Cavendish Professor moving on to a research-only role.
Prof Chhowalla’s research interests are in the fundamental studies of atomically thin two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). In particular, his group studies the optical and electronic properties of different phases of 2D TMDs. He has demonstrated that it is possible to induce phase transformations in atomically thin materials and utilize phases with disparate properties for field effect transistors, catalysis, and energy storage.
Prior to Cambridge, Prof. Chhowalla was a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA. Before that, he was a doctoral student in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University Cambridge and Churchill College. After his doctorate and Royal Academy of Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship, Professor Chhowalla worked in industry where he developed applications for “amorphous diamond”.
On receiving the appointment Prof Chhowalla said:
It is an exciting time to join the Royce’s team of Core Area Champions as the Institute moves from ‘set-up’ to ‘delivery’ phase. The equipment and expertise at the University of Cambridge is fully operational and we are working with industry and academia across the UK to solve materials challenges. I would like to thank Prof Sir Richard Friend for his excellent work in setting the foundations for a thriving research environment here in Cambridge, and we look forward to a bright future for collaborative innovation.
