Thursday, 16 February 2023
A University of Nottingham professor has gained national industry recognition after receiving a Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies.
Melissa Mather, Professor in Quantum Sensing and Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, has been awarded £2.5 million over ten years to create the next generation of quantum sensors, by turning tiny flaws in diamond into incredibly sensitive quantum devices, which will transform the way we sense the world around us.
Funded by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Chair in Emerging Technologies scheme provides awardees with long-term support and funds to cover employment and research costs, helping to bring their research to fruition. Professor Mather has now become one of six high-calibre researchers to receive a Chair of this kind across the UK this year.
She said: "I’m incredibly honoured to have been chosen by the Royal Academy of Engineering to undertake my Chair in Emerging Technologies."
I feel very privileged to be able to say that I’m doing my dream job and hope that, through this research, I’ll be able to engage, educate, and maybe even inspire other people by opening their eyes to the world of quantum and the possibilities it creates – not just for industry but on an everyday level too.
Diamond quantum sensors can be used for a variety of measurements, including magnetic fields, temperature, pressure, and even biological or chemical substances. But Professor Mather’s work will enhance the measurement speeds and sensitivity of these sensors to create customised sensing methods and prototype devices that will translate the technology for use by non-specialists, as well as unlocking new applications in sectors such as healthcare, food security, defence, and more.
Sam Kingman, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “I am delighted that Melissa has been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The work she’s doing around quantum technology is incredibly exciting and will become integral to our day-to-day lives in the years to come."
On behalf of the university, I’d like to congratulate her on this fantastic achievement, and I look forward to watching her research progress over the next decade and the realisation of the global impact that it will enable.
As part of the award, a brand-new Diamond Quantum Sensing Research Hub is to be established, which will be based at the university’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, to catalyse new opportunities for collaboration and allow access to specialist skills, knowledge, and equipment to further innovation.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “I am truly delighted that we are able to support such outstanding engineers and visionary individuals who will champion these emerging technologies and the significant opportunities they offer to make the world a better place for everyone.
“The Academy places huge importance on supporting excellence in engineering and often the key to engineers fulfilling their potential in tackling global challenges is the gift of time and continuity of support to bring the most disruptive and impactful ideas to fruition.”
For more information about Professor Mather’s research, please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ifam/research/themes/diamond-quantum-sensing.aspx
Story credits
More information is available from Melissa Mather, Faculty of Engineering at the University Of Nottingham, at melissa.mather@nottingham.ac.uk or; Danielle Hall, Media Relations Manager at the University of Nottingham, at danielle.hall@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 846 7156.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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