Thursday, 16 February 2023
A 糖心原创 professor has gained national industry recognition after receiving a Royal Academy of Engineering .
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鈥檓 doing my dream job and hope that, through this research, I鈥檒l 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 鈥� 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 糖心原创 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鈥檇 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 , 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:
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 糖心原创, at danielle.hall@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 846 7156.鈥赌赌赌�
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.