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Functional Surfaces Research Group

 Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS

Phenomena which occur at solid surfaces are of crucial importance from the points of view of both basic science and technological relevance.  The primary focus of our work is concerned with the understanding, design, and societal impact of functional surfaces.

Biography

Cambridge University: BA/MA Natural Sciences (1982–85); PhD Surface Science (1985–1988).

Durham University: Lecturer (1989–1996); Full Professor (1996–present).

 

Awards and Honours

1988 King’s College Fellowship, Cambridge University

1988 Oppenheimer Fellowship, Cambridge University

1993 Harrison Prize and Medal for Most Meritorious and Promising Original Investigations in Physical/Theoretical Chemistry, the Royal Society of Chemistry

1995 Burch Prize for Outstanding Work in the Field of Surface Science, The British Vacuum Council (Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Chemistry)

2016 Elected Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)—UK and Commonwealth National Academy of Sciences

2017 Tilden Prize and Medal for Advances in Chemistry, the Royal Society of Chemistry

2018 Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Medal

2018 The UK’s Best Breakthroughs List—100 most significant breakthroughs to come from UK universities (Universities UK, the umbrella organisation for UK universities)

2019 Elected Foreign Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India

Research Outputs

· 182 peer reviewed journal publications

· 41 first named inventor patents

· 73 plenary / invited lectures at international conferences

· 3 start-up companies (Surface Innovations Ltd, Dow Corning Plasma Ltd, P2i Ltd)

Research Interests

Designing functionalised surfaces forms the basis of a multi-billion dollar global industry. For example, the cleanliness of smart phones, the resistance of biomedical devices to bacteria, the speed of computer hard disks, and even the wear of car brake pads are all governed by their surface chemistry. We are focussed on inventing novel functional surfaces for commercial applications and helping to alleviate poverty in developing countries (clean drinking water, solar harvesting, low cost healthcare etc). 

Industrial Support and Start-Up Companies

Many of these projects involve collaboration with industry.  In addition, the following start-up companies have been set up to commercialise patented research from Professor Badyal’s laboratory:

·         Surface Innovations Ltd

·         Dow Corning Plasma Ltd

·         P2i Ltd (2015 International Business Award for ‘Most Innovative Company in Europe’)

Online Learning

Learn and find out more by watching our Functional Surfaces YouTube channel.    

    

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