Konstantin Novoselov

Konstantin Novoselov
Name	Konstantin Novoselov
Birth date	1974
Birth place	Nizhny Tagil, Soviet Union
Nationality	Russian / British
Fields	Physics, Materials science, Nanotechnology
Alma mater	N. I. Lobachevsky State University, Radboud University Nijmegen, University of Manchester
Doctoral advisor	Sergei V. Dubonos
Known for	Graphene
Awards	Nobel Prize in Physics, Royal Society

Konstantin Novoselov is a physicist and materials scientist noted for experimental work on two-dimensional materials, most prominently graphene. He is best known for the isolation and characterization of graphene and for advancing research in nanoscience and condensed matter physics. His work has intersected with institutions and events across Russia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and international collaborations.

Early life and education

Born in Nizhny Tagil in the Soviet Union, Novoselov grew up during the late Soviet era and experienced the transition to post-Soviet Russia. He studied physics at N. I. Lobachevsky State University, where he worked under supervision linked to laboratory groups associated with Institute of Solid State Physics (Russia) research networks. He later pursued postgraduate study at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands and completed his doctoral work at the University of Manchester within the School of Physics and Astronomy, collaborating with groups connected to University of Cambridge and European nanotechnology centers.

Research and career

Novoselov’s early research involved experimental studies of low-dimensional systems, building on techniques developed in groups such as Moscow State University laboratories and Dutch condensed matter teams. At the University of Manchester he joined a research environment that included members from National Graphene Institute, School of Physics and Astronomy, and colleagues formerly associated with Hitachi and IBM Research. His career spans appointments and collaborations with institutions including the Royal Society, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Delft-linked researchers, and partnerships with industrial research divisions like Nissan and BP. Novoselov explored transport properties, quantum Hall effects, and van der Waals heterostructures, building on foundational work by groups at Columbia University, MIT, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. He contributed to methods for mechanical exfoliation, microscopy techniques used in STM and AFM, and device fabrication approaches adopted by researchers at ETH Zurich, EPFL, and Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research.

Graphene discovery and Nobel Prize

The isolation and study of graphene were achieved in a collaborative environment at the University of Manchester where Novoselov and his colleague developed a simple mechanical exfoliation technique. Their experiments revealed exceptional electronic, mechanical, and optical properties that connected to theoretical predictions by scientists at University of Manchester and earlier theoretical work from groups like Philip R. Wallace-related studies and later theoretical contributions from Andre Geim’s networks. The discovery prompted rapid global research activity involving teams at IBM Research, Bell Labs, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and national laboratories in Japan, South Korea, and China. In recognition of the significance of graphene, Novoselov and his collaborator were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics; the prize stimulated initiatives including the National Graphene Institute, the Graphene Flagship, and industry-academia consortia in European Union research programs.

Awards and honours

Novoselov’s awards and honours include the Nobel Prize in Physics, election to bodies such as the Royal Society and affiliations with academies including the Russian Academy of Sciences-linked networks. He has received prizes and recognitions from organizations including the European Physical Society, IUPAP-associated awards, the Leverhulme Trust, and national honors in the United Kingdom and Russia. His work has been highlighted by professional societies such as the Institute of Physics (IOP), American Physical Society, and Materials Research Society through lectureships, medals, and honorary appointments. Universities including University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and Worcester College, Oxford have conferred visiting or honorary positions linked to his career.

Selected publications and patents

Novoselov has authored and co-authored research articles in journals and venues linked to publishers and editorial boards such as Nature, Science, Physical Review Letters, Nature Nanotechnology, and Physical Review B. Notable publications detailed initial isolation, characterization, and device demonstrations, cited alongside contributions from researchers at Columbia University, University of California, Santa Barbara, and Seoul National University. He is listed on patents and intellectual property filings concerning methods for producing two-dimensional materials, device architectures for sensors and electronics, and techniques for assembling van der Waals heterostructures with partners in United Kingdom and multinational corporate labs such as Samsung Electronics and Sony.

Personal life and outreach

Novoselov has engaged in public outreach through lectures, keynote addresses at conferences like International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and media appearances coordinated with science communication outlets including BBC and The Guardian. He has supported education and outreach initiatives in collaboration with institutions such as the Royal Institution, British Science Association, and university outreach programs at University of Manchester and N. I. Lobachevsky State University. Personal affiliations have included residences and research ties spanning Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Manchester, and periods spent collaborating with international centers in Japan and Singapore.

Category:Physicists Category:Nobel laureates in Physics Category:Graphene researchers