About
Professor Colm Durkan is the Professor of Nanoengineering Science and Head of the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on scanning probe microscopy (SPM), quantum electrical transport, and nanoscale materials characterization, with applications in energy transition technologies.
- Education: B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics from Trinity College Dublin
- Career: Postdoc at Konstanz University (1997), University Lecturer (2000), Reader (2010), Professor (2020)
- Leadership: Deputy Head (Teaching) of Engineering Department
- Editorial: Editorial board member of Nature Scientific Reports
His research group has pioneered techniques like Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) and developed tools for functional material property mapping. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed papers and multiple textbooks including Current at the Nanoscale (2nd ed) and Electricity without the tears.
Key research areas include:
- Nanostructured materials behavior
- Quantum transport in graphene/organic molecules
- Advanced microscopy for hard/soft matter
- Hydrogen generation efficiency improvement
Honors include:
- Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2022)
- Fellow of the Institute of Physics
- Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology
Current advisees include:
- Ph.D. students: Xiao Liu (Graphene electronics), Qifang Wan (Ferrotronics), Zhuocong Xiao (Graphene devices)
- MEng students: Alice Birch (Molecular electronics), Anna Mills (Graphene edge devices), Blake Murphy (Ferroelectric nanostructures)
He leads the Nanoengineering Science group at Cambridge's Nanoscience Centre, with past group members including researchers in STM, AFM, and nanomechanics.
