George Fern

Professor George Fern is a faculty member at Brunel University London's College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, affiliated with the Chemical Engineering department. He holds a Professor academic rank and serves as Director of the Wolfson Centre for Sustainable Materials Processing and Characterisation. A chemist by training with postgraduate qualifications (BSc, PhD in Chemistry, PG Cert HE), he has been active in academia since 2006 after earlier roles at Greenwich University (1998-2005).

Research Interests: Focus on polymer processing, sustainable materials, opto-electronic devices, and luminescent materials. His work integrates electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, Raman) with applications in horticultural films, radiation sensors, and plastic recycling technologies. Current projects include the FEUD (Field Emission Ultraviolet Device) and PFP (Providing 30% Recycled Content for Food Packaging) initiatives.

• Key publications span carbon dots (2022), graphene oxide memory cells (2025), and luminescent markers for recycling (2020 patent)
• Recent research examines social dimensions of plastics recycling through UKRI-funded projects analyzing household behaviors across UK, Spain, and Germany

Scientific Awards & Recognition: Chartered Chemist status, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Royal Microscopical Society, and successful Dragon’s Den pitch winner for academic impact.

Teaching & Leadership: Module leader for Engineering Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Design Project. Directed Formula Student Projects (ICE and Electric Teams) 2006-2021. His lab facilities include UHV processing chambers, organic/inorganic synthesis labs, and electron microscopy suites.