Phil Coates

Professor Phil Coates leads the internationally recognized Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre at the University of Bradford’s School of Engineering (Faculty of Engineering & Digital Technologies). His research focuses on high-value polymer applications in healthcare (e.g., bioresorbable polymers, arterial stents), advanced materials (nanocomposites, reactive grafting), and polymer recycling. He directs the UK-China Advanced Materials Research Institute and the £16m Bradford Science Bridges China program, fostering collaborations with 20+ Chinese universities. With >£60M in grants from UK/industry and 150+ international partners, his work emphasizes in-process measurement, modeling, and process control.

Education: BSc Physics (Imperial College London), PhD in Polymer Processing (University of Leeds).

Research Interests: Healthcare technologies, automotive materials, pharmaceutical processing, circular economy solutions for polymers, and oriented polymer technologies. His labs specialize in ultra-precision molding, PVC recycling, and challenging-to-recycle polymers.

Awards:

• China’s highest honor for foreign scientists (2017)
• Society of Plastics Engineers International Award (2018)
• EPSRC/RCUK-funded international collaborations

Grants & Partnerships: Over £60M in funding from UK/EU/China grants and industry partnerships. Director of MeDe Innovation (EPSRC Centre for Medical Devices Manufacturing). Former Pro Vice Chancellor for Research (2004–2011).

Labs & Collaborations: Joint laboratories with Sichuan University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Honorary Professorships at Sichuan University and Chinese institutions.