Rachel Oliver

Rachel Oliver is a Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride. Her research focuses on characterisation techniques for gallium nitride materials used in LEDs and laser diodes, with an emphasis on nanostructure engineering and quantum technology.

• Awarded OBE (2025), Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) (2021), and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) (2019)
• Developed atom-probe tomography and scanning capacitance microscopy to study nitride devices

Her work on quantum dots and single-photon emitters has advanced quantum crystallography and optoelectronics. Recent publications highlight trends in nitride semiconductors, solar cell efficiency, and quantum device fabrication.

• Scientific Awards
  • Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2006-2011)
  • Chair in Emerging Technologies (2023)
• Grants
  • EPSRC grant for semi-polar nitride structures

Oliver's lab at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy explores nanoscale nitride structures for future devices, while advocating for gender equality in STEM.