Stephen Forrest

Stephen R. Forrest is the Peter A. Franken Distinguished University Professor of Engineering and Professor of Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, and Applied Physics at the University of Michigan. He leads the Optoelectronic Components and Materials (OCM) Group, renowned for breakthroughs in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics, and optoelectronic materials. His research spans optoelectronic integrated circuits, semiconductor physics, and energy-harvesting technologies. Forrest holds over 400 patents and has co-founded multiple companies like Universal Display Corp.

Education: Ph.D. (1979), M.S. (1974) from University of Michigan; B.A. (1972) from UC Berkeley. He previously held roles at Bell Labs, USC, Princeton University, and served as U-M’s Vice President for Research (2006–2013).

Research interests focus on organic electronics, including OLEDs, photovoltaics, and optoelectronic devices. His work on phosphorescent OLEDs revolutionized display technology, earning him the Thomas Alva Edison Award. Current projects include high-efficiency solar cells, transparent photovoltaics, and thermophotovoltaic systems.

Notable achievements: Henry Russel Lecturer (2020), IEEE Jun-Ichi Nishizawa Medal, Fellowships in APS, IEEE, and OSA. He chairs the NSF Cell-Met Engineering Research Center and edits Physical Review Applied.

Grants and funding: Over $100M in federal and industrial grants. His group collaborates with institutions globally, advancing technologies like organic vapor jet printing and radiation-hardened materials.

Labs and facilities: OCM Labs at U-M’s Randall Lab and West Hall, equipped with thin-film deposition systems, advanced microscopy, and optoelectronic testing equipment.