Allan Matthews

Allan Matthews is a Professor of Surface Engineering and Tribology at the University of Sheffield's Department of Materials. He leads the EPSRC NetworkPlus in Digitalised Surface Manufacturing and previously directed the BP International Centre for Advanced Materials (ICAM). His career spans academia and industry, including a PhD in advanced plasma-based coating processes from the University of Salford. He founded the Research Centre in Surface Engineering (RCSE), pioneering breakthroughs in coating technologies.

His research focuses on plasma-assisted processes (e.g., PVD, PEO), corrosion-resistant coatings, tribological testing methodologies, and sustainable surface engineering. He has authored ~400 papers and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Surface and Coatings Technology. Awards include the IoM3 Gold Medal (2011), AVS RF Bunshah Award (2018), and 2020 EFDS Leading Scientist Award.

Key contributions include developing novel tribological test equipment, optimizing plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) for magnesium alloys, and advancing additive manufacturing smoothing techniques. His work aligns with UN SDGs for sustainable materials and digital innovation. Leadership roles include EPSRC Strategic Advisory Network and Royal Academy of Engineering fellowship.