Carl Brown

Carl Brown is a Professor of Physics and Head of the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University's School of Science and Technology. He leads experimental research in Liquid Crystal flow phenomena, Wetting/De-wetting, Dielectrophoresis, Microfluidics, Liquid-Solid interactions, Evaporation and Complex Fluids. With over 75 peer-reviewed papers and £3.1M in research funding secured as PI or Co-I, Professor Brown has established himself as a leading researcher in soft matter physics.

Professor Brown's research focuses on the experimental investigation of nematic liquid crystal flow, dynamic dewetting phenomena, and electric field control of liquid interfaces. His work spans fundamental studies of liquid crystal director orientation under flow conditions to practical applications in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies. Recent projects include Nematic Liquid Crystal Flow, Dynamic Dewetting, and Responsible Research and Innovation through the NUCLEUS Horizon 2020 project.

His most recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate a consistent focus on electric field manipulation of liquid interfaces, nematic liquid crystal behavior under flow conditions, and innovative approaches to controlling wetting and dewetting phenomena. These works frequently involve collaborations with researchers from Strathclyde University, Glasgow University, Edinburgh University, and international institutions.

Professor Brown has received significant recognition including:

• Co-Investigator on the NUCLEUS Horizon 2020 project
• Membership on EPSRC Prioritisation Panels (2021-2022)
• Treasurer of Dielectrics and Electrostatics Group, Institute of Physics
• British Liquid Crystal Society Treasurer and Charity Trustee (2012-2017)

As an educator and mentor, Professor Brown has directed 11 PhD researchers with 10 successful completions and 1 ongoing project. His teaching contributions include Bachelors and Masters projects in Physics, the Ballistics and Firearms third year Forensic Science Module, and Polarising Optical Microscopy on the M-level Imaging Matter module. He has secured substantial research funding from industry, EU, UK MoD, and UK EPSRC, including grants EP/T012986/1 and EP/R042276/1 for his current projects on liquid crystal flow and dynamic dewetting.

Professor Brown is an active member of the Soft Matter Physics Research Group at Nottingham Trent University and leads collaborative research efforts through the EPSRC-funded UKFN SIG on Fluid Dynamics of Liquid Crystalline Materials. His research has practical applications in display technology, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and materials science, with industry partnerships including Merck Chemicals Ltd, QinetiQ, and Kodak European Research Ltd.