Colin John Humphreys

Professor Colin John Humphreys (CBE, FREng, Hon DSc) is a leading figure in materials science at the University of Cambridge, where he has served as Director of Research for the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy since 2008. He also holds roles such as Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Partnership in Advanced Materials (1994–present) and Director of the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride (2000–present). His work spans electron microscopy, semiconductor materials (particularly gallium nitride), and ultra-high-temperature superalloys for aerospace applications.

• Education:
  • BSc 1st Class Honours in Physics, Imperial College London (1963)
  • PhD in Physics, University of Cambridge (1967)
  • MA, University of Oxford (1968)

Research interests include:

• Electron Microscopy and Analysis
• Development of gallium nitride (GaN) for solid-state lighting and LEDs
• Ultra-high-temperature superalloys for aerospace
• Chronology of ancient historical events (interdisciplinary interest)

His industrial collaborations include Rolls-Royce, Aixtron, and Sharp, with significant grants from EPSRC, DTI, and TSB.

Scientific awards highlight his contributions:

• Rosenhain Medal and Prize (1989)
• Kelvin Medal and Prize (1999)
• European Materials Gold Medal (2001)
• Robert Franklin Mehl Gold Medal (2003)
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) (2003)
• Colin Humphreys’ Education Medal established in his name (2008)