Dagou Zeze

Professor Dagou Zeze is a Professor of Nanotechnology & Microsystems and Director of International Engagement in the Department of Engineering at Durham University. He also serves as Deputy Executive Dean for Research in the Faculty of Science. Professor Zeze has established himself as a leading researcher in nanotechnology and microsystems, with significant contributions to the field of nanomaterials device integration.

His educational background includes a BSc in Physics from the University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast (1990), followed by MPhil and PhD in Electronics from the Université of Clermont-Ferrand, France (1996). He completed postdoctoral research at the University of Ulster (2000) on thin amorphous carbon films and at the University of Surrey (2003) on microfabrication.

Professor Zeze's research focuses on nanostructured materials, micro and nanofabrication, and the integration of nanomaterials (particularly carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires) in devices. His current research themes include integration of nanostructured materials in device fabrication, nanofabrication & microfabrication, carbon nanotubes, smart devices, semiconductor nanowires, and multifunction devices. He has also explored thin films technology, organic electronics, and liquid handling robotic system design.

His publication record shows a strong focus on nanomaterials for electronic and sensing applications, with recent work emphasizing piezoelectric sensors, ZnO nanowires, metasurfaces for structural color, and in-materio computing approaches. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward practical applications of nanotechnology in sensors, electronics, and energy conversion devices.

• Senior Research Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering/The Leverhulme Trust (2013-14)
• Fellow of the World Academy of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (2015-)
• Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology
• External Degree Programme Examiner: University of Exeter (2016-2020)
• External Degree Programme Examiner: University of Bangor (2017-21)

Professor Zeze has supervised numerous postgraduate students including Grainne Gilleece, Luis Ceron Oliver, Mana Saeed, and Shixian Sun. He has secured substantial research funding, having contributed to seven European Framework programme FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects totaling over €12.5 million. He serves as the scientific coordinator for three Marie Curie Actions international consortia on semiconductor nanowires (FUNPROB, NanoEmbrace, and H2020 INDEED ITN), which involve significant international academic and industrial collaboration across Europe. His leadership extends to his role as Chair of the Durham University EU Liaison Group (2018-2023) and as Director of Postgraduate Studies (2014-2017).

Professor Zeze leads research activities in the Next Generation Materials & Microsystems Research Challenge and has established collaborative networks across Europe through his involvement in major EU-funded projects.