Graham Turnbull

Graham Turnbull is a Professor and Deputy Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews. His research combines optical materials and nanophotonics for smart lighting applications in optical wireless communications, biotechnology, and trace chemical sensing. He has pioneered organic semiconductor lasers, including the first electrically-driven organic laser using ultra-bright OLEDs.

• Established the Photonics and Quantum Accelerator (2024, £5M EPSRC-funded)
• Leadership roles: Head of School (2015-2019), Acting Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation) (2020), and Director of Postgraduate Studies (2011-2015)

His work spans organic optoelectronics, nanoimprint lithography, and security marking technologies, with applications in environmental monitoring and land mine detection. Recent projects include hybrid polaritonics and algal growth lighting.

Key research outputs include:

• Electrically-driven organic lasers (2023, Nature)
• Room temperature polariton condensates (2022, Nature Communications)
• High-speed visible light communication systems (2020, Nature Communications)

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Institute of Physics (2019)
• Senior Member of IEEE (2010)
• Carnegie Trust Research Scholar (1995)

He supervises PhD students and leads interdisciplinary teams, with impacts on UN Sustainable Development Goals for environmental protection and security innovation.