John Biggins

John Biggins is Professor of Soft-Matter Engineering and University Associate Professor in Applied Mechanics within the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He serves as a Fellow, Director of Studies in Engineering, and Tutor at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he also completed his undergraduate physics studies.

His educational journey includes undergraduate studies in Physics at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, followed by a PhD conducted jointly between Corpus and Caltech. After winning the prestigious 1851 post-doctoral research fellowship, he conducted research at Harvard before returning to Cambridge as a Trinity Hall Research Fellow and Cavendish Laboratory lecturer.

Professor Biggins' research focuses on the theoretical mechanics of soft solids—including rubber, skin, muscle, and jelly—with particular emphasis on mechanical instabilities such as buckling, wrinkling, and folding. He is a leading expert in liquid-crystal elastomers as artificial muscles, and has made significant contributions to embryology (notably explaining brain folding via buckling instability), plasmonics, and chain mechanics (famously demystifying the chain fountain phenomenon through his widely viewed YouTube video). His work bridges fundamental mechanics with practical applications in soft robotics and biomedical engineering.

Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) Advanced liquid crystal elastomer systems for programmable shape-morphing and light-driven actuation in soft robotics; (2) Plasmonic properties of magnesium nanostructures with applications in catalysis and sensing; and (3) Fundamental mechanics of instabilities in thin shells and active materials. His work increasingly integrates machine learning for material design and demonstrates consistent innovation in connecting theoretical models with experimental fabrication.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Future Leaders Fellowship (UKRI)

Professor Biggins secured the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to establish a new laboratory dedicated to fabricating liquid crystal elastomers and developing soft machines. While specific student names aren't publicly listed, his role as Director of Studies in Engineering involves mentoring undergraduate engineering students at Corpus Christi College. His grant portfolio centers on the Future Leaders Fellowship, which funds the development of soft machines for biomedical applications.

He is currently establishing a research laboratory focused on liquid crystal elastomer fabrication and soft machine development, with particular emphasis on light-activated actuation systems and biomedical applications. This lab will integrate theoretical modeling, material synthesis, and device prototyping to advance the field of programmable soft matter.