John Boland

Professor John Boland is a leading academic in the field of chemistry and nanotechnology, currently serving as a Professor in the School of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and as the Director and Principal Investigator of CRANN (Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices). He holds a BSc from University College Dublin and a PhD from the California Institute of Technology, and has held previous positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and IBM T.J. Watson Research Centre. His research is centered on the electrical and mechanical properties of nanoscale materials, molecular recognition, assembly, and nanoscale contact formation.

His research interests span Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Electrical and Mechanical Properties at Nanoscale, Molecular Recognition and Assembly, Nanowire Networks, Graphene, Microplastic Generation and Detection, and Neuromorphic Devices. His work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to understand and manipulate nanoscale phenomena, with applications in sensors, transparent conductors, and sustainable materials.

Recent publications reveal a strong trend in microplastic research (e.g., release from baby bottles, paper cups, sutures) and the fundamental science of nanowire networks and grain boundaries. These studies combine advanced characterization techniques like Raman spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy with practical environmental and engineering applications. The keywords across his recent work highlight interdisciplinary themes in materials science, environmental chemistry, and nanotechnology.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Science Foundation Ireland Future Innovation Prize (2022/23)
• Science Foundation Ireland Future Innovator Prize (2021/22)
• ERC Proof of Concept Award (TALNET) (2020–2021)

Professor Boland has secured significant research funding from SFI, ERC, and Intel, supporting his leadership in the AMBER Research Centre. He advises students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific student names are not listed. His laboratory at CRANN focuses on nanoscale characterization, nanomaterial synthesis, and device fabrication, contributing to both fundamental science and technological innovation in adaptive nanostructures.