Joseph Robson

Prof. Joseph Robson holds the RAEng-DSTL Chair in Alloys for Extreme Environments and is a Professor of Physical Metallurgy at the University of Manchester. His research focuses on microstructural evolution in industrial alloys, particularly aluminum, magnesium, and zirconium, using advanced modeling techniques like Calphad-based thermodynamic and kinetic models. He leads the Light Alloy Processing group and collaborates with institutions like the Henry Royce Institute. Key projects include optimizing microstructures for aerospace, automotive, and nuclear applications through processes like friction stir welding and thermomechanical treatment.

Education: BSc in Natural Sciences (Cambridge, 1993), PhD in Metallurgy (Cambridge, 1996). Professional memberships include the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (Fellow, Light Metals Division board member).

Research interests span dynamic precipitation behavior, irradiation effects on zirconium alloys, and magnesium alloy strengthening. He has pioneered studies on discontinuous precipitation and its impact on material properties. Awards include the Hume Rothery Award (2015), Grunfeld Medal (2011), and Champion H. Matthewson Award (2017).

Advising and grants: Leads major projects like LightForm (EPSRC) and NEWAM (innovative manufacturing). His work addresses challenges in alloy design for extreme environments, with a focus on sustainable materials and advanced processing techniques.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Materials Performance Centre and collaborates with industry partners such as Magnesium Elektron and Westinghouse on nuclear materials research.