Ken Evans

Professor Ken Evans is a leading academic in the field of Materials Engineering at the University of Exeter, where he holds the Chair of Materials Engineering and serves as Co-Director of Exeter Advanced Technologies (X-AT) and the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing. His work bridges theoretical and experimental research on novel materials, with applications in health, protection, sports, and sustainable industrial practices.

His research interests are centered on auxetic materials—unusual materials that expand laterally when stretched due to their negative Poisson's ratio. This unique property underpins advancements in mechanical metamaterials with engineered responses such as negative thermal expansion and negative stiffness. His work spans diverse domains including smart materials, structural foams, synthetic skin, blast-resistant fabrics, and open-framework ceramics like zeolites.

Prof. Evans is also deeply involved in additive layer manufacturing and sustainable materials processing, particularly the recycling of composite materials, aligning his research with UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

With over 250 peer-reviewed publications and twelve patents, his scholarly output reflects a sustained and impactful research trajectory. His work integrates principles from mechanical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary reach.

• Chair of Materials Engineering, University of Exeter
• Co-Director, Exeter Advanced Technologies (X-AT)
• Co-Director, Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing
• Orcid: 0000-0001-8794-4415

Prof. Evans actively supervises postgraduate research (PhD and Masters), provides consultancy, and contributes to institutional strategy, policy development, and research reviews. He is open to collaborations and leadership roles in academic and industrial settings.

He leads key research initiatives through Exeter Advanced Technologies and the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing, fostering innovation in advanced manufacturing and next-generation materials.