Philip Withers

Professor Philip Withers is the Regius Professor of Materials and Professor of Materials Science at the University of Manchester. He leads research in advanced materials characterization, with a focus on residual stress analysis, 3D imaging, and structural integrity of aerospace and nuclear materials. His work integrates cutting-edge techniques like synchrotron X-ray tomography and neutron diffraction to study material behavior under extreme conditions.

Withers earned his PhD in Metallurgy from Cambridge University and held a lectureship there before joining Manchester in 1998. He established the Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility, recognized globally for its 3D imaging capabilities. His contributions span academic leadership roles, including directing the BP International Centre for Advanced Materials and serving as Chief Scientist at the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials.

Research interests include nanotomography, metal matrix composites, laser peening, friction welding, and stress-related transformations. His awards include the Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers’ Company Prize (2010), ASM Henry Marion Howe Medal (2020), and Fellowship of the Royal Society (2016). He has advised over 40 doctoral students and oversees collaborative projects like the Materials for Demanding Environments CDT.

Key contributions include correlative tomography linking X-ray and electron imaging, and advancements in additive manufacturing and nuclear materials science. His work addresses global challenges in energy, aerospace, and sustainable materials through interdisciplinary collaborations.