Richard Penty

Professor Richard Penty serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor and Deputy Head of the School of Technology at the University of Cambridge, holding a Professorship in Photonics within the Department of Engineering. He concurrently serves as Master of Sidney Sussex College, a position he assumed in 2013 after previously acting as Graduate Tutor and Vice Master.

His academic foundation was built at the University of Cambridge, where he earned his Engineering and Electrical Sciences degree in 1986 followed by a PhD in nonlinear optical fibre devices in 1990. His career path includes lecturing positions at the University of Bath (1990) and University of Bristol (1996), where he was promoted to Reader and Professor of Photonics before returning to Cambridge in 2001.

Penty's research spans photonic integration, optical data communications, MMF systems, high-speed optical networks, wavelength conversion, WDM, optical amplifiers, RFID-based sensing, RF over fibre, and semiconductor lasers. His work bridges fundamental photonics with applications in quantum technologies, optical wireless, and integrated circuits, emphasizing practical implementations for next-generation communication systems.

Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in photonic integrated circuits for optical switching (particularly ultra-low-crosstalk silicon switches), quantum key distribution advancements, optical wireless for 5G/6G networks, and photonic neural networks. His recent work demonstrates strong industry-academia translation through optical fronthaul architectures, quantum network implementations, and AI-driven photonic computing.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2012)
• Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (2012)

As Research Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Connected Electronics and Photonic Systems and head of the Centre for Photonics Systems, Penty oversees substantial research funding and doctoral training. His entrepreneurial impact is evidenced through founding Zinwave, PervasID, and EComm, translating research into commercial wireless and RFID solutions.

He leads the Photonics and Quantum Technology Theme within Engineering, driving research in photonic integration, quantum communications, and optical wireless systems through interdisciplinary collaboration across Cambridge's engineering and physical sciences divisions.