Robert Harris

Robert Harris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Durham University, affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation. His research bridges nanoscale photonics and large-scale astronomical instrumentation, with expertise in astrophotonics, telescope systems, and additive manufacturing techniques.

Harris earned his PhD in Physics from Durham University, where he pioneered photonic component development using ultrafast laser inscription. His doctoral work led to telescope testing at the William Herschel Observatory during a postdoctoral appointment.

His research program focuses on four interconnected domains:

• Astrophotonics: Developing photonic solutions like Two-Photon Polymerised microlens rings and the MCIFU integral field unit for exoplanet detection
• Astronomical Instrumentation: Contributing to flagship projects including MICADO for the Extremely Large Telescope and BlueMUSE for the Very Large Telescope
• Photonics Applications: Transferring astronomical photonics technologies to biological and movement science fields
• Two-Photon Polymerization: Creating nano-to-centimeter scale optical structures that bridge instrumentation scale gaps

Publication analysis reveals a clear evolution from foundational astrophotonics work (2013-2017) toward cutting-edge exoplanet instrumentation (2023-2025), with consistent emphasis on photonic reformatting and precision manufacturing techniques across all periods.

Harris's scientific recognition includes:

• STFC STEP award for early-career innovation
• Zeiss postdoctoral fellowship at Heidelberg University
• Gliese fellowship from the Zentrum für Astronomie der Universität Heidelberg

He actively mentors postgraduate researchers including Craig Maclean, and has secured significant funding through mechanisms like the Deutsche Forschungs Gemeinschaft grant. His work involves international collaboration across European observatories and instrumentation consortia.

Harris leads instrumentation development within Durham's Centre for Advanced Instrumentation while contributing to European Southern Observatory projects. Previously, he established an astrophotonics research group at Heidelberg's Landessternwarte and contributed to the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy's MICADO team.