Professor Paul Spencer is a distinguished academic at Bangor University, serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Professor within the College of Science and Engineering. He holds a B.Sc. in Applied Physics and a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, earned in 1990 and 1994 respectively. His academic journey at Bangor began in 1996, progressing from Lecturer (1998) to Senior Lecturer (2003), and achieving a Personal Chair in 2006. He has held significant leadership roles, including Head of the School of Electronic Engineering (2007–2014), Dean of the College of Physical and Applied Sciences (2009–2018), and Dean of the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (2018 onward). B.Sc. in Applied Physics, University of Bath (1990) Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering, University of Bath (1994) His primary research interests lie in semiconductor laser dynamics, optical feedback effects, pulse propagation, and the optical waveguide properties of optoelectronic devices. He also explores interdisciplinary applications of electromagnetic techniques. His work has significantly advanced the fields of optical chaos communication and microwave photonics, particularly through the use of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The recent publications (2016–2020) demonstrate a consistent focus on generating, stabilizing, and concealing chaotic signals in VCSELs for secure communication and high-frequency photonic signal generation. Key trends include broadband chaos, photonic microwave generation, and time-delay signature concealment, indicating a strong emphasis on both fundamental laser physics and practical applications in secure communications and signal processing. Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Best Engineering Poster Award (2000) Professor Spencer has been a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator (CI) on numerous research grants totaling millions of pounds, funded by EPSRC, EU, Welsh Government (WG), and other agencies. Notable projects include the £6M Ser Cymru programme and the Versatile Frequency-Shifted Feedback Laser Diodes project. He has supervised multiple PhD students and research projects, and continues to accept new PhD candidates. His research is supported by extensive collaborations with institutions in Spain, Uruguay, India, Japan, and Australia. He has also contributed to the academic community through roles such as Treasurer of the Semiconductor Physics Group (IOP) and as a guest editor for a special issue of IEE Optoelectronics. Professor Spencer leads and participates in active research labs and teams focused on semiconductor and photonic technologies. His leadership in the Semiconductor and Photonic KTC and the ASTUTE project highlights his role in fostering innovation and industry collaboration. His current research continues to explore advanced topics in optoelectronics and interdisciplinary applications.
