Konstantin Novoselov

Konstantin Sergeevich Novoselov was born on August 23, 1974, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. He is a Russian-British physicist, known for his groundbreaking work on graphene. Novoselov attended the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) before completing his PhD at the Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. His early life in Russia and education in physics set the foundation for his later work in the scientific community, leading to his fame as a physicist.

In 2004, Konstantin Novoselov, along with Andre Geim, published a paper in the journal Science, describing the extraction of single-atom-thick crystallites from bulk graphite. This groundbreaking work established the unique properties of graphene, including its exceptional conductivity and strength, sparking a surge in research and industrial interest in graphene and two-dimensional materials.

Konstantin Novoselov, together with his colleague Andre Geim, was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene. The Nobel committee recognized their innovative methods to produce and study the properties of graphene, a material with extraordinary properties such as its electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, which has vast potential in future technology applications.

In 2011, Novoselov was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) for his exceptional contributions to science. The Fellowship of the Royal Society is a prestigious award given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the improvement of natural knowledge, including mathematics, engineering science, and medical science.

In 2012, Konstantin Novoselov was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to science. This great honor was bestowed on him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of physics, particularly for his research and discoveries related to graphene. Being knighted reflects the significant impact of his work beyond academia, impacting technology and innovation.

In 2014, Konstantin Novoselov was awarded the Frank Isakson Prize for Optical Effects in Solids from the American Physical Society. This prize recognizes outstanding optical research that leads to breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of solid-state systems. Novoselov was awarded for his work on the optical properties of graphene and other two-dimensional materials.

Konstantin Novoselov was awarded the Copley Medal in 2014, the Royal Society's oldest award, given for outstanding achievements in scientific research. Novoselov received this award in recognition of his pioneering work in the isolation and characterization of graphene, which has since spurred the exploration of new physics and novel applications in materials science.

In 2015, Novoselov was granted Honorary Fellowship by the Institute of Physics. He was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the advancement of physics, especially through his revolutionary work on graphene and other two-dimensional materials, which have opened up numerous possibilities for future scientific exploration and technological developments.

Konstantin Novoselov was elected as a foreign member of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2016, recognizing his immense contributions to the field of physics and materials science. Election to the National Academy of Sciences is one of the highest honors awarded in the scientific community, acknowledging individuals for their distinguished and continued achievements in original research.

In 2018, Konstantin Novoselov joined the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Russia as a visiting professor. His role contributes to the development of advanced materials and nanotechnology research. By collaborating with researchers and students, Novoselov helps bridge cutting-edge scientific discoveries with practical applications, fostering innovation and education in Russia.

In 2020, Konstantin Novoselov received a Research Fellow position from the Singapore National Research Foundation. This allows him to lead innovative research initiatives focusing on advanced materials, particularly within the area of smart materials and quantum technology, aligning with Singapore's strategic interests in scientific and technological research and development.

Konstantin Novoselov was appointed as a Dean of an important research division at the National University of Singapore in 2023. This role signifies his active involvement in the academic and scientific community worldwide, leading initiatives and programs that leverage his expertise in materials science, thus impacting both educational and research activities within the university.