Professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov, who demonstrated the remarkable properties of wonder material graphene, have been knighted in the New Year Honours list. The Manchester University scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010 for their discovery of graphene – the world’s thinnest, strongest and most conductive material – which is considered to have the potential to revolutionise materials science. Its remarkable properties could lead to bendy touch screen phones and computers, lighter aircraft, wallpaper-thin HD TV sets, the next generation of computers and superfast internet connections, to name only a few.
The latest honour, awarded to both men for ‘Services to Science’, is a reflection of the scientists’ growing stature in the scientific world. Professor Novoselov said: “This is a fantastic recognition and a great honour. It is pleasing to see that science is not completely separated from the state, and gaining the acknowledgement it deserves.” Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “I am hugely proud to have such eminent academics at the University of Manchester and I look forward to many years of their continuing excellence in scientific research.”
