Leading nanoscientist joins Physics team at Lincoln

A leading nanoscientist, whose pioneering work has major implications in a range of industries from dentistry to engineering, has joined the University of Lincoln as Deputy Head for the School of Mathematics and Physics.

Professor Waqar Ahmed joins the team of leading international scientists at Lincoln, where he will continue his research while helping to oversee the activities of the growing School.

Professor Ahmed’s nanoscience research brings together a number of varied subject areas including physics, chemistry, biology and nanomedicine, and has applications in medicine, dentistry, engineering and renewable energy.

His studies have previously focused on developing new semiconductor processes for the electronics industry. He has also carried out extensive work to develop copper indium diselenide thin films, which are used for solar cell and diamond coatings in dental and engineering applications. More recently, his research has explored the innovative use of nanocarriers for drug delivery in the treatment of asthma and cancer.

Professor Ahmed said: “I am delighted to be joining the vibrant and dynamic University of Lincoln. I look forward to working with motivated and talented staff in the School of Mathematics and Physics and to accomplishing some exciting research in the field of nanoscience for energy, medical and health applications.”

Professor Ahmed comes to Lincoln from the University of Central Lancashire, where he headed up the Institute of Nanotechnology and Bioengineering, which was inaugurated by the late Sir Professor Harold Kroto, Nobel Laureate. He has more than 25 years’ experience of research and teaching in UK universities. He has published several hundred peer-reviewed papers, authored many books, and supervised more than 50 PhD students from across the world.

During his early career, Professor Ahmed also worked in industry for a number of high-tech companies in the manufacturing sector, before enjoying a role focussing on collaboration between industry and universities through contract research, intellectual property, consultancy and knowledge transfer.

He has also founded three scientific journals and he sits on the editorial board for several international journals.

Professor Andrei Zvelindovsky, Head of the School of Mathematics and Physics, said: “Professor Ahmed’s career is a perfect example of how intertwined various disciplines of modern science are. With his appointment, we add a new strategic direction of experimental nanophysics into the rapidly growing School of Mathematics and Physics.”