Konstantin Novoselov

Biography

Sir Konstantin Sergeevich Novoselov is a Russian-British physicist known for his groundbreaking work on graphene, which earned him the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. Born on August 23, 1974, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, Novoselov is a key figure in the study of two-dimensional materials and nanotechnology. Working with Andre Geim at the University of Manchester, they successfully isolated graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern, a feat that had previously only been theorized.

Novoselov's education began at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, where he built a solid foundation in theoretical and experimental physics. He later pursued advanced studies at Radboud University in the Netherlands, gaining international research experience. This mix of education provided him with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for his later breakthroughs in materials science.

The method Novoselov and Geim used to isolate graphene was surprisingly simple yet revolutionary. Using ordinary adhesive tape, they repeatedly peeled layers from graphite until they achieved single-atom-thick sheets of carbon. This "Scotch tape method" showed that major scientific discoveries could come from simple tools and creative thinking. Their work opened new research paths in condensed matter physics and materials engineering.

Currently, Novoselov holds several prestigious academic roles. He is a professor at the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials at the National University of Singapore, continues as the Langworthy Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester, and is the President of Constructor University in Bremen, Germany. His research now focuses on two-dimensional materials beyond graphene, looking into their electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. Through his work, Novoselov continues to explore new possibilities in materials science and nanotechnology.