About Professor Simon Redfern
Professor Simon Redfern took the helm of the College of Science on the 1st of August 2019. He is also appointed President’s Chair in Earth Sciences.
An Earth scientist and an accomplished experimental materials physicist, he received his MA and PhD in Mineral Sciences from the University of Cambridge in 1985 and 1989, respectively.
Prior to joining NTU, Professor Redfern was Professor of Mineral Physics and Head of the Earth Sciences Department at the University of Cambridge and taught Geochemical Spectroscopy in the departments of Geology and Chemistry at the University of Manchester.
He previously served as a member of the Science & Innovation Strategy Board/Science Board of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Peer Review College, as well as the Science Board at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in the UK, with particular oversight of national neutron research facilities for environmental science.
His international academic accolades include an award from China’s National 1000-Talents programme, the Schlumberger and Max Hey Medals from the Mineralogical Society, and the Medal for Research Excellence from the European Mineralogical Union. He is a Fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America, the Geological Society of London, and the Mineralogical Society.
Aside from his scholarly achievements and advisory work for governments, he is also active in science outreach and communication. Formerly a British Science Association Science Media Fellow at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), he has written almost 40 articles and commentaries on science and environment.
A message from Professor Simon Redfern
Scientific understanding is key to discovery and development. Within the College of Science, more than two hundred faculty are pushing at the boundaries of our knowledge of the universe in the domains of Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. Scientific scholarship at NTU is world-leading, and is focused on addressing some of the biggest challenges that face humanity today. Through discovery across the College we are charting routes and solutions to those challenges that will deliver a healthier and more secure sustainable future for humanity. We are building on our fundamental understanding of the world around us as we go. The world is changing rapidly, and our understanding of it is developing at a similar pace. There can never have been a more exciting time to embark on a scientific journey.
A few examples outline some of these transformations. Quantum technologies are opening up new classes of materials that will deliver the next generation of devices that guide, build and enhance our daily lives. Our Physicists are uncovering new classes of materials that will provide sustainable future energy as the world transitions from fossil fuel sources. Mathematicians at NTU are at the leading edge of methods in cryptography and data security, and are working with computer scientists on developments in artificial intelligence and the data revolution. Chemists here are ranked as among the very best in the world and building new classes of chemical materials and reactions that provide new routes to tackling disease. Our Biologists are working in multi-disciplinary teams to understand how our brains really function, using neurological knowledge to address brain trauma and diseases of aging such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. And finally, our Earth and Environmental Scientists are working on understanding changing hazards and conditions in our environment, from climate change to volcanic and earthquake risks, to sea level rise, that may affect all Earth’s inhabitants over our lifetimes.
A scientific education at NTU equips our graduates for the changing world of the future, and we are all deeply passionate about passing on the scientific curiosity and sense of adventure that abounds at NTU. We do this alongside the key skills needed to develop a scientific understanding and knowledge of our universe. We are committed to helping build the next generations of scientists, and through them help build a better future for all.