Best known for his work in isolating graphene, Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov is now building on this knowledge to create cutting-edge advanced materials. In 2004, Prof Novoselov together with Professor Sir Andre Geim successfully produced graphene, the world’s first twodimensional (2D) material. It remains the strongest, most stretchable and most conductive material ever discovered.

This work, which earned them the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010, led to the discovery of other 2D materials.

To date, approximately 700 stable 2D materials have been predicted, and many remain to be synthesised. It also paved the way for groundbreaking translational research, with applications in areas that include electronics, energy solutions and water technology.

Today, Prof Novoselov is pursuing novel materials that address the unmet needs of the world. Together with Distinguished Professor Antonio Castro Neto, he co-directs NUS’ Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, the world’s first institute dedicated to the design, synthesis, and application of functional intelligent materials, and Singapore’s sixth research centre of excellence.

Functional intelligent materials possess predetermined properties that change depending on the environment. They are therefore adaptable and have memory function. Such functional intelligent materials promise to redefine many technologies, including artificial organs and tissues, smart membranes, and smart batteries and catalysts.

By combining the traditional research approach of trial and error with modern tools like machine learning and artificial intelligence, Prof Novoselov hopes to unlock new smart materials, and push the boundaries of material properties and their applications.