Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov FRS is a physicist best known for co-discovering graphene—a revolutionary two-dimensional material—for which he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), earned his PhD at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands, and began his research at the University of Manchester in 2001. He continues to hold a part-time role as Langworthy Professor of Physics and Royal Society Research Professor at Manchester. In 2019, he joined the National University of Singapore as Tan Chin Tuan Centennial Professor and Director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials. In recognition of his contributions to science, he was knighted by the United Kingdom in the 2012 New Year Honours.
Outside the lab, Sir Konstantin is actively involved in education and science outreach. He often emphasizes the importance of learning broadly, telling students: “You need to expand your horizons and study a wide range of subjects in school – that’s your last chance to learn broadly, to understand your intrinsic priorities.” He contributes to curriculum development, gives lectures, and regularly works with students around the world. Known for treating young learners as equals in conversation, he helps them explore science not just through facts, but through questions, dialogue, and curiosity-driven thinking.
Outside the lab, Sir Konstantin is actively involved in education and science outreach. He often emphasizes the importance of learning broadly, telling students: “You need to expand your horizons and study a wide range of subjects in school – that’s your last chance to learn broadly, to understand your intrinsic priorities.” He contributes to curriculum development, gives lectures, and regularly works with students around the world. Known for treating young learners as equals in conversation, he helps them explore science not just through facts, but through questions, dialogue, and curiosity-driven thinking.