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Report of the General Board on the establishment of a Professorship of Photonics of Molecular Materials

The GENERAL BOARD beg leave to report to the University as follows:

1. Liquid crystals, polymers, and molecular self-assembling systems are becoming increasingly important in the field of Photonics and Electronics. There are significant industrial interests already in the use of molecular materials in telecommunications systems. Research in the field of molecular materials is becoming increasingly important in a number of Departments within the University, particularly in the Department of Engineering where a research group in the Electrical Division has significant and developing research strengths in ultra-fast and nano photonics, optical switching and spatial light modulators, and new display technologies. In recognition of the importance and relevance of this work, and the need further to develop and strengthen both teaching and a long-term research strategy in Photonics of Molecular Materials, Dow Corning Limited have generously agreed to provide £25,000 a year for ten years to facilitate the establishment of a Professorship in this field.

2. The Faculty Board of Engineering have warmly welcomed this demonstration of support from Dow Corning. They have advised the General Board that the establishment of this Professorship is essential for the Department to maintain and develop its strong presence in this field and to foster the existing research links with the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Materials Science and Metallurgy. It is envisaged that the holder of the Professorship would be appointed as Director of a proposed centre for molecular materials and devices for photonics and electronics and would be expected to make a major contribution to building up research activities in ways that will attract substantial external funding. The cross disciplinary nature of the subject provides a fertile research and training environment and the Professor would be expected to contribute to new and existing modules for undergraduate courses in Engineering.

3. In order to meet the remainder of the cost of the office, the Faculty Board have proposed that the University Lectureship that became vacant on 1 July 2001 on the resignation of Dr R. G. S. Plumb be suppressed. The Faculty Board have agreed that, in the event of any shortfall in funds to support the Professorship, these costs will be met from funds available to the Department of Engineering. The General Board have accepted the Faculty Board's proposal, which has been supported by the Council of the School of Technology, for the establishment of the Professorship on this basis. They have accordingly agreed that, if the recommendations of this Report are approved, they will suppress the University Lectureship mentioned above.

4. The Board are satisfied that an appointment at this level will be likely to attract a strong field of well-qualified candidates. They are assured that suitable accommodation for the Professor is available and that the necessary support and facilities will be provided by the Department.

5. The Board accordingly propose that a Professorship of Photonics of Molecular Materials should be established in the University from 1 March 2002 and assigned to the Department of Engineering. They have agreed to concur in the view of the Faculty Board of Engineering that election to the Professorship should be made by an ad hoc Board of Electors and that candidature should be open, in the first instance, without preference or limitation to all persons whose work falls within the title of the office.

6. The General Board recommend:

I. That the generous donation from Dow Corning Limited to support the establishment of a Professorship be gratefully accepted.

II. That a Professorship of Photonics of Molecular Materials be established in the University from 1 March 2002, placed in Schedule B of the Statutes, and assigned to the Department of Engineering.

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Cambridge University Reporter, 23 January 2002
Copyright © 2001 The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.