Professor Stephen Sweeney he/him
Professor of Photonics and Nanotechnology
Mission Priority Areas
I am keen to ensure that science and technology are open and accessible to all with people from diverse backgrounds being able to work together to solve the world's problems for the overall benefit of humanity.
I am passionate advocate for science and technology and the impact that it can have on the world. I want to help make science and technology accessible to all and to benefit humanity by breaking barriers and removing disadvantages thereby bringing about positive change.
This is behind my interest in participating in a CDT programme aimed at promoting higher level university studies among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
I currently lead a research group that delves into the realm of photonics, harnessing the properties of quanta of light (photons) to challenges of global importance. With a focus spanning physical sciences, engineering through to the biosciences, our projects are wide-ranging; from developing low energy optical communications technology, higher efficiency photovoltaics for solar power, new ways of transmitting energy without wires, pioneering new optical sensors through to understanding how the human body interacts with light. I find it particularly exciting to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to tackle these critical issues.
I have worked in research in academia and industry for over two decades. During this time I have successfully graduated 27 PhD students who now thrive in various roles across industry, government, and academia. I am a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion and draw from personal experience as the first in my family to pursue education beyond the age of 16. I am acutely aware of the hurdles and anxiety that hinder equal access to higher education. In my leadership roles I have taken concrete steps to ensure that everyone can contribute, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles actively shape the working environment.
My career journey, which began with training as a school teacher, has been filled with engagement with educational institutions across all levels. I find immense enjoyment in connecting with people, irrespective of their backgrounds, and guiding them toward realising their educational aspirations. I believe in empowering the next generation by enlightening them about the multitude of opportunities education can provide. As a father of two daughters this is something that I am very personally invested in.
Education has enormous transformative power. Encouraging people to engage at a higher level, regardless of their background, will lead to a more enlightened and equitable society for all.
