Professor Ian Hamley stands as a preeminent scholar in physical chemistry with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He currently holds the prestigious Diamond Professorship of Physical Chemistry at the University of Reading, a position he has occupied since 2005 through a significant joint appointment with Diamond Light Source. Prior to his appointment at Reading, Professor Hamley established his academic foundation through positions at the University of Durham, where he served as Lecturer in Physics from 1993, and later at the University of Leeds, where he was promoted to Professor of Polymer Materials and Director of the Centre for Self-Organising Molecular Systems in 2004. His academic journey began with postdoctoral research at AMOLF in Amsterdam and the University of Minnesota, establishing the groundwork for his future contributions to soft matter science.
Professor Hamley has made seminal contributions to the understanding of self-assembling molecular systems, with over 400 published scientific papers that have significantly advanced the field of soft matter physics and chemistry. His research has evolved from foundational work on block copolymer self-assembly to pioneering investigations of peptide and peptide conjugate systems with diverse bioactive properties including amyloid peptides, antimicrobial compounds, and anti-cancer agents. His expertise in advanced characterization techniques, particularly X-ray scattering at Diamond Light Source and neutron scattering at ISIS, has enabled groundbreaking insights into the structural organization of soft materials. This work has yielded practical applications across multiple domains, including therapeutic development for Alzheimer's disease, anti-obesity treatments, antimicrobial materials, and innovative skincare formulations that leverage peptide technology.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Professor Hamley has significantly shaped the field through his influential publications, including authoritative texts such as 'Introduction to Soft Matter' and 'Introduction to Peptide Science' that have educated generations of scientists. His leadership extends to tissue engineering applications, particularly in the emerging field of synthetic meat development, where his work on hydrogels and collagen-stimulating materials represents cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Professor Hamley continues to guide the next generation of scientists through his teaching at the University of Reading, where he specializes in physical chemistry modules covering thermodynamics and surface chemistry. His ongoing research program maintains its position at the frontier of soft matter science, bridging the gap between fundamental physical chemistry and practical biological applications with transformative potential across medicine, materials science, and biotechnology.
