Ifor Samuel is Professor of Physics at the University of St Andrews, where he founded and leads the Organic Semiconductor Centre. Organic semiconductors are remarkable plastic-like materials that can conduct electricity and emit light. His research ranges from developing new measurements to understand and improve the materials, to working with engineers, clinicians and biologists to develop applications. These include making wearable light sources for medicine and communications. He started his career in Cambridge, performed, postdoctoral work at CNET-France Telecom in Paris, set up his own research group as a lecturer at the University of Durham, and moved to be Professor at the University of St Andrews in 2000.
Professor Samuel joined the SSAC on 1 March 2025.
