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Director, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey

Prof. Ravi Silva is the Director of the Advanced Technology Institute at University of Surrey. He joined Surrey in 1995 after completing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Cambridge University. His research interests include nanoelectronics, large-area electronics and renewables, and resulted in over 550 presentations at conferences, and over 500 journal papers. He is the inventor of 30 patents, including a key patent on low temperature growth of carbon nanotubes, and fabrication of large area nanotube-organic solar cells. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK and a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka.

His research interest encompass a wide range of activities with a focus in nanotechnology and renewables. A strong electronics background combined with materials science has enabled him and his team to produce bespoke nano-scale designer materials for specific applications. From examining the underlying feasibility of devices for specific applications, to specifically designed nanoscale structures and devices for technology solutions, the group looks to solve challenging problems with wide contributions to society. Technology associated within the group was put on show at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018 Hyundai pavilion.

Prof. Silva is passionate about enabling technology to provide free energy from the sun to society with a view of alleviating poverty and better quality of life. Areas in which he and his group contribute include: solar cells, nano-manufacturing, energy materials, carbon electronics, transistor designs & simulations, OPV, OLEDs, CNT, graphene, SGT, CFRP, DLC, nano-biotechnology, nano carbons, nanotechnology, water technology, large area electronics, electronic and photonic devices.

Experience

  • 2001–present
    Professor, University of Surrey