Professor Peter Dobson’s journey in the realms of physics, engineering, and innovation is marked by significant contributions to both academia and industry. His career, spanning several decades, showcases a dedication to scientific advancement, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to fostering collaboration between universities and businesses.
Graduating from Southampton University in 1968 with degrees in Physics, Professor Dobson began his academic career as a lecturer in Physics at Imperial College London. He remained at Imperial College until 1984, shaping the minds of future physicists and contributing to the institution’s research environment. Following a brief secondment, he transitioned to Philips Research (UK) in 1984, immersing himself in research on semiconductors and devices for four years. This period in industrial research broadened his perspective and laid the groundwork for his later entrepreneurial endeavors.
In 1988, Professor Dobson embarked on a new chapter at Oxford University, accepting a Tutorial Fellowship at Queen’s College and a University Lectureship in Engineering Science. His arrival marked a period of growth and expansion for engineering and materials science within the college. He successfully developed the student intake for Engineering and introduced Materials Science as a discipline, culminating in the appointment of Professor Keyna O’Reilly in 2002. During his tenure as a Tutorial Fellow, Professor Dobson demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate research into real-world applications. He spun off three companies from his research group, each addressing different technological needs.
Opsys, founded by two post-doctoral researchers, focused on organic light-emitting displays. The company’s innovative work in this area led to its acquisition by Cambridge Display Technology in 2002/3, demonstrating the commercial viability of Professor Dobson’s research group’s work. Oxonica, established in 1999, specialized in doped titanium oxide nanoparticles for sunscreens and cerium dioxide nanoparticles for diesel fuel additives. Oxonica achieved considerable success, generating revenue and highlighting the potential of nanotechnology in diverse applications. In 2000, in collaboration with Chemistry colleagues Professor Allen Hill FRS and Professor Luet Wong, Professor Dobson co-founded Oxford Biosensors. This venture aimed to develop point-of-care tests for cardiac risk markers. Although Oxford Biosensors faced challenges and ultimately closed in 2008, it represented a pioneering effort in the development of advanced medical diagnostics.
Professor Dobson’s vision extended beyond individual companies. In 2002, he left his Tutorial Fellowship to establish the Begbroke Science Park for Oxford University, while retaining a Research Fellowship with Queen’s College. He conceived and built the Science Park from the ground up, creating a novel environment designed to foster innovation and collaboration. His vision for Begbroke Science Park was to provide space for nascent spin-off companies alongside laboratory facilities for University departments, alleviating space constraints within the University’s Science Area. Despite initial skepticism, the Begbroke Science Park proved to be a resounding success. It became a model for university-affiliated science parks, emulated by numerous institutions, and is now firmly integrated into Oxford University’s infrastructure.
His leadership at Begbroke Science Park coincided with broader contributions to the UK science and engineering landscape. Professor Dobson served on several EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) committees and acted as the Advisor on Nanotechnology to the Research Councils between 2009 and 2013. His significant contributions to Science and Engineering were recognized with the award of an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2013.
Following his mandatory retirement as Director of the Begbroke Science Park in 2013, Professor Dobson continued to engage actively in research, innovation, and education. He took on several senior roles, including Senior Principal Fellow at Warwick Manufacturing Group (2013-2018) and Chair of the Industrial Advisory Board, Bristol University (Physics) (2013-2018). He also held Visiting Professor positions at King’s College London (Physics and Engineering) from 2014 onwards and UCL (Engineering) from 2016. He remains involved with EPSRC committees and currently serves on the UKRI Strategic Advisory Board on Quantum Technology and the STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) “Challenge Led Applied Systems Programme”. His commitment to education continues through his online course on Nanomedicine for Continuing Education and innovation courses he delivers to the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Division at Oxford and other universities.
Professor Dobson’s current activities are diverse and impactful. He dedicates time to assisting research students and post-docs across various universities, acting as a co-Principal Investigator or advisor on multiple projects. He also provides guidance to start-up companies and consultancy services to established businesses. Despite no longer having dedicated laboratory facilities at Oxford, he maintains a home laboratory and utilizes facilities elsewhere to continue his research.
His research interests remain broad and encompass fundamental physics, particularly electromagnetic and plasmonic effects, and extend to emerging areas such as the electrical impedance of plants. He is actively involved in developing new methods for nanoparticle synthesis for specific applications and continues his work on biosensors, collaborating on virus detection sensor development. Furthermore, he collaborates with the Chemistry Department at Oxford University on energy-related projects, including chemical recovery from waste plastic, hydrogen stripping from hydrocarbons, pure carbon production, and sustainable jet fuel synthesis from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
In 2012/3, Professor Dobson founded Oxford NanoSystems, another company born from his innovative research. Oxford NanoSystems specializes in a unique nanostructured coating that enhances boiling in fluids, with significant implications for improving the efficiency of heat exchangers and heat pumps. This technology is crucial for the transition to a zero-carbon economy. The company, with links to several universities, now operates a factory in Abingdon and employs 16 people. Professor Dobson continues to support the creation of new companies, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions and economic growth. Professor Peter Dobson’s career exemplifies the powerful intersection of academic rigor, entrepreneurial drive, and a dedication to addressing real-world challenges through scientific and technological innovation.
