Graphene pioneers win Nobel Prize

Graphene — a one-atom-thick planar sheet of carbon atoms densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice — was discovered at Manchester University in 2004. It has since promised to revolutionise semiconductor, sensor, and display technology and it could also lead to breakthroughs in fundamental quantum physics research.

Novoselov, 36, first worked with Geim, 51, as a PhD-student in the Netherlands. He subsequently followed Geim to the UK. Both men originally studied and began their careers as physicists in Russia.

The award of the Nobel Prize means there are currently four Nobel Laureates at Manchester University.

Nancy Rothwell, president and vice-chancellor at Manchester University, said: ’This is a wonderful example of a fundamental discovery based on scientific curiosity with major practical, social and economic benefits for society.’

Dr Mark Miodownik, head of the Materials Research Group, King’s College London, said: ‘The award of this Nobel Prize will bring a smile to the face of every scientist because it shows you can still get a Nobel Prize by mucking about in a lab.