‘Father of graphene’ Andre Geim leaves Britain for chair professorship at HKU
South China Morning Post
by Ling XinFebruary 26, 2026
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Nobel laureate Andre Geim, renowned as the "father of graphene" for his groundbreaking work isolating the material in 2004, is leaving Britain after over two decades there to join the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as a chair professor. Geim, who led the Manchester team that extracted graphene using adhesive tape, chose HKU due to its unique East-West cultural and scientific synergy and world-class research infrastructure. He expressed excitement about collaborating with HKU's faculty and contributing to global advancements in science.
Geim’s decision reflects his long-standing advocacy for international collaboration, particularly with Chinese researchers. Since 2017, he has been a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has mentored students like Jiang Da, now at Zhejiang University of Technology. Geim emphasized HKU's forward-thinking approach to interdisciplinary research and its support for innovative ideas, which he believes fosters groundbreaking discoveries.
This move underscores the growing appeal of Hong Kong as a global hub for scientific collaboration and innovation. With its strategic location and blend of Eastern and Western influences, HKU is attracting top talent like Geim, enhancing its reputation as a leader in cutting-edge research. Geim’s arrival highlights the university's commitment to fostering bold scientific ideas and maintaining strong international ties, which could have significant implications for global science and technology.
The broader significance lies in the trend of top researchers relocating to regions with robust academic and research environments. Geim’s choice not only boosts HKU's research capabilities but also strengthens China's position as a global player in scientific innovation. His expertise in graphene and nanotechnology is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in fields like electronics, materials
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026