John Summerscales is Professor of Composites Engineering at the University of Plymouth. He moved to Plymouth to study hybrid composites for his doctorate. He then worked for AUWE Southwell (albeit based at Royal Naval Engineering College in Plymouth) generating the materials data for the design of a large monocoque fibreglass composite structure.
He returned to the university as an inaugural member of Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre (ACMC) which provided Continuing Professional Development for ~2500 industry delegates.
His research interests have evolved from composite process-property-microstructure relationships, through composite manufacturing processes, to sustainability. He is lead for an undergraduate degree pathway "with Composites" now with 400-plus graduates.
He was awarded the 2023 IOM3 Leslie Holliday Prize "in recognition of significant or technological contribution relating to composite materials".
Professor of Composites Engineering
University of Plymouth
