Evans, Philip

Qualifications & Career

I obtained a BSc (First Class, summa cum laude) and Ph.D from the University of Wales Bangor. I was a post doc at Abertay University, Scotland before taking a Lectureship at The Australian National University (ANU) Department of Forestry, and eventually becoming Professor and Director of ANU’s Centre for Science & Engineering of Materials. I hold the endowed British Columbia Leadership Chair in Advanced Forest Products Manufacturing Technology at UBC. I am also an Honourary Professor in the Department of Materials Physics at The Australian National University.

Research

My fundamental research currently focusses on molecular modification of wood by plasmas consisting of electromagnetic radiation and sub-atomic particles. My translational research seeks to develop novel wood materials that can compete with non-sustainable ones. This involves working with different partners to solve intractable technical problems. The combination of fundamental and translational research enriches my teaching and ability to mentor junior colleagues. My current portfolio of research projects reflects my diverse interests.

• Light absorbing materials created by plasma modification of wood surfaces
• X-ray micro-computed tomography and virtual reality systems as tools to aid understanding of the complex micro-structure of wood
• Plantation-grown Fijian big leaf mahogany as a substitute for the old growth South American mahogany used to build electric guitars
• Improving the properties of light-weight aerospace panels used in small fast jets
• Development of analytical tools and AI to detect illegally logged and traded tropical timbers

Awards

• DOW Chemical Company Distinguished Lecturer
• Fellow of International Academy of Wood Science
• Fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining
• Inaugural winner of Commonwealth Forestry Association Medal (Americas) for Innovative and Successful International Forestry Research Initiatives
• Japanese Ministry for Science & Technology Research Award For Foreign Specialists
• Oxford Commonwealth Forestry Bureau Book Prize