Plastic Logic chief receives knighthood

. Professor Friend has been Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge since 1995, following in the footsteps of giants like Maxwell, J.J. Thomson, Rutherford and Bragg. He co-founded Plastic Logic in December 2000 to commercialise science for printing electronics that had been invented in the Cavendish Laboratory by himself and colleagues Henning Sirringhaus and Takeo Kawase. The company believes that the technology will radically alter the way people use electronics by making them flexible, disposable, more environmentally friendly, as well as enabling them to be produced on large areas. While admitting that the news of the knighthood took him somewhat by surprise, Professor Friend said he was, “delighted with the award. This is good recognition for physics, a field in which the UK has a very high standing.” Stuart Evans, Plastic Logic CEO, said "everyone at Plastic Logic is very pleased for Richard. This is recognition of a highly distinguished career during which he has made striking contributions to physics. More than any other person, he is responsible for the UK’s world leadership position in plastic electronics. What’s more, he has been driven to commercialise his ideas for society’s greater good.” About Professor Richard Friend FRS Professor Friend, aged 50, is Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge. He pioneered the physics and engineering of semiconductor devices made with carbon-based semiconductors. He has shown that semiconducting polymers can be processed to form high-performing semiconductor devices, and was the first to demonstrate using polymers: correct operation of field-effect transistors (1988), light-emitting diodes (1990), efficient photovoltaic diodes (1995), optically-pumped lasing (1996), and directly-printed polymer transistor circuits (2000). He is also one of the Principal Investigators in the new Cambridge-based Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration (IRC) on Nanotechnology. Chief Scientist and co-founder of Plastic Logic Limited and Cambridge Display Technology (CDT). Over 600 publications and more than 20 patents. Professor Friend has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including the 2002 Royal Academy of Engineering Silver Medal for his outstanding personal contribution to British engineering. About Plastic Logic Plastic Logic was founded in 2000 to develop and exploit new technology and processes that combine the power of electronics with the pervasiveness of printing. The company has a growing portfolio of patents based on inkjet printing of active electronic circuits using advanced plastic materials. The company’s technology has the potential to radically change the economics of key segments of the semiconductor industry. Capital costs will be significantly lower than for silicon by eliminating conventional photolithography, vacuum processing and high temperatures. The technology will greatly simplify manufacturing large area electronics and flexible substrates. Plastic Logic is a spinout from the University of Cambridge and is privately held. With over 40 employees, it is headquartered in state-of-the-art clean room, labs and office on the Cambridge Science Park – the UK’s premier high tech hotbed. Plastic Logic by email Plastic Logic web site TS