Illuminating the future of engineering and technology
World-leading physicist Mark Brongersma has been named the winner of the IET’s A F Harvey Engineering Research Prize, recognising his work that redefines how light can be controlled at the nanoscale.
Based at Stanford University, Mark Brongersma is internationally recognised as a world leader and pioneer of nanoscale photonics – the science of manipulating the flow of light at incredibly small scales.
The A F Harvey Engineering Research Prize honours engineers and scientists whose work advances both fundamental knowledge and practical technology. Our President Dawn Ohlson noted, “The prize helps leading scientists and engineers push the boundaries of innovation.” She added that Professor Brongersma “is transforming nanoscale optoelectronic technology – a field that could further change how we communicate, power our homes, and experience the world.”
Mark’s research is discovering how designed nanostructures can effectively absorb, scatter and emit light. Mark and his research group are on an exciting journey to improve and enhance the functionality of optoelectronic components used in optical communication, augmented and virtual reality, solar energy harvesting, hydrogen fuel generation, solid-state lighting, non-linear optics and neuroscience.
Mark's approach has led to breakthroughs in technologies we use every day, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and practical solutions. One such mind-blowing breakthrough is the development of a reversible and non-invasive technique to turn a mouse scalp transparent to red light, which enables the viewing of brain development in live juvenile mice. The research opens up the potential to better understand neurodevelopmental disorders and employ new interventions.
The A F Harvey Engineering Research Prize will support Mark’s next phase of research.
“With this prize, I am excited to pursue the fabrication of the thinnest possible optoelectronic devices by harnessing the optical resonances that naturally occur in atomically-thin Materials,” he explained. “By carefully controlling their resonant vibrations (phonons) and electronic excitations (excitons), it will be possible to create entirely new optoelectronic devices that can efficiently emit and steer light.”
Invitation to listen live to Professor Bronersma
In March, members will have the opportunity to hear directly from Professor Mark Brongersma as he expands on his ideas and reflects on his research journey. Brongersma will present his work at a keynote lecture, hosted by the IET, on 12 March 2026. The event will be broadcast live and followed by a Q&A session. To register, please visit theiet.org/harvey.