Rate My Professor Stephen Eichhorn

Professor Stephen Eichhorn is the Professor of Materials Science and Engineering in the School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering at the University of Bristol. He serves as Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing (COSEM CDT) and is affiliated with the Bristol Composites Institute. Eichhorn obtained his BSc in Physics from the University of Leeds in 1993, MSc in Paper Science and Forestry Industries Technology from UMIST in 1995, and PhD in Paper Science from UMIST in 1998. His career history includes Lecturer in Polymer Physics and Biomaterials at the University of Manchester starting in 2002, promotion to Senior Lecturer in 2006 and Reader in 2008, appointment as Chair in Materials Science at the University of Exeter in 2011 where he was Head of Engineering from 2014 to 2017, and his current professorship at the University of Bristol since 2017.

Eichhorn is recognised as a leading authority in the materials science and engineering of cellulose, with research specializations in cellulosic materials, natural fibre composites, nanocomposites, sustainable materials, biomimetics, and functional materials. His work has advanced the understanding of cellulose structure, physical properties, stress transfer, and applications in fibres, composites, batteries, and photonics, including contributions to moldable wood, mycelium composites, and seaweed-based batteries. Key publications include highly cited reviews such as "Current international research into cellulose nanofibres and nanocomposites" (Journal of Materials Science, 2010), "Current international research into cellulosic fibres and composites" (2001), "Structure–property–function relationships of natural and engineered wood" (2020), and "Elastic modulus and stress-transfer properties of tunicate cellulose whiskers" (2005). With over 235 research outputs and significant academic impact, he has delivered the Swinburne Lecture and contributed to equity, diversity, and inclusion through an EPSRC ED&I Fellowship (2021). Major awards and fellowships encompass the Swinburne Medal and Prize (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, 2020), Rosenhain Medal and Award (2012), Hayashi Jisuke Prize (Japanese Cellulose Society, 2017), Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2025), and Fellowship of the American Chemical Society (2025). He holds senior roles including membership on the Henry Royce Institute advisory board.