Graduate, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; PhD studies, University of Nijmegen, Netherlands; 2001, moved to The University of Manchester. Best known for isolating graphene at the University of Manchester (2004). Expert in condensed matter physics, mesoscopic physics and nanotechnology. Langworthy Professor of Physics and Royal Society Research Professor, University of Manchester. Has published more than 200 peer-reviewed research papers. Recipient of awards, including: Nicholas Kurti Prize (2007); International Union of Pure and Applied Science Prize (2008); MIT Technology Review young innovator (2008); Europhysics Prize (2008); Nobel Prize for Physics for achievements with graphene (2010); Bragg Lecture Prize, Union of Crystallography (2011); Kohn Award Lecture (2012); Leverhulme Medal, Royal Society (2013); Onsager medal (2014). Knighted in the 2012 New Year Honours.