Meet Our People
Dr. Simon Allen
Group Manager
First degree in physics from Oxford University (1st Class, 1975). D.Phil. in x-ray crystallographic studies of phase transitions in ferroelectric minerals, Clarendon Labs, Oxford (1982).Joined ICI in October 1982, at Runcorn.Became involved in the formation of ICI's “Electronics Group” in early 1983.
This group was set up to develop and exploit new “High added value” materials in areas such as magnetic data storage, optical recording and optoelectronics. Was responsible for the establishment of a characterisation capability in the area of electro-optical and nonlinear optical materials. Electronics Group was disbanded in 1988, but the activity in optoelectronics and organic waveguides transferred into the Materials Science Group at Wilton, where it continued until about 1993.
During this period he had many external publications, external lectures etc. At the same time built up a general optical characterisation capability at Wilton, and took responsibility for electrical property characterisation. In the period since 1993 Simon has maintained his personal technical interest in the optical and electrical areas whilst taking on an increasing management role across the physical science activities within MSG.
Until 2005 managed Physical Science team of 26, covering areas including microscopy, thermal analysis, surface science, mechanical properties and diffraction. Took over from Bill Campbell as Group Manager of MSG in January 2005.
