John Whittaker
Thursday, 19 June 2025
John’s career is characterised by his extensive experience and leadership in the analytical industry, particularly in electron microscopy and analysis applications. John is a chartered engineer (CEng) with 30 years of experience. He has held various roles in service and engineering management capacities. His expertise lies in working on specialised projects for electron microscopy and analysis in semiconductor, nuclear, and biological facilities.
Currently, John leads an industrial team of applied materials specialists. The team’s focus areas includes; materials characterisation, energy storage, materials deposition, coatings, and composites technologies.
John initially worked in the chemical industry before transitioning to the analytical sector. He managed multi-talented teams of engineering and application specialists, eventually progressing into engineering and project management roles.
In 2014, John joined The University of Manchester as the Technical Services head for Graphene@Manchester. He played a crucial role in developing and implementing cleanrooms and laboratory facilities for the National Graphene Institute (NGI). Currently, John serves as the Engineering Director for the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC). His responsibilities include overseeing all engineering matters for the centre, with a focus on expansion and project delivery with industry and SMEs.
John has been a member of the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professional Services Leadership Team and a member of the Technical Apprenticeship Board and collaborating with the Health & Safety Executive on Nano-materials safety. John is a strong advocate of risk and compliance management, as evidenced by his NEBOSH certifications.
In summary, John’s career showcases a blend of technical expertise, leadership in specialized projects, and a significant contribution to the development and success of graphene research facilities at The University of Manchester. His commitment to safety, compliance, and project delivery underscores his strategic role in the field.