Professor Chee Tan

I started as an undergraduate at the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) at the University of Sheffield in September 1996.

I was awarded a 1st class BEng in Electronic Engineering - Communications and was fortunate to be given a full scholarship to pursue a PhD degree at EEE.

The PhD in Electronic Engineering significantly broadened my knowledge in Engineering and stimulated my desire to learn and research. In particular, I gained a deep understanding of how optical and electronic device properties can be modified by carefully optimised semiconductor crystals.

The ability to select different atoms to be combined in new semiconductor materials has led to many breakthroughs in transistors, lasers, solar cell and detectors.

EEE has provided a wonderful environment for me to explore fundamental engineering questions, advance research to generate lasting impacts and to share my experience with students and researchers.

I have always felt at home because of the strong support from academics, when I was a student, and from colleagues across the department since I became an academic in 2003.

My career has progressed with great support from many great colleagues and students, whom I considered my extended family. The welcoming environment and strong research and teaching culture in EEE have helped to enrich my experience in work and in life.

In February 2019 I was appointed Head of Department for EEE, a position of responsibility which I am very proud to take up. I have led and shaped the department to establish Sheffield as a top 10 EEE Department in various University ranking tables, like The Guardian, the Times, and the Complete University Guide. This was a truly memorable and rewarding experience that demonstrates the strength of unity in the department.

I have started a commercialisation journey to bring one of my research ideas to market in 2019 too. Together with my former PhD student Dr Ben White and Prof Jo Shien Ng, we co-founded Phlux Technology in 2020.

Today Phlux is a world leader in infrared avalanche photodiodes. These are very sensitive light detectors that are used in sensing of objects from a long distance, in optical fiber networks, data centers and imaging applications. The innovation from Sheffield, achieved through Phlux, has been recognised widely with awards such as Institute of Physics Startup Award in 2024 and Sheffield Business Award for Innovation 2025. I am extremely proud of this research impact.

Moving forward, I hope to continue to bring exciting research discoveries to lasting impact and to raise Sheffield's profile as a leading city for Semiconductor Technologies.  

Professor Chee Tan

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering