Tom Swift

Patent Scientist,
Bath

Tom Swift

Tom utilises commercial and technical insight to provide practical and honest advice on complex patent matters. Specialising in the physical sciences, Tom has experience working with a broad range of technologies including: photonics, nanomaterials, display technologies (QD-OLED, µLED, nanoLED), polymers, point-of-care devices, sensors, semiconductor circuits, and fabrication techniques.

Prior to joining EIP, Tom worked with a number of deep-tech start-ups, evidencing his ability to advise entrepreneurs and broader clientele through fundamental processes: from the crucial early years to large funding rounds, acquisitions, and exits.

Tom achieved a PhD in Functional Nanomaterials at the University of Bristol. His research focused on ultrafast spectroscopy, nanomaterials, and the applications of nanomaterials in displays, light harvesting, and medicine. Key components of his research were undertaken in collaboration with industrial partners, start-ups, and the NHS. At the end of 2018, Tom received a prestigious EPSRC doctoral prize fellowship, an award designed to enable universities to retain the highest-achieving doctoral students as research fellows. Tom has published articles in various academic journals and has presented his research at international conferences.

Published articles

  • March 2022
    Nanoscale, Small variations in reaction conditions tune carbon dot fluorescence (link)
  • August 2020
    New Phytologist, Photosynthesis and crop productivity are enhanced by glucose‐functionalized carbon dots (link)
  • November 2019
    Bio Rxiv, A simple method for spray-on gene editing in planta (link)
  • December 2018
    Interface Focus, Functional nanomaterials to augment photosynthesis: evidence and considerations for their responsible use in agricultural applications (link)
  • July 2018
    Nanoscale, Surface functionalisation significantly changes the physical and electronic properties of carbon nano-dots (link)

Education and qualifications

  • 2021
    Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property, Bournemouth University
  • 2014 — 2018
    PhD Functional Nanomaterials, University of Bristol
  • 2011 — 2014
    BSc Physics, University of Bristol

Career history

  • 2020 — present
    Patent Scientist, EIP
  • 2019 — 2020
    Academic Co-founder, Glaia
  • 2019 — 2020
    EPSRC Doctorial Prize Fellow, University of Bristol
  • 2018 — 2019
    Postdoctorial Research Associate, University of Bristol

Languages spoken

  • English

Specialisms

Digital

  • Applied physics
  • Medical imaging
  • Photonics and optics
  • Semiconductors
  • Telecommunications

Elements

  • Electrochemistry
  • Materials science
  • Semiconductors

HealthTech

  • Medical imaging