After a career as a lecturer in Physics at Imperial College and Senior Principal Scientist at Philips Research laboratories Prof. Peter Dobson was appointed to a University Lectureship and College Fellowship at the Queen’s College Oxford in 1988 and a Professorship in 1996. His research is in the areas of nanoparticles, nanostructures, optoelectronics and biosensors. In 1999 he spun-off a company, now called Oxonica plc, that specializes in making nanoparticles for a wide range of applications, ranging from sunscreens to fuel additive catalysts and bio-labels. In 2000, with colleagues in Chemistry and Engineering, he spun-off Oxford Biosensors Ltd that makes a hand-held device based on enzyme-functionalized microelectrode arrays and this is specifically aimed at the cardiac risk market. He was appointed to his present position in August 2002 and has the responsibility of setting up new research institutes that combine University activities with company R&D, and he leads a team that facilitates the rapid transfer of technology and knowledge. He has published around 150 papers, over 30 patents and sits on several company advisory boards. Still active in research, he also teaches and advises on Knowledge Transfer and Energy.