Dr Osarenkhoe Ogbeide
Royal Society Career Development Fellow at the University of Cambridge
Engineering
The superheroes who first inspired Osarenkhoe Ogbeide were not just strong or fearless, they were scientists. As a child, he was drawn to characters such as Iron Man and Spider-Man, whose knowledge helped them solve problems and improve the world around them. Today, that same belief in the power of science shapes his own work.
Using advanced materials such as graphene, Osarenkhoe develops sensors that can detect gases and pollutants that would otherwise go unseen. His research combines nanomaterials and intelligent sensing technologies to help us better understand the quality of the air we breathe and the environments we live in. By making the invisible visible, his work can support healthier communities, more sustainable cities and a future where people have the information they need to respond to the world around them.
Storytelling is another important part of how Osarenkhoe sees the world. Alongside his research, he founded New Africa Comics, an independent studio creating character-driven stories inspired by African mythology, culture and futurism. Through comics, he explores new worlds, perspectives and possibilities, using imagination as a way to engage and empower people. He believes that creating a more sustainable future requires not only scientific innovation but also the ability to imagine different futures and inspire others to help build them.
Whether developing sensors that reveal what is hidden in the air around us or creating stories that encourage people to think differently, Osarenkhoe is driven by a desire to equip people with the knowledge, curiosity and confidence to shape the future.
