Professor Stone is a Fellow of Queens’ College, Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Physical), and a director of research in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy at Cambridge. His work focuses on the development of novel metallic and intermetallic materials for high-temperature service, neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering to understand metallurgical phenomena, and the computer-aided design of high-performance alloys.

Speaking about his new post, Professor Stone said: "I am delighted to be able to take up this role and work to build the University’s metallurgical research links with Tata Steel over the years ahead. It is a particular honour to be able to follow on from the Chair’s inaugural post-holder Professor Sir Harry Bhadeshia, who made so many contributions to our global understanding of solid-state transformations in alloys."

The Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge has a history of making substantial contributions to industrial materials technology and leading the academic field on an international scale. The Department conducts cutting-edge research on a broad spectrum of materials, with a focus on enhancing existing materials and pioneering the development of new ones.

This endowed professorship was established in 2008 thanks to a major gift from the Tata Steel Group—one of the world’s foremost industrial groups. Its purpose is to facilitate essential and extensive research into one of the world's most sustainable and vital materials of the modern era.

Commenting on Professor Stone's appointment, Mr T.V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, said:

"We congratulate Professor Howard Stone on being selected as the new Tata Steel Chair Professor of Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge. His expertise and contributions to the field of metallurgy are truly commendable. Professor Stone’s appointment as the Tata Steel Chair Professor will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to advancing research and innovation in this field at Cambridge. We look forward to advancements and breakthroughs that he will lead during his tenure."

Professor Jason Robinson, Head of Department (Joint) said:

"The Tata Steel Professorship of Metallurgy was founded over a decade and a half ago, forging our joint vision to lead in the development of physical metallurgy. We are absolutely thrilled to announce the election of Professor Howard Stone as the next Tata Chair. The appointment is an immense opportunity to spearhead cutting-edge research whilst training the next generation of physical metallurgists." 

Professor Stone will take up the post in November 2023.