Withers was educated at the University of Cambridge where he was awarded an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences (Physics) in 1985 followed by a PhD degree in the metallurgy of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) in 1988.

[8] His research investigates the application of advanced techniques to follow the behaviour of engineering and natural materials in real time and in 3D.

[13] With Bill Clyne, he is a co-author of the textbook An Introduction to Metal Matrix Composites.

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