Mark Warner was a theoretical physicist and a pioneer in the field of liquid crystal elastomers, which exploits flexible networks of cross-linked polymer chains that possess a combination of liquid and crystal properties. Liquid crystal elastomers hold promise for the development of artificial muscles, amongst other applications.

His research made significant contributions to our understanding of polymer liquid crystals. Mark also predicted the existence of many new phenomena, including large thermomechanical and optomechanical effects, liquid-like shape changes and soft ferroelectric solids.

In recognition of his work, Mark received a number of awards, including the Alexander von Humboldt Research Prize in 2000, the Europhysics Prize of the European Physical Society in 2003, and the G. W. Gray Medal of the British Liquid Crystal Society in 2014. In addition to being a Fellow of the Royal Society, he was elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2002.

Professor Mark Warner FRS died on 24 December 2021.