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.