Oxfordshire: Pioneering scientists honoured by Institute of Physics

Scientists with strong links to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) have been honoured by the Institute of Physics in its 2014 annual awards.

Professor Anthony Bell, senior research fellow at STFC’s Central Laser Facility and professor of physics at the University of Oxford, has received the Hoyle Medal and Prize for his work on the origin and impact of cosmic rays and for his influential contributions to electron energy transport in laboratory plasmas.

During the course of his career, Bell has opened up new research fields in both astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. He has played a leading role in the development of what is now the standard model of astrophysical particle acceleration and cosmic ray origins. He also proposed the theory of magnetic field amplification.

Bell said: “I’m delighted to receive this recognition. My first thought is gratitude to those I have worked with in both astrophysics and laboratory plasmas. The crossover between light-year scale astrophysics and sub-millimetre scale laser-plasma experiments has generated many of the key concepts in my research. “

STFC also congratulated Professor Gerhard Materlik, former CEO of the Diamond Light Source, who successfully led the complex project to construct and operate the UK’s national synchrotron at STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

Materlik received the Glazebrook Medal for outstanding leadership in establishing this world-leading laboratory, and for his innovations in X-ray diffraction physics.

The full list of award winners can be found here.