Jul 1 2009
Successful business applications such as drug screening technologies, flat-panel displays and solar-cell designs are amongst the achievements in physics recognised by the Institute of Physics' (IOP) 2009 awards, announced today (Wednesday, 1 July), along with leading research in a wide range of fields from astronomy to optical physics, and excellence in engaging the general public with physics.
Most notably, US physicist Professor Alan H Guth has been awarded the IOP’s international award, the Isaac Newton Medal, for his development of the inflationary model of the early universe, which has fundamentally changed the way that scientists view the development of the cosmos from the Big Bang onwards.
Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman, Malaysia’s first astrophysicist, is this year’s recipient of the President’s Medal, recognising her contribution to developing astronomy education in Malaysia and her leading national and international role in space science.
Highlighting the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists, the Kelvin medal was awarded to Professor John D Barrow for his vivid descriptions of physics and astronomy through many books, lectures, broadcasts and dramas which encourage young people and the general public to understand and engage with the wider cultural and historical importance of physics.
Dr Rachel McKendry, chosen for the successful commercial development of sensors for rapid disease diagnostics and antibiotic drug screening applications; Professor Sir Richard Friend and Dr David Fyfe, for establishing and managing their UK company Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) to become the world leader in light-emitting polymer technology; and Professor Donal D C Bradley, who demonstrated the widespread application potential of polymers - are just some of this year’s winners who highlight physics’ important contribution to the UK economy.
Dr Robert Kirby Harris, chief executive of the IOP, said “The IOP awards are a wonderful way of honouring the achievements of physicists across a range of fields as well as underlining the important role physics has in adding considerable value to the UK – both directly and also in underpinning engineering and other sciences”.