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Scientists with strong links to the Science and Technology Facilities Council have been honoured yesterday by the Institute of Physics in their 2014 annual awards.

During the course of his career, Tony 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.Our congratulations go to Professor Anthony Bell, Senior Research Fellow at STFC’s Central Laser Facility and Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford, who receives 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.

Professor 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 congratulates 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. He receives the Glazebrook Medal for outstanding leadership in establishing this world-leading laboratory, and for his innovations in X-ray diffraction physics. He is currently Professor of Facilities Science at University College London.

This year other Institute of Physics award winners who have strong links to STFC included:

• • Dr Elizabeth Blackburn, University of Birmingham, who was awarded the Moseley Medal for her pioneering experimental work in the field of novel superconductors and magnets using neutrons and X-rays and who has worked with STFC ISIS.
• • Professor Paul Nolan, University of Liverpool, was awarded the Rutherford Medal for his outstanding contributions to nuclear structure at extremes of angular momentum. Paul is the UK lead for the STFC supported AGATA project, which is the collaborative European project to construct and operate a gamma-ray tracking spectrometer.
• • Dr Teresa Anderson and Professor Tim O’Brien, University of Manchester, who were awarded the Kelvin Medal for their innovative approach to public engagement with physics through the creation of a new Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank. The Centre works to inspire the next generation of astronomers and physicists and attracts over 15,000 school pupils a year to its exhibitions and education programme.

The full list of award winners, including early career, education and outreach awards, can be found at the Intistute of Physics website.

More information

Marion O'Sullivan 
STFC Press Officer
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Tel: 01235 445627
Mob: 07824 888990

Notes for editors

The STFC Central Laser Facility (CLF) is a partnership between its staff and the large number of members of UK and European universities who use the specialised laser equipment provided to carry out a broad range of experiments in physics, chemistry and biology. The CLF’s wide ranging applications include experiments in physics, chemistry and biology, accelerating subatomic particles to high energies, probing chemical reactions on the shortest timescales and studying biochemical and biophysical process critical to life itself.

The Diamond Light Source is a third generation synchrotron light source facility. Diamond produces X-ray, infrared and ultra-violet beams. These highly focused beams of light enable scientists and engineers to probe deep into the basic structure of matter and materials, answering fundamental questions about everything from the building blocks of life to the origin of our planet.

The Diamond Light Source Ltd is funded by the STFC and the Wellcome Trust, owning 86% and 14% of the shares respectively.