Staff news

Scientist wins prestigious physics award

An Edinburgh scientist has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to the study of physics.

Professor Wilson Poon has been awarded the 2019 Sam Edwards Medal and Prize by the Institute of Physics.

He received the award for his outstanding contributions to the fundamental study of condensed matter physics, statistical physics and biophysics.

Outstanding scientist

Professor Poon is Chair of Condensed Matter Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

He has been recognised for his work through numerous awards, including fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, EPSRC Senior Research Fellowship and Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award.

This year, he is the Thomas Graham Lecturer of the Royal Society of Chemistry/Society of Chemical Industry. He has been a joint principal investigator on three large EPSRC programme grants on soft matter and the holder of an ERC Advanced Grant on the physics of active particles.

Physics body

The Institute of Physics is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland.

It supports and develops the teaching of physics in schools, encourages innovation, growth and productivity in business, and provides evidence-based advice and support to governments.

Its awards recognise and reward excellence in individuals and teams who have made a contribution to physics in the UK and Ireland.

Related links

School of Physics and Astronomy