Optics and Photonics Prize
This prize is biennially awarded jointly with the Optical Group for:
- an outstanding contribution to the optics and photonics community
- work mainly carried out in the UK or Ireland
Winners
2024
Professor Clare Elwell
University College London, UK.
Professor Elwell has performed outstanding work on functional near-infrared spectroscopy, having led the way in developing optical systems to monitor brain activity. She has also made contributions to multiple women in science initiatives and public engagement, including starting the Young Scientists for Africa charity.
2022
Professor Azizur Rahman
City, University of London, UK.
Professor Rahman has made a pioneering contribution to finite element analysis and design of photonic devices.
2020
Professor Miles Padgett
University of Glasgow, UK.
Professor Padgett is recognised for his studies in the field of optics and in particular of optical angular momentum.
2018
Professor Maurice Skolnick
University of Sheffield, UK.
Professor Skolnick has performed outstanding work on coupled light-matter systems and quantum optical circuits based on semiconductor quantum dots.
2016
Professor Phillip Dawson
University of Manchester, UK
Professor Dawson has made major contributions to the understanding of the optical properties of semiconductors, particularly materials based on gallium nitride, which are used for LED lighting.
2014
Professor David Walker
Glyndwr University; University College London; Zeeko Ltd, UK.
Professor Walker has made an outstanding contribution through his work on astronomical optics, and for commercialising his university research to help produce an international optics-based manufacturing company.
2012
Professor J Knight
University of Bath, UK.
Professor Knight has performed outstanding work on the development of photonic crystal fibres – new technologies for fibre design and fibre optics that have had diverse applications from healthcare to atomic physics.
2010
Professor Ken Grattan
City, University London, UK.
Professor Grattan has made an outstanding contribution through his work on optical sensing.