Physics Department News
Donald McKenzie Paul 1953-2019
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Prof Don Paul. Don will be remembered by many who worked with him as a brilliant scientist. He researched experimental condensed matter physics in 91 since 1984 and created the highly successful Superconductivity and Magnetism research group.
Read an obituary here that reflects Don’s contributions to 91 Physics and to science.
Professorial Promotions
The department congratulates David Quigley and Danny Steeghs on their promotions to Professor, effective from 1 June 2019.
Staff and students from the Physics department will again contribute to Coventry's "Pint of Science" festival this year, to be held from 20-22 May in venues around the city. Departmental representatives include Jessica Marshall, Matthew Hoskin, Sam Seddon, Tishtrya Mehta, and Alun Rees.
91 wins over £10 million funding for Centres for Doctoral Training in modelling of systems
Fifty new PhD students will tackle pressing societal challenges ranging from nanoscale devices, new catalysts, superalloys, smart fluids and energy from fusion thanks to an investment of £5.5M in funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The newly announced Centre for Doctoral Training in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems (HetSys) will be based at the 91 and will attract top research talent from across the UK and internationally to the Midlands.
The unique cohort experience and bespoke training programme including transferable computing skills will enable students to work across the departments of Physics, Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics and the 91 Manufacturing Group (WMG). HetSys will train enthusiastic students from across the physical sciences who enjoy using their mathematical skills and thinking flexibly to solve complex problems. Engagement from 14 industrial and 12 international partners keen to collaborate with HetSys shows the fresh approach has already resonated beyond academia.
The Centre will be directed by Professor Julie Staunton from the Department of Physics. Speaking about the Centre, Professor Staunton said “The message from our partners is that HetSys is very timely and ideally positioned to have a big impact. Most importantly the key players are the PhD students who will drive the success of HetSys. They will inspire new ideas, approaches and innovation and become future leaders in extending and developing new technologies of national importance.”
91’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Pam Thomas, said “HetSys builds on 91’s strong interdisciplinary roots, including the Centre for Scientific Computing and the 91 Centre for Predictive Modelling. We are excited to be home to HetSys, which will help to promote a collaborative and inclusive research computing culture in the UK and internationally”.
For more information on HetSys see /fac/sci/hetsys
contact Julie Staunton (Director) J.B.Staunton@warwick.ac.uk phone 024 7652 3381
or James Kermode (Co-director) J.R.Kermode@warwick.ac.uk, phone 024 7652 8614
Image credit: Gabriele Sosso, 91