Gareth Roberts (physicist) facts for kids

Sir Gareth Gwyn Roberts (born May 16, 1940 – died February 6, 2007) was a brilliant Welsh physicist. He was an expert in semiconductors (materials that can conduct electricity in a special way) and molecular electronics (using tiny molecules to build electronic devices). Sir Gareth was very important in shaping science policy in Britain. He led many academic groups and wrote two big reports. These reports looked at how to get enough scientists for the future and how to judge research done at universities. He was made a knight in 1997 because of his great work in higher education. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), which are top honors for scientists and engineers.

Sir Gareth's Journey in Science

Sir Gareth was born in Penmaenmawr, a town in North Wales. He studied physics at the University College of North Wales, Bangor. He earned his highest degree, a PhD, in 1964.

After working at the New University of Ulster, he became a professor. In 1976, he joined the University of Durham as Professor of Applied Physics. He was recognized for his amazing work and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1984. This is a very high honor for scientists.

In 1985, he moved to industry, becoming the director of research at Thorn EMI plc. He also became a visiting professor at Oxford University in 1986. He won the Fernand Holweck Medal and Prize in 1986 for his physics research. In 1988, he gave the famous Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, which are science talks for young people.

From 1989 to 1992, he advised the Prime Minister on science and technology.

He became the vice-chancellor (the head) of the University of Sheffield from 1991 to 2000. He also chaired the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals from 1995 to 1997. In 1997, he was also the president of the Institute of Physics. That same year, he was knighted for his services to higher education.

Sir Gareth was on the board of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) from 1997 to 2005. He also led their research committee.

He was the first president of the Science Council from 2000 until his death in 2007. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.

In 2001, he became president of Wolfson College, Oxford. He also taught science policy at the Saïd Business School. In 2003, he became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2006, he was chosen to lead the Engineering and Technology Board.

Working in Industry

Sir Gareth also had important roles in the business world. He worked as a senior research scientist for Xerox Corporation in the United States. Later, he was the director of research and chief scientist at Thorn EMI.

He also chaired Medical Solutions plc, a company that helps diagnose cancer. He led the management committee for the University of Oxford's Begbroke Science Park. He was also a board member of Isis Innovation, which helps turn university research into new products and businesses.

Important Reports and Reviews

Sir Gareth was asked by the UK government to lead two major reviews. These reviews looked at important issues in science and education.

SET for Success: Boosting Science Skills

In 2001, the UK Government asked Sir Gareth to study the supply of science and engineering skills. They wanted to know if Britain had enough skilled people. His report, called SET for Success, was published in 2003.

The report made 37 recommendations to the government and businesses. It suggested ways to encourage more people to study science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). All his ideas were accepted by the government. This led to more money for schools and universities. It also created programs to link schools with businesses. The review helped increase the money paid to PhD students. It also started new efforts to encourage women and young people to choose careers in science.

Reviewing University Research

In 2002, Sir Gareth was asked to review how research at UK universities was judged. This was after a big assessment called the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2001.

His report, "The review of research assessment", was shared for discussion in 2003. Many of Sir Gareth's suggestions were put into action for the next RAE in 2008. This helped make the process of judging university research better.

Family Life

On August 15, 1962, Sir Gareth married Charlotte Standen. They had two sons and a daughter. Their marriage ended in 1993.

He later married Carolyn Mary Rich in 1994. Carolyn was a health service executive and a trained nurse. She had two daughters from her first marriage.