Keith Burnett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Keith Burnett
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Sir Keith Burnett, August 2018
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| Born | 30 September 1953 (age 71) Llwynypia, Wales
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Oxford (BA, DPhil) |
| Awards | Young Medal and Prize (1997) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
| Institutions | University of Sheffield University of Oxford University of Colorado Imperial College |
Sir Keith Burnett, born on September 30, 1953, is a famous Welsh physicist. He has been the President of the Institute of Physics, a group for physicists. He also leads the Nuffield Foundation, a charity that helps people with education. Sir Keith is a founding leader of the Schmidt Science Fellows program. This program helps young scientists with their research. He is also on the board of Study Group, which provides education around the world.
Sir Keith used to be the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield. This means he was the main leader of the university. He retired from this role in September 2018. In July 2022, the University of Sheffield gave him an honorary degree. He is also an honorary fellow at two colleges in Oxford: Jesus College, Oxford and St John's College, Oxford. He worked at these colleges for 20 years.
Sir Keith strongly believes in practical and technical education. He has worked to improve high-level vocational training and apprenticeships. He was also the President of the Science Council. He served on the board of the National Technician Development Centre.
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About Sir Keith Burnett
Sir Keith Burnett was born in a place called Llwynypia in the Rhondda Valley, Wales. He went to Brynteg School. After school, he studied Physics at Jesus College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1975 and a higher degree (DPhil) in 1979.
His Career in Physics
Before leading the University of Sheffield, Sir Keith worked at several universities. He held physics positions at the University of Colorado, Imperial College, and the University of Oxford. At the University of Oxford, he became the Chairman of Physics. Later, he led the whole Division of Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences.
In 2007, he became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield. His research in physics included studying something called Bose–Einstein condensates. This is a special state of matter that happens at very cold temperatures.
Important Roles and Groups
Sir Keith Burnett has been part of many important groups. These roles show his dedication to science and education.
Leadership in Education and Science
From 2009 to 2011, he led the board of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). This group helps universities with employment matters. In 2010, he joined the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority as a non-executive director. This means he helped guide the organization.
He is also a member of the UK government's Council for Science and Technology. This council advises the government on science issues. In 2016, he was chosen to be the president of the Science Council. In 2012, he joined the Advisory Council of Infrastructure UK. This group advises the UK government on big projects like energy and transport. In 2015, he joined the management board of HEFCE, which helps fund higher education. In 2021, he was elected President-elect of the Institute of Physics. He officially became President in 2023.
Personal Life
Sir Keith Burnett is married and has two children. He is interested in the Chinese language and culture.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Keith has received many awards for his work in science and education.
Major Honours
In 1997, he received the Young Medal and Prize for his physics research. In 2001, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honour for scientists. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2004. This award was for his services to physics.
In 2013, he was knighted by the Queen. This means he received the title "Sir" for his services to science and higher education. Also in 2013, he was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.
