Peter Williams (physicist) facts for kids

Sir Peter Michael Williams, born on March 22, 1945, is a famous British scientist. He is a physicist, which means he studies how the universe works. This includes everything from tiny atoms to giant galaxies. Sir Peter has held many important roles in science and education.

Early Life and Education

Peter Williams went to Hymers College for his early schooling. He then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, finishing his first degree in 1966. Later, he earned his PhD from Selwyn College, Cambridge in 1969. For his PhD, he wrote a special research paper called a thesis. His thesis was about how tiny flaws in materials called semiconductors can affect their light-emitting properties.

Career in Science and Industry

Sir Peter started his career teaching at Selwyn College, Cambridge. After that, he moved into the business world. He worked at companies like VG Instruments and later Oxford Instruments. He became the chairman of Oxford Instruments in 1991. He stayed in this leadership role until he retired in 1999.

Sir Peter has also held many other important positions. He was the chairman of the National Physical Laboratory. This lab helps make sure measurements are accurate across the UK. He also served as a vice-president and treasurer for the Royal Society. The Royal Society is a very old and respected group for scientists.

He was the head of St Catherine's College, Oxford from 2000 to 2002. He also led the Institute of Physics and the British Association for the Advancement of Science. These groups help promote science and physics. From 2001 to 2006, he chaired the UK's Engineering and Technology Board. This board helps guide engineering and technology in the country.

In 2005, Sir Peter became the fifth chancellor of the University of Leicester. A chancellor is like the head of a university. He also supported research for Marie Curie Cancer Care, a charity helping people with cancer. He left these roles in 2010. In 2015, he became chairman of Kromek. This is a British tech company that makes special detectors for medicine, security, and nuclear uses.

Awards and Recognition

Sir Peter Williams has received many honors for his work. In 1992, he was awarded the CBE. This stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In 1996, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This is a big honor for engineers.

He was made a knight in 1998 by the Queen. This means he can use the title "Sir." In May 1999, he became a fellow of the Royal Society. This is one of the highest honors for a scientist in the UK. In 2005, he won the Richard Glazebrook Medal and Prize. This award recognizes his important contributions to physics.

Other Contributions

Beyond his scientific and leadership roles, Sir Peter also helped guide Abingdon School. He was on its governing body from 1997 to 2000.