Professor JC Séamus Davis

AAAS recognition for Professor JC Séamus Davis

Fields, strings, and quantum dynamics
Quantum materials
Condensed Matter Physics

Professor JC Séamus Davis has been elected to the rank of Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The honour is reserved for those whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science, or its applications, are scientifically or socially distinguished.

Professor Davis receives the honour for his seminal contributions to experimental quantum physics, particularly for detecting quantum interference of superfluid 3He, for the invention of spectroscopic imaging scanning tunnelling microscopy, and for its use in quantum visualisation studies of high temperature superconductivity.

Professor Davis’ research explores macroscopic quantum physics. ‘Quantum mechanics is the physics that now underpins our technological society and economy,’ he explains. ‘Yet this most fundamental theory of nature often feels as if it is a set of eerie and counterintuitive ideas of no direct relevance to our lives. One reason is that we cannot perceive the strangeness (and astonishing beauty) of the quantum mechanical phenomena all around us by using our own senses.’ Professor Davis has invented new techniques and instrumentation that allow humans to visualise or perceive quantum phenomena directly. These techniques provide humans with direct access to, and thus better intuitive understanding of, the world of quantum physics, just at the time when quantum technology is coming to play a central role in science and the economy.

‘I am thrilled and honoured to join the Fellowship of AAAS and delighted by the recognition for these innovative approaches to exploring macroscopic quantum physics,’ he adds. ‘We look forward enthusiastically to using the next generation of these quantum perception instruments at the Beecroft Building at Oxford.’

‘I am absolutely delighted that Séamus has been elected to Fellow of the AAAS,’ comments Professor Ian Shipsey, who heads up the Department of Physics. ‘Séamus is at the forefront of incredibly exciting and life-changing science and it is a privilege to work alongside him here at Oxford.'

See the full list of 2021 AAAS Fellows.