I am a Professor of Physics in the Physics Department at Oxford University, and a Tutorial Fellow of Oriel College. Currently I am serving as Interim Head of Department. Before that I was Associate Head of Department with responsibility for technical services.
After completing my undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Cambridge, I joined the University of Warwick, first as a postdoc and then as a University Lecturer. In 1992, I moved to Oxford University where I have served as Head of Condensed Matter Physics, Associate Head of Department, and as Vice-Provost of Oriel College.
My research exploits neutron and x-ray scattering methods to study quantum materials. These are crystalline solids whose electronic behaviour is dominated by quantum effects. Well known examples are superconductors and various types of magnetic materials, and recently a major new research activity has developed around materials called topological semimetals.
In 2011, I received the Institute of Physics’ Brian Pippard Prize, and in 2017 I was recognised as an Outstanding Referee by the American Physical Society.