Distinguished Scientist and Co-Director of OxCHEDS Colin Danson has been appointed Visiting Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford, recognising over three decades of close collaboration with the University's academics and researchers.
Colin has played a central role in strengthening the long-established Oxford-AWE partnership, particularly through the launch of the Oxford Centre for High Energy Density Science (OxCHEDS) 13 years ago, creating a strategic and enduring relationship with the Atomic and Laser Physics subdepartment (ALP). As AWE Co-Director of the Centre, Colin has been instrumental in shaping joint research campaigns and coordinating key academic access to the Orion Laser facility, which continue to be successful.
Upon hearing news of his appointment, Colin said: 'I am extremely proud and excited to receive this prestigious honour. I would like to thank Professor Justin Wark and the ALP team for their continued support. This role presents an opportunity to further deepen my long-standing relationship with the University of Oxford and to strengthen AWE's strategic partnership with this world-leading institution.'
Director of OxCHEDS at the University of Oxford, Professor Justin Wark said: 'We are delighted that the University of Oxford has conferred the title of Visiting Professor on Colin. Professor Danson is a world-renowned authority on high-power lasers, which is the very technology that underpins a significant portion of the work that we do. We are also immensely grateful to him for his stalwart support of OxCHEDS. As the AWE Co-Director of the Centre, he plays a pivotal role in its success - and has guided generations of graduate students in their studies. We welcome this richly deserved recognition by the University.'
Colin has also been made Emeritus Editor in Chief, Cambridge University Press for his sustained contribution to publishing.
Colin is relinquishing the role as Editor-in-Chief of the Cambridge University Press / Chinese Laser Press journal High Power Laser Science and Engineering (HPLSE). Colin has been Editor-in-Chief for 13 years, seeing it grow from its inception to being an international journal of note. June 2026 saw the release of the new Impact Factor scores which saw HPLSE have its highest IF yet of 6.1, so Colin will be leaving on a high!
The new Editor-in-Chief is Professor Dimitri Batani, University of Bordeaux, France. Dimitri is a long-standing collaborator of Colin's and has been an Editorial Board member of the journal. The journal is left in safe hands, although Colin will continue in his emeritus position to act as a journal advisor.
Cambridge University Press editorial publisher stated 'Cambridge University Press and Chinese Laser Press awarded Colin Danson an Editor Emeritus position in recognition of his exemplary leadership on the journal. We thank him for his thirteen years of dedication, and we look forward to his continued presence on the journal as Editor Emeritus.'