Professor Mike Finnis has been given a Humboldt Research Award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany.

Humboldt Awards are granted in recognition of the lifetime achievements of an "internationally recognised scientist from another country, whose work has made a lasting impact on their own field and beyond, and from whom more top-class scientific achievements can be expected." The award comprises 60K Euros in Germany, together with the invitation to work with colleagues there for a period of 6-12 months, which can be spread over up to 3 years. Professor Finnis is planning to use the award to continue his collaborations with the MPIE in Dusseldorf and ICAMS in Bochum, both of which nominated him.

Professor Finnis has been honoured for his distinguished contributions to materials physics. The gap between physics and materials science is a difficult one to cross: very few physicists are able to learn enough about materials science to tackle important materials problems, and very few materials scientists are able to learn enough about physics to make successful use of techniques developed by physicists. Professor Finnis is an exception: his breadth of knowledge in both fields is remarkable and his ability to apply his skills as a physicist to interesting materials problems is almost unique. He has made many important contributions over the years and fully deserves this honour.

Congratulations Mike!

Professor Matthew Foulkes
Head of CMTH Group
Department of Physics