Introducing the five new Fellows elected to the Learned Society of Wales in 2023 who work in chemistry, physics, astronomy and earth sciences.
Professor Andrew Evans FLSW
Professor of PhysicsAberystwyth University
Professor Andrew Evans, Professor of Physics at Aberystwyth University, is internationally recognised for his work in experimental physics with a focus on surface and materials science. He is equally passionate about improving access to science, especially in Wales, as shown by committed work with schools, science festivals and the National Eisteddfod.
"It is a great privilege to receive this honour, and I hope that I can use the fellowship to inspire the next generation of Welsh scientists to succeed."
Professor Rachel Evans FLSW
Professor of Materials ChemistryUniversity of Cambridge
Born and raised in Blackwood, Professor Rachel Evans is Professor of Materials Chemistry at Cambridge University. Her work on new photoactive materials has several important applications: the start-up company she co-founded, Senoptica, designs tools that allow non-invasive monitoring of food protective packaging. This can even be used at the point of retail, with significant potential for reducing food waste.
"I’m thrilled and honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in recognition of my academic acheivements."
Professor Tim Jones FLSW
Emeritus Professor and Leverhulme Emeritus FellowUniversity of Liverpool
Timothy Jones, Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool and Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow, has made outstanding contributions to Quantum Field Theory through his research on radiative corrections. Professor Jones performed the first higher loop calculation in non-abelian gauge theories using dimensional regularization and pioneered the use of a modification of dimensional regularization known as dimensional reduction. Professor Jones has also made significant contributions to lattice gauge theory, supersymmetric model building, phenomenology, cosmology, and condensed matter physics.
Professor Christopher Michael FLSW
Emeritus ProfessorUniversity of Liverpool
Christopher Michael, Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool, is a theoretical particle physicist. Professor Michael has a significant and sustained research record in the development and application of innovative computational techniques to solve the quantum field theory of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) by focussing on exploring the predicted spectrum of hadrons. His publication record is exceptional, including some of the UK’s highest-cited works in the field.
Professor Helen Roberts FLSW
Professor of Physical GeographyAberystwyth University
Professor Roberts, one of the world’s leading Quaternary geochronologists, is Director of Research Excellence and Impact for Aberystwyth University. She leads a world-renowned luminescence research laboratory which is one of the best equipped in the world and has a unique measurement capability. Professor Roberts’ current research includes using lake sediments in Africa to provide clues to human evolution, innovation, and the dispersal of our human ancestors.
"It is an honour to be elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the work of the Society in furthering its aims and ambitions, which include championing research and researchers, inspiring learning and debate, and acting as an authoritative and independent source of expertise and advice."