Professor Peter Norreys, Univ’s Supernumary Fellow in Physics and Professor of Inertial Fusion Science has been awarded the Société Française de Physique and Institute of Physics Holweck Prize in recognition of his outstanding contributions to fundamental studies of high energy density plasmas using high power petawatt-class lasers, including fast ignition inertial fusion, particle acceleration and ultra-bright X-ray sources.

The Holweck Prize is awarded annually, and alternates between a French physicist selected by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and to an English physicist chosen by the Société Française de Physique. (SFP).

The award, which was jointly instituted in 1945 by the French and British Physical Societies, serves as a memorial to Fernand Holweck, Director of the Curie Laboratory of the Radium Institute in Paris, who was killed by the Gestapo in 1941 for his work against the Nazi occupation. The prize recognises exceptional work in any aspect of physics, either ongoing or taking place in the 10 years preceding the award.

Professor Norreys said: “I am delighted to be recognised by the IoP and SFP with the 2025 Fernand Holweck Medal and Prize,” and “I extend my appreciation to my colleagues and friends in the UK, France and internationally for their support and collaborations over many years.”

In addition to his research, Professor Norreys teaches the fourth year undergraduate module “quantum processes in hot plasmas” for the University’s MMathPhys course in the Department of Physics, and also co-ordinates and leads the Oxford/Imperial/Warwick “Centre for Postgraduate Training in Plasma Physics and High Energy Density Science”.

At Univ, Professor Norreys tutors atomic physics and thermodynamics for second and third year students, mentors post-graduate students, and is the Director of Graduate Studies within Atomic and Laser Physics.

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