Congratulations to former Fellow, David Thouless who is one of three British scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2016 for “theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.”
David was awarded one half the Prize, with the other half jointly awarded to Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz. Commenting on their decision, the Nobel Committee said:
“This year’s Laureates had opened the door on an unknown world where matter can assume strange states. They have used advanced mathematical methods to study unusual phases, or states, of matter, such as superconductors, superfluids or thin magnetic films. Thanks to their pioneering work, the hunt is now on for new and exotic phases of matter. Many people are hopeful of future applications in both materials science and electronics.”
David Thouless was the College’s first Director of Studies in Physics from 1961–5 before getting a chair in Birmingham and returned to the College as a Visiting Fellow some years later.
University of Cambridge news story
Churchill’s Nobel Prize winners
Photoo — David Thouless © Trinity Hall, Cambridge University. Photo: Kiloran Howard
