We are delighted to announce that Dr Christian Rüegg from the London
Centre for
Nanotechnology and Department of Physics and Astronomy at University College
London is
the 2010 recipient of the Nicholas Kurti European Science Prize.
During his time at ETH Zurich, and now as Reader and Royal Society University
Research
Fellow at University College London, Christian Rüegg has pioneered experimental
work on a
number of prototypical magnetic model materials, including low-dimensional arrays
of
quantum spins, so called spin dimer and ladder systems. Using mainly neutron
spectroscopy
in combination with high magnetic fields and low temperatures he was able to
explore and
control the exotic ground states and elementary excitations of magnetic matter
near
fundamental quantum phase transitions. Furthermore, he is a leading figure in
an
international collaboration, which ranges from synthetic chemists working on
the discovery of
new materials to leading theorists contributing to the interpretation of the
fascinating physics
realized in novel quantum magnets.
Professor George Pickett of Lancaster University, chairman of the committee
of senior
scientists who assess the nominations, commented: “There was a very strong
field of
candidates for this year's Kurti prize, but the work of Christian Ruegg on quantum
phase
transitions and novel phases in magnetic materials was adjudged the best by
a majority of
the panel."
The Nicholas Kurti European Science Prize, sponsored by Oxford Instruments,
is intended to
recognise and promote outstanding achievements of young scientists in the field
of physical
sciences research and to support their career development. It is named after
Professor
Nicholas Kurti known for his distinguished work in ultra-low temperature physics
at the
Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford University. The prize winner receives a €8000
cash prize, a
unique trophy and certificate. The winner also has the opportunity to present
his work at a
conference of his choice.
Previous winners of the prize include Prof. Lieven Vandersypen, Dr. Silvano
De Franceschi,
Dr. Andreas Wallraff, Dr. Kostantin Novoselov and Dr. John Morton.
More information on the prize can be found at: www.oxford-instruments.com/scienceprize
Issued for and on behalf of Oxford
Instruments NanoScience