Corpus Christi College is delighted to announce that Professor Pete Nellist and Professor George Smith have been appointed Honorary Fellows of the Royal Microscopical Society.
The Royal Microscopical Society is dedicated to furthering the science of microscopy through a wide range of activities that support research and education in microscopy, and through enabling microscopists to make advances and developments in microscopy, cytometry and imaging. Honorary Fellowship is its most prestigious accolade, reserved for those who have made the most outstanding contributions to microscopy or related branches of science throughout their careers.
Pete Nellist is Professor of Materials and has been a Fellow of the College since 2006. He has pioneered new techniques for atomic-resolution microscopy. His work has focused on scanning transmission electron microscopy and its application across a range of functional and structural materials. He is known for the practical implementation of electron ptychography which allows light elements to be detected while reducing beam-induced damage, and to the theory underlying quantitative image interpretation. He has made fundamental contributions to the development of correctors for the inherent aberrations of electron lenses and their use for the three-dimensional imaging of materials.
Professor George Smith was the first-ever student to be admitted to the College to read what was called Metallurgy, now Materials Science. He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the College in 2009 in recognition of his distinguished academic career. He is an internationally-recognised pioneer in atom probe field-ion microscopy. His contributions to the fields of Microscopy, Metallurgy, and Materials Science have extended over 50 years, leading to paradigm-shifting developments in our scientific understanding of materials.
On hearing the news, George Smith said: “This is quite a coup for Corpus. Pete and I are the only two British scientists to receive this award in the current year. It shows how strong Materials Science has become within the College. The exam results have also been terrific in recent years. Well done the Corpus Materials team!"
Pete Nellist was equally delighted: “It is excellent news that two Corpus fellows have received honorary fellowships this year. As a former President of the Royal Microscopical Society, I have seen first-hand the excellent work it does in supporting and enabling the science of microscopy, and I am deeply honoured to have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation.”
