Professor John Saunders, Department of Physics, has won a prestigious award that is widely recognised as the highest international honour in Low Temperature Physics.
Professor John Saunders has been selected as one of the three recipients of 2025 Fritz London Memorial Prize: a distinguished award that recognises scientists who have made outstanding contributions to Low Temperature Physics.
Professor Saunders researches in Low Temperature Physics, and currently directs the London Low Temperature Laboratory at Royal Holloway, where his award-winning research was undertaken.
The prize citation for Professor Saunders states:
“In recognition of his pioneering research on topological and strongly correlated quantum fluids and solids in reduced dimensions, enabled by his development of cryogenic and measurement technology to open research opportunities spanning quantum materials to fundamental physics.”
On hearing of his selection, Professor Saunders expressed his delight, stating, “I am extremely honoured by this award. The London Low Temperature Laboratory has an exciting future, now as part of the Centre for Advanced Quantum Science and Technology.”
Professor Saunders’ research career has been dedicated to conducting experiments at the forefront of Low Temperature Physics. He says, “My most recent objective has been to help advance research in quantum materials science and superconducting qubits. Unexpected discoveries happen when you cool closer to absolute zero. That’s the fascination of this subject.”
“We also study topological superfluid ³He and atomically layered helium films as beautiful model systems. This curiosity-driven science is further motivated by the drive to develop a fundamental understanding of categories of quantum materials with anticipated technological impact. One of the goals is to develop topological superconducting qubits, in which the quantum states would be less fragile, improving reliable operation for quantum processing. Topological superfluid ³He is an essential intellectual anchor, as no topological superconductor has yet been firmly identified.”
Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) congratulated Professor Saunders on his achievement, stating that “It is a true pleasure to see the long-standing leadership John Saunders has offered in low temperature physics recognised in this way by the global community of researchers.”
“Professor Saunders’ tenacity and vision has been a driving force behind our excellence in nano technology and quantum research at Royal Holloway and our regional and international partnerships in those fields,” Professor Livesey continued.
The Fritz London Memorial Prize was created to recognise scientists who have made outstanding contributions to Low Temperature Physics. First awarded in 1957, to date eleven of the previous winners have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. The London prize is now presented every three years at the International Low Temperature Physics Conference. The award ceremony will be held at the Conference in Bilbao, Spain in August, accompanied by plenary lectures.
