We are thrilled and proud to announce that our Head of Innovation, Dr Nils Hempler has been awarded the 2018 Dennis Gabor Medal by the Institute of Physics – awarded for distinguished contributions to the application of physics in an industrial context.

Nils received the accolade for his role in founding M Squared Innovation, furthering its global activity, enabling collaborations with the broader scientific community and successfully commercialising technology at the forefront of scientific discovery within fields such as quantum, biophotonics and chemical sensing.

Under Nils’ lead, M Squared Innovation now employs circa 30 talented scientists, nurtures young PhD graduates, hosts visiting researchers and develops scientific talent globally. This division has been at the heart of realising several UK commercial firsts, such as the creation of a quantum gravimeter last year.

Nils's outstanding contribution to the quantum industry has helped to further M Squared’s leading role in forming the UK’s quantum supply chain – working with government bodies, universities and businesses to develop ground-breaking technologies.

Nils has also been instrumental in bringing airy-beam light-sheet imaging techniques and chemical sensing systems out of the laboratory and into industry - generating real-world applications and supporting M Squared’s mission to harness the power of scientific discovery for the benefit of society.

Commenting on the decision by the Institute of Physics to award him this year’s Dennis Gabor Medal, Nils said:

“I am thrilled and humbled by the overwhelming support from the scientific community for my efforts in helping to improve our world by commercialising novel science. I must also pay tribute to the fantastic team of extraordinary scientists that I have the pleasure of working with and who are helping to realise our ambitions.”

Commenting on the 2018 awards, which aims to honour many scientists and industry leaders for their work in physics, the IOP President, Professor Dame Julia Higgins said:

“It is a pleasure for me to recognise and celebrate today exceptional physics by exceptional individuals.

“This is how IOP - representing the whole physics community - honours those who produce the very best work. And it is this work that directly contributes to our economy, our everyday lives and towards tackling some of the biggest challenges we face in society.

“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all our winners.”

It is fantastic to see recognition from the Institute of Physics for the commitment and dedication Nils has shown to the global science industry and to the commercialisation of ground-breaking technology.

For more information on IOP award winners, please visit the Institute of Physics website.