Roger Elliott was a theoretical physicist who made important contributions to theories of optical, magnetic and semiconductor properties of the solid state. His theoretical work was closely associated with experiment, such as his theory relating to excitons — states of an electron and ‘electron hole’ bound by the electrostatic Coulomb force, and his studies of the magnetic properties of the rare earth metals.
Roger’s legacy goes beyond his academic achievements. His colleagues have highlighted his abilities in nurturing high-quality doctoral students. He had also been active in international scientific bodies such as the ICSU, and Academia Europaea.
Roger served as chief executive of Oxford University Press from 1988 until 1993, and was President of the UK Publishers Association from 1993–1994. Recognition of his achievements includes his joint award of the Institute of Physics’ Maxwell Medal in 1968, and the award of what was known as the Guthrie Medal in 1990. Roger was knighted in 1987. He was Physical Secretary and Vice-President of the Royal Society from 1984–1988.
Sir Roger Elliott FRS died on 16 April 2018.
Subject groups
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Astronomy and Physics
Condensed matter incl softmatter, liquids, nano-materials
Awards
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Blackett and Jagdish Chandra Bose Memorial Lectures
On 'Computing: a new dimension in scientific research'.
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Rutherford Memorial Lecture
Given in New Zealand.
