Renowned physicist inducted into Western Australian Science Hall of Fame

A world-leading expert in the field of atomic collisions and theoretical physics has been inducted into the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame, announced at the 2022 Premier’s Science Awards.

John Curtin Distinguished Professor Igor Bray, from Curtin’s School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, is a renowned researcher with an academic career spanning 35 years. He has been involved in several major research breakthroughs, including the development of the convergent close-coupling computational approach to atomic and molecular collisions.

The practical impact and applications of his research include lasers, astrophysics (particularly x-ray emission from charge-exchange), plasma processing, plasma displays, fusion research, the lighting industry, and medical imaging and therapy.

Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Chris Moran congratulated Professor Bray for the honour bestowed by his peers in the WA science community.

“Professor Bray is a distinguished leader and researcher in the field of atomic and molecular collision physics who has been recognised internationally for his lifelong dedication to science,” Professor Moran said.

“Professor Bray has been an inspirational Head of Physics and Astronomy at Curtin University since 2010, where student participation is integral. Along with being a leading researcher and educator, Professor Bray is committed to engaging with the future generation of scientists, regularly participating in science outreach programs and contributing to science policy.

“His outstanding research and passion for both science and science education ensure Professor Bray is an incredibly deserving inductee into the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame. Curtin would like to formally congratulate Professor Bray on his exceptional career and contributions to the science community.”

Professor Bray said he was honoured to be inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame, alongside other esteemed researchers and leaders across the State.

“Being able to have a successful career in the field of science, particularly physics and astronomy, has always been a dream of mine. I have always been fascinated by the physical universe and how energy and matter interact, so being able to make a difference in this field through research is very important to me,” Professor Bray said.

“Along with conducting important research, I am passionate about engaging and collaborating with young leaders in the science community and sharing my knowledge with them so they can achieve their full potential.

“Although such awards are given to individuals, it is great teams who achieve great things. I would like to thank Professor Andris Stelbovics, Professor Dmitry Fursa and Professor Alisher Kadyrov, who have made a significant impact on my career over several decades. In turn, we could not have achieved what we have without support of our partners and families.”

Professor Bray has co-authored over 500 publications, been invited to deliver more than 50 talks at international conferences, and represented Australia on a range of scientific committees. He has been awarded five prestigious personal fellowships by the Australian Research Council (ARC), won an ARC Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies, as well as 10 ARC Discovery Grants.

The full list of inductees can be found online here.