Nicholas Kurti Science Prize

The objective of this Science Prize is to promote and recognise the novel work of young scientists working in the fields of low temperatures and/or high magnetic fields in Europe. Oxford Instruments is aware that there is a critical and often difficult stage for many between completing their PhD and gaining a permanent research position. The company therefore would like to help individuals who are producing innovative work by offering assistance both financially and through promotion of their research work.

All candidates should be nominated by a senior member of their department or Institute. The prize is awarded by a committee of senior academics based throughout Europe.

The Nicholas Kurti Science Prize consists of:

• 15,000€ cash prize
• a certificate and trophy
• support to attend a conference in Europe

Nominations are now OPEN

Please submit your nominations to: nicholaskurtiprize@oxinst.com.

Nicholas Kurti 

The European prize for physics is named after Professor Nicholas Kurti (1908-1998). Professor Kurti is known for his distinguished work in ultra-low temperature physics at the Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford University. In fact, this location earned the name “the coldest spot on earth” as a consequence of the ground-breaking research conducted there. Using the nuclear demagnetisation of copper, Professor Kurti was able to create temperatures close to a millionth of a degree above absolute zero.

There is a strong connection between Oxford Instruments and Professor Kurti. Sir Martin Wood, the founder of Oxford Instruments, held the Senior Research Officer position at the Clarendon Laboratory at that time with responsibility for the engineering facility of the high magnetic field section of the laboratory which was directed by Nicholas Kurti. When Professor Kurti retired, he decided to apply his low temperature physics knowledge to the kitchen. He created a new science, Molecular Gastronomy, the application of scientific principles to the understanding and improvement of small scale food preparation. Chefs, scientists and food writers around the world have developed the subject since his death in 1998.

Oxford Instruments NanoScience would like to thank Mrs Giana Kurti for her agreement to name the prize after her late husband.

Tribute to Professor George R. Pickett, late Chair of the Nicholas Kurti Science Prize for Europe 

Professor George Pickett (10 April 1939 - 21 July 2024) was Chair of the Nicholas Kurti Science Prize for Europe from 2005 until 2024. During this time he played a crucial role in helping us recognise and support the novel work of young scientists in low temperatures and/or high magnetic fields.

George was an early pioneer and continued to be a towering figure in the field of ultra-low temperature physics. This made him a natural Chair for the Prize.

During his career at Lancaster University, George revolutionised cooling techniques and developed some of the earliest world-record-holding continuously operating He3-He4 dilution refrigerators. Such devices are now essential for quantum technology applications as well as in fundamental condensed matter physics.  At Oxford Instruments NanoScience, we are indebted to his pioneering work in this area. In recent years, George directed the construction of specialist laboratories within the Physics department, designed to minimise noise and vibration.

Lancaster University pays tribute to Professor Pickett here, with more information about his life and career. It includes links to further obituaries in The Times and The Telegraph and an open online book of condolence.

As a team, we are thankful for George’s near 20 year contribution to the Nicholas Kurti Science Prize and will greatly miss George’s guidance, warmth and indefatigable personality.

The 2024 Nicholas Kurti Science Prize Winner

We are delighted to announce that Dr Shuqiu Wang of Bristol University has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Nicholas Kurti Science Prize. Learn more about Dr Shuqiu Wang here.

"Winning the Nicholas Kurti Science Prize is a significant honour. Receiving an award named after Kurti, one of my greatest scientific heroes and a pioneer in ultra-low temperature physics and high magnetic fields is wonderful.

Winning the award also makes me feel empowered when looking ahead at the future prospects of my scientific career, especially in light of the great achievements of past recipients."