Prof Stephen J Buckman

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol41 Issue22 29 June–3 July 2015

PROFESSOR STEPHEN J BUCKMAN
The 8th Director of the School

Professor Stephen J Buckman, who joined the University in 1983, retiring on 3 July 2015 as Director and Professor of Physics at ANU's Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE). Steve served as Head of the Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratories during 1996-2001 and again during 2010-12. Within the field of Atomic and Molecular Physics his research interests include low energy electron scattering, negative ion spectroscopy, laser cooling and trapping, low energy positron physics, applications of atomic physics in technology, the environment and the development of scientific instrumentation. He continues to be very research-active and is a leading and influential figure in Physics in Australia - a position he holds in our community as a result of 40 years of outstanding contributions to the field through his published work, research leadership, research training and mentorship.

During his early years at ANU Steve started a research pursuit in low energy electron scattering, to complement the existing electron swarm activities. Later he established a strong activity in high­ resolution electron physics with a central theme being the measurement of accurate, absolute collision cross sections. During the early to mid-90s his research group at ANU grew in size and, in addition to his focus on fundamental problems in low energy collision physics, his activities diversified to include the use of laser cooling and trapping techniques to enhance the collision physics experiments. These latter activities were undertaken as a collaborative project with colleagues from the Laser Physics Centre and involved the development of a large facility for the laser cooling and trapping of metastable excited helium atoms. Subsequently in the mid-2000s he pursued research in high-resolution positron scattering and led a new research initiative in Antimatter (Positron) Physics and Chemistry establishing the National Positron Beamline Facility with strong support from the ARC.

Buckman was the Research Director (2006-12) and prime mover behind the ARC Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies (CAMS). Before assuming charge in 2012 as Director at RSPE, he served as its Associate Director and, together with the then Director, Professor Williams, and the School Manager, was a key member of the School's Executive team. This team was responsible for strategic planning and key decisions during a very crucial phase that has seen the School's income and size more than treble and external income surpass the traditional recurrent funding.

During his distinguished career Buckman has received numerous honours and awards including the Order of Australia Medal (2014), Convocation Medal, Flinders University (2012), the Chancellor's Award for Excellent Service to the ANU (2008) and Fellowships of the Institute of Physics, UK (2003), the American Physical Society (1999) and the Australian Institute of Physics (1995). He is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Malaya. He has over 210 refereed publications in international journals and books, more than 350 international and national conference contributions and over 60 plenary and invited talks at international meetings. He has supervised 22 HDR students as principal supervisor and 10 as co-Supervisor or Adviser. He has also to date supervised 10 Honours students, 20 Postdoctoral Fellows and numerous vacation scholars and undergraduate student projects. He has also served as Chair of the ACT Chapter of the Fulbright Alumni (2002 - 2007) as well as that of the National Selection Committee for Fulbright Scholarships and Fellowships since 2009. He was also Chair of the Review Committee of ANSTO Life Sciences Division, March 2013.

The School, the University and the global research community will significantly benefit from his continued association with research and Higher Degree research training programs in Physics at the University. We look forward to Steve join us as an Emeritus Professor.