Three Cavendish researchers honoured in 2026 Institute of Physics awards

Three Cavendish Laboratory researchers have been awarded prestigious 2026 Institute of Physics medals and prizes. Professor Sarah Bohndiek, Professor Russell Cowburn and Professor Akshay Rao have been recognised in this year’s honours for their respective outstanding contribution to transforming biomedical optics, the translation of new physics into real-world products, and the physics of energy materials.

The Institute of Physics (IOP) annual awards celebrate outstanding people, organisations and achievements across physics.

Professor Sarah Bohndiek is the recipient of the 2026 IOP Rosalind Franklin​​ Medal and Prize for pioneering the use of light and sound in early disease detection, with a focus on clinical translation and equitable healthcare outcomes.

Professor Bohndiek is jointly appointed Professor of Biomedical Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and is currently on secondment as a Programme Director at the UK’s Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA). In her academic research, she has helped transform biomedical optics by bridging the gap between radiation physics and clinical diagnostics. A key focus of her current research is the development of optical diagnostics that perform safely and effectively for all patients, overcoming confounding factors such as skin tone and body mass index.

Commenting on her award, Professor Bohndiek said:

“It’s an incredible honour to receive the Rosalind Franklin Medal, which recognises the importance of bringing physics into medicine. I am particularly pleased that our research on medical device equity is acknowledged. For my team, deepening our understanding of light and sound interactions in tissue is vital to create better diagnostics for the future.”

Professor Russell Cowburn FRS received the 2026 IOP Katharine Burr Blodgett Medal and Prize, which honours outstanding and sustained contributions to physics in business. He is Professor of Experimental Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory and the founder/co-founder of Durham Magneto Optics, Ingenia Technology and Semarion.

The award recognises his achievements over 25 years in nanotechnology, optics and magnetism, leading to the creation of four spin-out companies and the development of patented, field-validated products. His work has translated physics research into practical applications in industrial sensing, supply-chain tracking, laser metrology, nanofabrication and drug discovery.

Professor Cowburn said:

“I’m delighted to have been awarded the Katharine Burr Blodgett Medal and Prize. As well as being the first woman to be awarded a PhD in Physics from the University of Cambridge, Katharine Burr Blodgett was as much an inventor as a physicist. I continue to be excited by the ability of physics research to create inventions which help solve big problems like cancer, and to generate wealth and growth for the UK.”

Professor Akshay Rao has been awarded the 2026 IOP James Joule Medal and Prize, which recognises distinguished contributions to applied physics that solve technological challenges.

Professor Rao was recognised for his pioneering contributions to the physics of energy materials, particularly the development of ultrafast optical methods to study exciton dynamics in photovoltaics and ion transport in operating batteries. He is Professor of Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory and co-founder of Cambridge Photon Technology and Illumion.

He said :

“I am deeply honoured to receive the James Joule Medal and Prize. Understanding the fundamental physics of energy materials is essential if we are to develop more efficient solar technologies and better batteries for a sustainable energy future. This award above all recognises the creativity, dedication and extraordinary work of the students, postdoctoral researchers, colleagues and collaborators with whom I have had the privilege to work.”

The IOP Awards celebrate physicists at every stage of their career; from those just starting out through to physicists at the peak of their careers, and those with a distinguished career behind them.

They also recognise and celebrate companies that are successful in the application of physics and innovation, as well as employers who demonstrate their commitment and contribution to scientific and engineering apprenticeship schemes.

Congratulating this year’s Award winners, Paul Howarth, IOP President, said:

“Our award winners represent the very best of physics. Through their curiosity, expertise and dedication, they are expanding knowledge, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

“Physics underpins so much of the modern world, from healthcare and clean energy to advanced technologies and our understanding of the universe. The achievements we celebrate today demonstrate the extraordinary impact that physicists have in research, education, industry and beyond.

“On behalf of the Institute of Physics, I offer my warmest congratulations to every one of our award winners. Their contributions strengthen our discipline, benefit society and show what can be achieved through a career in physics. I hope they take great pride in this well-deserved recognition and that their success encourages others to follow in their footsteps.”

More information about the IOP Awards here