After 35 years at The University of Edinburgh, Professor Wilson Poon has recently retired. This is obvious to those in JCMB not by his absence, but by his more relaxed demeanour! He certainly plans to remain very active in his retirement.
He is the last of the founders of the Edinburgh Soft Matter Group to leave, and we are marking this occasion with a workshop in James Clerk Maxwell Building and celebration meal at South Hall (Pollock Estate) on Friday 12 December.
This day will be three things. Firstly, a reflection on Wilson’s career and the fascinating, world-leading research he has led and enabled. Secondly, a look to the future, considering where next for soft matter physics and other areas Wilson is interested in - providing him (and all of us!) with ample intellectual stimulation for the coming years. And thirdly a celebration of the larger-than-life character that is Wilson Poon. “A Poonful of Science” to help his retirement go down.
The science workshop will be held at the James Clerk Maxwell Building in Edinburgh. Rough timings for the day and confirmed speakers are on the "Scientific Programme" page, linked to the left. The evening celebration dinner is at South Hall on the Pollock Estate. Event registration is free for the science workshop alone, or £50 for workshop plus dinner (or just dinner); payment can be submitted here :
A Poonful of Science | University of Edinburgh
This cost of the dinner will be waived for School of Physics and Astronomy staff and PhD students without access to grant funding to pay this.
Wilson has very recently been awarded the British Society of Rheology Gold Medal, which will be presented to him at the BSR Mid-winter Meeting 15-16 December where he’ll give a lecture, so it will be very possible to combine both events, bookending a weekend in Edinburgh.
We look forward to celebrating with you soon,
