A PHYSICIST who grew up in St Dominick and whose University of Exeter career spans 40 years has been awarded the Faraday Medal of the Institute of Physics.

Professor Roy Sambles was presented with the prestigious award in recognition of his pioneering research in experimental condensed matter physics.

A Fellow of the Royal Society, Professor Roy Sambles has published 500 scientific papers in international journals, or as chapters in books.

He studied at Imperial College London where he obtained a first class degree in physics and also completed his doctorate. He joined the physics department at the University of Exeter in October 1972.

Professor Sambles has an unusually broad record of pioneering research, spanning the physics behind displays on electronic devices, the colour of butterflies' wings and anti-counterfeit technologies.

Professor Roy Sambles said: 'I am honoured and delighted, both personally and also on behalf of my research team, without whom most of the pioneering work we have undertaken work would not have possible, to receive this award named after one of the true technological pioneers, Michael Faraday.'

The Faraday medal of the Institute of Physics is awarded annually to a physicist of international reputation in any sector.

Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Professor Ken Evans said: 'I would like to congratulate Roy. His work over the last 40 years has played a key role in helping the University of Exeter establish a reputation for groundbreaking science.

'He continues to undertake highly original experimental physics research and is taking our work in this area from strength to strength.'