Dr Said Ergoktas from the Department of Physics has been awarded the 2026 Institute of Physics Henry Moseley medal and prize.
The Institute of Physics (IOP) is the professional body and learned society for physics, and the leading body for practising physicists, in the UK and Ireland. Its annual awards proudly reflect the wide variety of people, places, organisations and achievements that make physics such an exciting discipline.
The Institute of Physics Henry Moseley Medal and Prize recognises exceptional early-career contributions to experimental physics. Dr Ergoktas has received the award for his pioneering work in experimental terahertz and infrared photonics, developing new approaches to controlling light and enabling innovative device functionalities with broad scientific and technological impact.
Advancing light control through photonics research
Dr Ergoktas joined the University as a Lecturer in Physics in January 2025. His research spans terahertz and infrared photonics, with a particular focus on using topological photonics, exceptional points and adaptive materials to achieve new forms of light control.
On receiving his award, Dr Ergoktas said:
It is a real pleasure to receive the Henry Moseley Medal and Prize and I am grateful to the IOP for this recognition. My research has always been driven by curiosity about how we can control light in new and unexpected ways, and I have been very fortunate to work with outstanding colleagues and collaborators along the way.
Said’s research connects fundamental concepts in condensed matter physics with the development of infrared and terahertz optical devices. He applies ideas from topology and non-Hermitian physics, to control how infrared and terahertz waves interact with materials. He has developed tunable graphene-based technologies for applications in dynamic thermal emission and THz communication, and millimetre-wave imaging. At Bath, he is establishing a research programme that brings together fundamental physics and device engineering to advance infrared and terahertz photonics.
Professor Ventsislav Valev, Associate Dean (Research), said:
Dr Ergoktas has demonstrated a remarkable ability to take sophisticated ideas in physics and turn them into compelling experiments. His work has shown how concepts such as exceptional points and topology can be harnessed to manipulate terahertz waves and thermal emission, while his research on tunable graphene devices highlights the technological possibilities that can emerge from these fundamental insights. I am delighted that the IOP is recognising both the originality and breadth of Said’s work with the Henry Moseley Medal, and I look forward very much to seeing where his exceptional research takes these ideas next.
The IOP Awards
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.