Professor Ventsislav K. Valev, a physicist at the University of Bath, has been elected Fellow of the Institute of Physics (IoP), an award that marks the highest level of membership attainable within the Institute.

The IOP, established in 1874, is the professional body for physics in the UK and Ireland. It has a worldwide membership of around 23,000 physicists, and works to advance physics research, applications and education. The title of Fellow recognises those who have made a significant contribution to their profession through their work or their support of the development and promotion of physics.

Professor Jonathan Knight, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Bath said: “I’m delighted that Ventsi has been recognised by election as Fellow of the IOP. It’s clear confirmation of the quality of his work and his status amongst the UK physics community.”

Dr Richard James, head of Physics added: “Congratulations to Ventsi and his group. His enthusiasm is much appreciated in the department and the IOP distinction is well-deserved.”

Professor Valev is internationally recognised for having contributed important advances in the fields of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials (materials composed of twisted metal nanowires) and of nonlinear plasmonics (the interaction of ultrafast laser pulses and metal nanostructures). His pioneering contributions have led to him receiving multiple professional awards, including two prestigious research fellowships and visiting professorships.

His work is presented in nearly 100 research papers, many appearing in top scientific journals. He has communicated his passion for physics to the general public through interviews (on television, radio and the press), articles, and over 60 visits to primary schools, for which he was awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Public Engagement with Research in 2018.