University of Brighton professor awarded 2024 Institute of Physics Ernest Rutherford Medal for pioneering work

Professor Bruce is being honoured for her ground-breaking work studying atomic nuclei. By examining the properties of these nuclei, her research provides insights into the interaction between the constituent neutrons and protons. This work helps us understand the properties of nuclei we can't directly observe, such as those involved in solar processes and predict which might be applicable to medical uses like PET scans, bone scans, and cancer treatments with radionuclide therapy.

In its citation the Institute of Physics (IOP) describes Professor Bruce as a ‘scientific pioneer, academic role model and highly respected international ambassador for nuclear science’.

Professor Bruce said:

“I’m delighted and honoured to receive this year’s Rutherford Medal and Prize for doing research that I have found fascinating and have thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve worked with some great colleagues and students over the years, and I’d like to share this award with them. Much of my time at Brighton has been spent working in the Cockcroft building so I’m keen to give a nod to the second recipient of this prize in 1944 who was Sir John Cockcroft.”

Professor Alison Bruce

Ernest Rutherford Medal and Prize

Professor Bruce joined the University of Brighton in 1992 and, in 2005, became the UK’s first female full Professor of Experimental Nuclear Physics. She leads on Global Research Challenge programmes in Nuclear Science instigating, in 2018, the first international series of Advanced Nuclear Science & Technology Techniques (ANSTT) Workshops. Between 2018 and 2024, she organised five consecutive ANSTT workshops, aimed at broadening access to technical expertise and building capacity in radiation measurement for environmental and medical applications. These workshops focus on supporting developing nations across sub-Saharan Africa.

She has held major committee positions, raising the profile of the UK nuclear physics community internationally, including Vice-Chair of the NuSTAR Collaboration Board for FAIR, Chair of the STFC Nuclear Physics Grants Panel and Chair of the European Physical Society Nuclear Physics Division Board. Her leadership and influence have shaped the UK ’s role across leading international nuclear physics research programmes.

 Professor Andrew Lloyd, Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:

"Professor Alison Bruce's recognition with the 2024 Institute of Physics Ernest Rutherford Medal is a truly momentous achievement, and we are incredibly proud to see her receive this prestigious award. As the first female to win this medal as a sole recipient, Professor Bruce not only represents a ground-breaking figure in nuclear physics but also an inspiring role model for women in science across the globe.

Her pioneering work in understanding nuclear properties, with far-reaching implications, reflects the University of Brighton’s commitment to impactful, world-leading research. We are delighted that her exceptional contributions, leadership, and innovation have been recognised at this level, and we look forward to the continued global impact of her research."

The Ernest Rutherford Medal and Prize, is awarded for distinguished contribution to nuclear physics and was first awarded in 1942. The only previous female winner, Joan Freeman, shared the prize in 1976.

The Institute of Physics (IOP) is the leading body for practising physicists, in the UK and Ireland.

Institute of Physics President, Professor Sir Keith Burnett, said:

“On behalf of the Institute of Physics, I want to congratulate all of this year’s award winners.

‘Today’s world faces many challenges which physics will play an absolutely fundamental part in addressing, whether it’s securing the future of our economy or the transition to sustainable energy production and net zero.

Our award winners are in the vanguard of that work and each one has made a significant and positive impact in their profession, whether as a researcher, teacher, industrialist, technician or apprentice. I hope they are incredibly proud of their achievements; they really should be.

“There is so much focus today on the opportunities generated by a career in physics and the potential our science has to transform our society and economy, and I hope the stories of our winners will help to inspire future generations of scientists."