John Girkin (1979)
Professor of Biophysics
After gaining my PhD I worked for a start-up company in Cambridge developing the world's first commercial diode pumped laser. I then moved to Keeler an ophthalmic instrument company based in Windsor developing the puff tonometer (to measure the pressure in the eye) and the first laser diode retinal photocoagulator. I then moved back to academia initially at Strathclyde University being a founder of the Institute of Photonics and then to my current position in Durham where I helped found the Biophysical Sciences Institute. My research has always been multidisciplinary.
I have served in multiple roles on UK and international science policy bodies and funding councils and have been awarded Fellowship of the Institute of Physics and Optica (previously Optical Society of America). Even on returning to academia, I have worked very closely with a range of industries helping them to solve real world questions such as improving cold water clothes washing by building a washing machine under a microscope. I believe that this broad experience, in addition to having two children who are now working having been through the University system (one in Oxford but not Merton!) provides a background and knowledge which can help current students.
