Prof. Martyn Chamberlain FInstP
Master: 2003 — 2011
Born: 1947
Martyn was born in Leicester in 1947. He was educated at Alderman Newton's School and Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he studied Physics & Mathematics. He remained at Oxford and undertook research in semiconductor physics. He joined Nottingham University Physics Department in 1972, as a junior lecturer, becoming in turn: lecturer, senior lecturer and reader in experimental physics. He left Nottingham in 1999, moving to the School of Electronic Engineering at the University of Leeds. At Leeds he was Director of the Institute of Microwaves and Photonics, and Professor of Engineering Physics. In September 2003, he moved again to Durham, where he was both Master of Grey College and Professor of Applied Physics.
Martyn has research interests in the region of the spectrum "between radio and light", which has a number of important new applications in security and healthcare. At Leeds, Martyn ran a large research activity and led a number of national and international projects, and until recently ran a €5m research project funded by the European Community. Martyn is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. Martyn was committed to the idea of the College as a genuine academic community, where everyone may develop his or her potential in an inclusive and friendly environment. He was also committed to expanding the College facilities, especially through the building of a substantial College extension.
Martyn married Sarah in 1971; Sarah was also a student at Oxford (St Hilda's), and is a history teacher. They have two sons, and one granddaughter. Martyn and Sarah have retired to their cottage at Craster in Northumberland. Martyn travels a great deal, in connection with his research activities, and enjoys strolling along the beaches in Northumberland (usually towards the pub) whenever he can. His interests are: fresh air and exercise (including walking, swimming and the gym); reading; listening to music; and food, drink and conversation. He describes his political and religious persuasions as low and high, respectively.
Martyn retired in September 2011.