Allister Ferguson

Professor Allister Ferguson is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Strathclyde. He is also a Senior Adviser to the Principal and founded the Institute of Photonics. Previously, he served as Deputy Principal, overseeing research and knowledge exchange. His roles include Chair of the SU2P Executive Committee, leading a collaboration between Scottish and Californian universities. Ferguson has worked with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) since the 1980s and has received the first NPL Metrology Award in 1983. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, Optical Society of America, IEEE, and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

His research focuses on photonics, laser physics, and semiconductor lasers. Key projects include the RCUK Science Bridges initiative and collaboration with Fraunhofer. He has advised students like Marc Smillie and Thomas Bennett. His work has led to the creation of innovative laser companies in Glasgow. Notable grants include EPSRC-funded projects on passive Q-switching and laser development.

Scientific awards include the NPL Metrology Award and multiple fellowships. His research spans laser technologies, nonlinear optics, and biomedical applications. He actively participates in workshops and organizes events like GEMINOA Launch. His lab, the Institute of Photonics, drives advancements in photonics and laser engineering.