Paul McKenna

Paul McKenna is a Professor in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, at the University of Strathclyde, where he currently serves as Deputy Associate Principal (Research & Knowledge Exchange). He previously held leadership roles as Vice Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Science (2021–2023) and Head of the Department of Physics (2018–2021). His work is central to advancing ultra-intense laser-plasma science and its applications.

His research focuses on ultra-intense laser-plasma interactions, particularly the development of laser-driven particle and radiation sources, plasma optics and photonics, and high field science. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in medicine, materials science, and fusion energy. He is actively involved in major international laser facilities, serving on advisory boards such as the Program Advisory Committee for the Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) and previously at the Central Laser Facility, Harwell.

Recent publications highlight a strong trend in laser-driven proton acceleration, beam diagnostics using machine learning, plasma-based collimation, and structured light generation. His work increasingly integrates computational methods, such as Bayesian optimization and neural networks, to enhance experimental outcomes in high-energy-density physics.

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2020)
• High Power Laser Science and Engineering Outstanding Contribution Award (2023)

McKenna has secured significant research funding, notably from EPSRC, and leads multiple active projects including those on relativistic plasma apertures and Bayesian optimization in fusion simulations. He contributes extensively to researcher development and postgraduate research strategy. He has supervised numerous early-career researchers and PhD students, though specific names are not listed in the provided data. He is also involved in interdisciplinary efforts to foster collaborative research cultures in technological universities.

He leads or participates in advanced research facilities such as the SCAPA (Scottish Centre for the Application of Plasma-based Accelerators) and contributes to the development of high-repetition-rate laser systems. His lab’s work is highly collaborative, involving partnerships across the UK and internationally, with strong ties to institutions like Queens University Belfast and national laboratories.