Stephen Buckman

Stephen Buckman is a Professor at the Australian National University (ANU) within the Research School of Physics and Engineering (RSPE). He leads the Positron Research Group and has held significant administrative roles including Head of the Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratories (1996-2000), Associate Director (Academic) of RSPE (2000-2005), and Director of RSPE (2012-present). His academic journey includes a PhD from Flinders University (1979), postdoctoral positions at the University of Manchester and JILA (University of Colorado), and leadership in the Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies (2006-2012).

• Education: BSc and PhD in Atomic Physics from Flinders University
• Positions: Research Fellow (1983-1987), Senior Research Fellow (1987), Fellow (1989), Senior Fellow (1993), Professor (1999), Fulbright Senior Scholar (2000-2001), Director RSPE (2012)

Research Interests focus on Atomic and Electron Spectroscopy, Positron Physics, and Applications of Electron and Positron Physics. His work spans experimental and theoretical studies on low-energy particle interactions with atoms and molecules, cross section measurements for transport modeling in gases and liquids, and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Key applications include biomedical modeling, radiation chemistry, and material science.

Scientific Contributions include over 15 recent publications (2017-2025) analyzing positron and electron scattering dynamics, cross section data compilation, and transport modeling in biological and soft-condensed systems. His research group has developed advanced techniques like pulsed positronium beams and magnetized electron beam apparatus.

• Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), Institute of Physics UK (IoP), and Australian Institute of Physics (AIP)
• Honors: Flinders University Distinguished Alumni Award (2006), ANU Vice Chancellor’s Award (2008), Flinders Convocation Medal (2012)

Buckman’s career combines cutting-edge research with academic leadership, exemplified by his founding of the Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies and his ongoing directorship of RSPE.