John Collier – Director

Professor John Collier is the Director of the CLF.

A laser scientist by training, John initially joined the CLF as a research scientist from CERN in xx, and worked in various roles in the High Power Laser division before becoming Director in 2010. He has played a central role in building the CLF into one of the world’s leading research centres for multi-disciplinary science and innovation using lasers, and establishing the CLF at the heart of major international programmes.

Today, John leads a staff of around 200 scientists, engineers and technicians in this endeavour, in activities that span the scientific spectrum, working with the majority of UK universities, the UK scientific Research Councils, Innovate UK, the European Commission, industry, charities, other agencies of the state such as the Ministry of Defence, the National Health Service, the Home Office and a wide range international partners.

As a scientist, John has published over 120 peer reviewed articles and sits on numerous international advisory and review bodies in Europe and the USA. He is also Executive Director of Laserlab-Europe (a consortium of all the major laser facilities throughout Europe), a Director of two of CLF’s spinout companies (Scitech Precision Ltd and Dipole Laser Systems Ltd), a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and the recipient of the Institute of Physics Glazebrook Medal in 2020.