Professor Miles Padgett is a preeminent leader in the field of light manipulation and quantum optics, holding the distinguished Kelvin Chair of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow since 2011. He serves as a Royal Society Research Professor, a position reflecting his exceptional contributions to fundamental optical science and its applications. Educated at the University of Manchester, University of York, University of St Andrews, and Trinity College, Cambridge where he earned his PhD in 1988, Padgett has established himself as one of the most influential figures in modern optics research. His career has evolved from pioneering researcher to internationally recognized authority, with leadership extending beyond his laboratory to significant institutional roles including his five-year term as Vice-Principal for Research at the University of Glasgow from 2014 to 2019.
Padgett's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of light's angular momentum and its diverse scientific applications. Working with Les Allen, he conducted pioneering work on optical angular momentum that earned them the 2009 Young Medal and established foundational principles for manipulating microscopic particles through light. His research team is renowned for innovative work on the fundamental properties of light's angular momentum, including the development of optical tweezers and optical spanners, as well as demonstrating how orbital angular momentum states can extend the alphabet of optical communication for both classical and quantum light systems. The group's demonstrations of an angular form of the EPR quantum paradox have further cemented their contributions to quantum optics, with their work published in leading journals including Nature, Science, and Physical Review Letters, significantly advancing the field of quantum-enhanced imaging and sensing.
Beyond his laboratory research, Professor Padgett has played a transformative role in advancing quantum technologies through strategic leadership and community building. He served as Principal Investigator of QuantIC, the UK's Centre of Excellence in quantum-enhanced imaging, from 2014 to 2025, bringing together eight UK universities and more than 40 industry partners to accelerate the translation of quantum technologies. Currently, he serves as Science Director of QuSIT, the UK's Centre of Excellence in quantum-enhanced sensing, imaging, and timing, continuing his mission to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial applications. His influence extends to national research policy where he chaired the Physics Panel for the UK REF 2021 exercise and currently advises on REF 2029, while his leadership during his tenure as Interim Executive Chair of EPSRC in 2023 successfully increased the number of funded Centres for Doctoral Training by nearly 50%. Professor Padgett's enduring commitment to strengthening research culture has not only elevated the University of Glasgow's research performance but has also set new standards for excellence across the UK academic landscape.
