The event also recognised the extraordinary contribution of Professor Maurice S. Skolnick FRS, who founded the group in 1991 and has played a central role in shaping Sheffield’s international reputation in semiconductor nanostructures, quantum dots, photonic systems and polariton physics.
But this was more than a scientific anniversary. It was a rare opportunity to hear the personal stories behind major research achievements: from Royal Society recognition to the award of the Mott Medal, from the early days of semiconductor photonics in Sheffield to the emergence of companies and technologies built on the foundations of this research.
How often do we hear the backstage stories behind a Royal Society Fellow’s journey? How often do we see a line-up of former students and collaborators travelling from around the world, now leading research groups, building innovative companies and shaping the next generation of photonic and quantum technologies?
For Sheffield, the celebration was a reminder that scientific excellence is built over time: through ambitious ideas, long-term mentorship, sustained collaboration and the creation of a research culture that allows people to grow.
The programme opened with remarks from Vice-Chancellor Professor Koen Lamberts and brought together leading voices from academia and industry. Speakers included Professor Jonathan Finley, who reflected on the scientific development of the field; Dr Scott Dufferwiel, CEO of Aegiq, who discussed the route from research to technology translation; and Professors Vasily Astratov and Alan Bristow, together with Dr Mark Stevenson, who shared perspectives on the scientific directions that emerged from the group’s work.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Professor Luke Wilson (Director of Research at MPS) said “Being one of Maurice’s first PhD students, I have had the privilege of seeing the full journey of the group. Scientific achievement takes time, but in the moment you are mostly enjoying the work, the people and the ideas. Time flies — it is hard to believe that more than three decades later we are celebrating together in such wonderful company. I only hope we see even more friendly faces at the next big gathering.”
The event also provided an opportunity for former students, colleagues and collaborators to share memories of Professor Skolnick’s mentorship and leadership. Many spoke about the group not only as a place of excellent science, but as a community that helped shape careers, collaborations and lasting friendships.
As Sheffield continues to build its strength in photonics, semiconductors and quantum technologies, the legacy of the Low Dimensional Structures and Devices group remains highly visible. The scientific foundations established by Professor Skolnick and his colleagues continue to support new research directions, new partnerships and new routes from discovery to innovation.
The 35th anniversary was therefore not only a celebration of the past, but also a statement about Sheffield’s future: a place where semiconductor photonics took root, grew internationally, and continues to shape the technologies of tomorrow.