Leeds mathematician elected to prestigious APS fellowship
A leading academic from the School of Mathematics has been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), recognising his major contributions to astrophysical and geophysical fluid dynamics.
Professor Steven Tobias, who serves as the director of the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics (LIFD), is among an international selection of new Fellows elected by the APS in 2023, bestowed upon individuals who make “exceptional contributions to the physics enterprise”.
He was commended “[f]or significant contributions to astrophysical and geophysical fluid dynamics, combining mathematical analysis and deep physical insight leading to considerable advances in the understanding of solar dynamos, wave-mean flow interactions, and turbulent flows, and for selfless service to the field”.
This latest accolade follows Professor Tobias’ election to a Rothschild Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in 2022, which enabled him to investigate dynamo theory – one of the most complex areas of maths in astrophysics.
Speaking about his latest achievement with the APS, Professor Tobias said: “I’m very honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Fluid dynamics is a vitally important discipline and contributes to many societal challenges – including net zero, climate and health. The Division of Fluid Dynamics of the APS leads research in all these vital areas, so it is a privilege to be elected as a fellow.”
The APS Fellowship Program was created to recognise members who have made notable advances in physics through original research, or through significant innovations in the application of physics to science and technology. They may also make significant contributions to education, or service and participation in the activities of the Society.
APS Fellowships are also a distinct honour; every year, no more than 0.5% of the Society’s membership is recognised by peers for election.
