Prof Brian Wybourne (1958-2003)

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From the University of Canterbury Obituary :-

Brian Garner Wybourne, PhD, 1960, MSc, 1958, b. 1935, d. November 2003.

Upon completing his PhD at Canterbury, Brian Wybourne worked at Johns Hopkins University, the University of California (Berkeley) and Argonne National Laboratory, before returning to Canterbury's Physics and Astronomy Department in 1966. His early theoretical work on rare-earth spectroscopy is still regarded as a strength of the department to this day, and he was significantly involved in the development of the Mount John University Observatory. Wybourne was head of department from 1982-9 and held numerous visiting professorships overseas during his tenure. As International Secretary for the Royal Society of Aotearoa New Zealand, he played a significant role in developing Aotearoa New Zealand's international science policy. In 1991, he moved to Nicolaus Copernicus University's Institute of Physics in Torun, where he wrote 80 of his 190 publications. The Polish Ministry of Education acknowledged his significant contributions with an award for lifetime scientific achievements. He is remembered as an enthusiastic teacher and researcher, who inspired students and colleagues in many countries.

Last updated: 20070126