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Edwin Augustine Owen (1887-1973) was Professor of Physics at the University College of North Wales from 1926 to 1954. He was born at Blaenau Ffestiniog, north Wales, educated at Ffestiniog Grammar School and University College, Bangor. On being awarded the 1851 Exhibition Scholarship he did important work on Roentgen rays and radioactivity at the Cavandish Laboratory under Professor J.J. Thompson. In 1912 he was appointed to the staff of the National Physical Laboratory in the Department of Metrology and on joining University College London continued his research interest on x-rays and atomic physics. In 1926 he was appointed to the Chair of Physics at Bangor where he established an internationally recognised research facility in metal physics. He was awarded the Roentgen Award in 1927, was Silvanus Thompson Medallist in 1945 and was vice-president of the Institute of Physics 1957-59.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Professor Owen made other significant contributions to the local community, notably as Chairman of the North Wales District Workers' Educational Association in 1946-56, member of the Welsh Regional Hospital Board and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Bangor Grammar Schools. He broadcast several times in Welsh on scientific topics and was inducted to the Gorsedd of Bards. He was acting Principal of the University College, Bangor in 1945-46.