Sir Michael Warwick Thompson

Michael Warwick Thompson, (b. June 1931) was educated at Rydal School and the University of Liverpool where he was awarded a first class honours degree in physics in 1953 and was also Oliver Lodge Prize-winner. In the same year he became a research scientist at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell, Berkshire, remaining there until 1965, conducting research into atomic collision phenomena in solids. In 1963 Thompson was awarded a D.Sc in physics from the University of Liverpool and also in that year was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Physics.

From 1965-1980 Thompson worked at the University of Sussex, Brighton. He was Professor of Experimental Physics from 1965-1980 (Visiting Professor of Experimental Physics 1980-1986) and he served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor 1973-1977 (acting Vice-Chancellor in 1976). In 1980 Thompson was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia, Norwich. In 1987 he moved to the University of Birmingham as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, retiring in 1996. In 1992-93, Thompson chaired a Research Review for the Department of Health on the future of eight London hospitals known as Special Health Authorities. The report was published by HMSO and a copy is included in the archive. In 1997-98, Thompson chaired a Review for the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils on the future of an intense source known as ISIS and a copy of the report is also included in the archive. From 1979, Thompson was a non-executive director of a building society that became the bank Alliance and Leicester plc and was Deputy Chairman from 1997 until his retirement in 2001. Thompson was knighted in 1991.

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