Dermot Green, a theoretical physicist from the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast, has been awarded the highly prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant. The grant, worth €2 million over five years, will support Green’s groundbreaking project entitled “ANTIMATTER: Many-body theory and computation of low-energy antimatter interactions with matter and light”.

The ERC Consolidator Grant is one of the most sought-after accolades in the scientific community, recognising research excellence in Europe. This year, out of 2,313 applications, only 328 were successful—underscoring the highly competitive nature of the award. Dermot’s successful application not only highlights the exceptional nature of his work but also reinforces his reputation as an internationally leading theoretical physicist.  

This achievement is particularly remarkable given that it marks Green’s second successive ERC award. In 2019, he was awarded an ERC Starting Grant, making his current win a testament to his continued excellence and the evolving significance of his research. Green’s ongoing work at Queen’s University Belfast, where he investigates fundamental aspects of antimatter and its interactions with matter and light, has relevance to multiple scientific disciplines, including atomic and molecular physics, quantum chemistry, high-performance scientific computing, medical imaging and materials science.

"I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and opportunity, and humbled by the trust placed in me to deliver a second ERC project. I am especially thankful to my former group members, collaborators, and mentors that have helped make it possible. This award is transformative, enabling  me to retain and attract senior researchers and international PhD students, and importantly sustain and form new collaborations with pre-eminent scientists  in Ireland, USA, UK, Germany, Norway, Italy and beyond."

A Commitment to Science and Education

Beyond his research, Dermot Green is a passionate advocate for the advancement of science, education, and policy. He serves as a member of the Institute of Physics UK Council of Trustees, Chair of the Institute of Physics in Ireland, and is a Fellow the Young Academy of Europe and a member of the Young Academy of Ireland. His active engagement in science policy ensures that the critical importance of physics research and science education is highlighted at both national and international levels.

As noted by leaders in the scientific community, the ERC Consolidator Grant is considered the gold standard of research excellence.

Professor Roger Woods, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences of the Queen’s University Belfast, commented,

"The University and Faculty are immensely pleased that Dermot has been able to secure this important funding. It will allow him to contribute to the existing strong portfolio of antimatter research and will bring new understanding into the development and advancement of antimatter-based technologies.”

At Queen’s University Belfast, Green’s work reinforces the institution’s position as a leader in cutting-edge research and innovation, contributing to the global reputation of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. With continued support from prestigious grants such as the ERC Consolidator Grant, Queen’s researchers are at the forefront of advancing knowledge and tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Dr. Dermot Green

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For enquiries contact d.green@qub.ac.uk