Professor Lewis was a founding member of the physics department in 1966 and was responsible for setting up the microscopy facility within the Physics department. He created the vision to recognise the importance of microscopy and materials research which has been a traditional strength of the Warwick Physics department .

The prize, donated by emeritus professor Mike Lewis, is a sialon ceramic disk. Sialons were the world’s first commercially available advanced ceramic materials. Research by Mike Lewis and his group in the early 80’s onwards led the way to understanding the unique properties of this material, constantly striving to improve the properties with projects involving Lucas Industries and Rolls Royce(Jet turbines).

Mike now enjoys retirement sailing around the coast’s of southern England and Europe and relaxing with the grandchildren.