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When Honorary Professor Brian Robson arrived at The Australian ������ýapp University (ANU) as a 25-year-old research fellow in April 1960, he joined a university already known for excellence and innovation.

“ANU was a top university from the beginning,” Professor Robson recalled at a celebratory event at the ANU Research School of Physics (RSPhys) earlier this year. “The School had the best director of its time, Sir Mark Oliphant. He had worked at the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, which was then the premier laboratory in the world, and modelled the Research School of Physical Sciences on it.”

Over 65 years later, Professor Robson’s name is synonymous with Theoretical Physics at ANU. His career has spanned nuclear theory, particle physics and cosmology, and his leadership has helped shape a generation of researchers. 

Now in retirement, Professor Robson’s impact continues through a remarkable philanthropic gift supporting the Brian Robson Award in Theoretical Physics. “My whole idea by donating is to try and bring back more theoretical physics.” he says.

Professor Tim Senden, former Director of RSPhys, described the gift as both timely and transformative, “Brian’s gift is not only a recognition of his extraordinary career but a beacon for the future of physics at ANU. By investing in theoretical physics, he is ensuring our young researchers have the support and inspiration they need to push the boundaries of discovery.”

From his early days providing vital theoretical expertise across departments to leading one of the school’s largest research teams, Professor Robson has dedicated his life to understanding the universe.

“I want to encourage a resurgence in theoretical physics—to support the next generation of researchers,” he says. “It’s about ensuring that future generations have the support they need to explore new ideas.”

The Brian Robson Award in Theoretical Physics will provide vital support for emerging researchers in the discipline he helped build. In his words, it is “a small effort” towards revitalising the vibrant theoretical community he experienced as a young scholar.

Additionally, Professor Robson hopes to inspire young physicists to take bold risks and tackle fundamental questions. “Physics is the most important field for understanding what the universe is made of and how it operates. That’s what people call a ‘theory of everything.’” 

He also hopes his philanthropy will encourage others to support ANU. 

“It’s about ensuring that future generations have the support they need to explore new ideas.”