UK Ministers have hailed today's announcement that the Nobel Prize for Physics 2009 has been awarded to Charles K. Kao, who made his breakthrough in fibre optics while working in the UK in the 1960s.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said that they had awarded the Nobel Prize 2009 in Physics for two scientific achievements that have helped to shape the foundations of today's networked societies. One half was awarded to Charles K. Kao "for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibres for optical communication", and the other half jointly to Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith "for the invention of an imaging semiconductor circuit - the CCD sensor".

Born in 1933 in China, and a British citizen, Charles Kuen Kao is affiliated to Standard Telecommunication Laboratories in the British town of Harlow, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

British Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:

"I am delighted to congratulate Charles K. Kao on this tremendous achievement. This is a proud day for Charles and for the whole country. His achievements in fibre optic technology have transformed the way the world communicates, entertains and does business.

"This prize demonstrates the immense contribution UK researchers bring to science. I also hope it inspires the next generation of scientists to follow in Charles's footsteps and take up the challenge of securing our world lead in science and technology."

British Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies of Abersoch said:

"This award shows what can be achieved when international talent is combined with the academic excellence and supportive business environment of the UK. The UK is a place where the best ideas can thrive and grow. I congratulate Charles K. Kao, and I hope tomorrow's Nobel Prize winners will look to the UK as a place where they can achieve similar success."

A report published this month, the International Benchmarking Study of UK Research Performance 2009, showed that UK research remains the most productive and efficient in the G8.

The study revealed that the UK offers some of the best value for money, and ranks first among the G8 nations on the number of citations in relation to public R&D spend.

In addition, the UK is second only to the US on leading scientific indicators, including clinical sciences, health sciences, biological sciences, environmental and social sciences.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the Government's international business development organisation, encourages innovative firms to locate in the UK to take advantage of its academic excellence and good business environment.

Last year, there were over 200 R&D investments in the UK, which created or safeguarded over 18,000 jobs.

Media contact

For more information, please contact Tessa Fras in UKTI Press Office on 02072158483 or email tessa.fras@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.

 

Notes for Editors

 

1. UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's dynamic economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UK Trade & Investment offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools  they require to be competitive on the world stage.  For further information please visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000.

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