Dr Lewis Owen wins the BTM Willis Prize 2026
14 Apr 2026 - Stephanie Richardson
The 2026 BTM Willis Prize has been awarded to Dr Lewis Owen of the University of Sheffield for his pioneering development and application of neutron total scattering methods to understand the local structure of metal alloys.
Dr Owen’s work addresses a long-standing challenge in metallurgy of understanding how local atomic structure influences the properties of metal alloys systems, from fundamental alloy systems to technologically applied materials.
To tackle this challenge, Dr Owen developed a new approach using neutron and synchrotron X‑ray total scattering techniques – methods that had been difficult to apply to alloys because of the challenges involved in analysing and interpreting the data. By developing an analytical framework based on total scattering and the reverse Monte Carlo data analysis method, Lewis established a method for determining and understanding local atomic structure in metallic systems.
This work has led to new insight into two important alloy systems: auricupride (Cu3Au), which demonstrates a characteristic ordering transition, and the exemplar high-entropy Cantor alloy (CrMnFeCoNi). More recently, his methods have been applied to compositional complex alloy systems and other materials, including oxide ceramics.
Dr Owen began studying the local atomic structure of metal alloys during his doctoral studies with the University of Cambridge and the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and he has continued to advance this field through a fellowship at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and currently as a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, where he is a Senior Lecturer in Metallurgy Characterisation. He has established a strong international collaborative network, supporting colleagues in using neutron total scattering and working with industrial partners.
Despite being at a relatively early stage of his research career, Lewis is rapidly establishing an international reputation as a developer of valuable neutron scattering methods for metallurgical research.
Lewis' co-nominator, Professor Howard Stone, University of Cambridge
“The neutron scattering research that Lewis has led has given us tremendous new insights into the local atomic structure, short range order, and lattice strains in alloys,” said co-nominator, Professor Howard Stone. “I am delighted that his contribution has been recognised through this award.
“Despite being at a relatively early stage of his research career, Lewis is rapidly establishing an international reputation as a developer of valuable neutron scattering methods for metallurgical research. Lewis’s work has collectively led to a change in the academic discourse in the field, which is a truly remarkable achievement. Many research groups around the world are now applying the same analyses and working with him to understand complex materials and problems.”
Alongside his research, Dr Owen actively supports the wider research community through scientific committees (Institute of Physics and British Crystallographic Association), facilities access review panels (ISIS and Diamond Light Source), facility development studentships (ISIS and Diamond Light Source), hosting international research placements students (Denmark, Sweden), organising training courses (Henry Royce institute, Physical Crystallography Group Summer School, Neutrons and X-rays for Industrial Technology Transitions consortium), mentoring early‑career researchers and engaging in public outreach. He was recently awarded the Parkin Prize for Outreach and Education by the British Crystallographic Association.
Lewis’s co-nominator, Professor Steve Hull, former Head of Crystallography at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, remarked that “Lewis actively encourages people to study crystallography and materials science, targeting widening participation in STEM from underrepresented groups, and is an excellent role model who inspires early career researchers and those considering an education and career in science.”
The BTM Willis Prize is named in honour of Professor Terry Willis, founder of the UK Neutron Scattering Group and the Harwell (later Oxford) School of Neutron Scattering. Since 2001, the prize has been coordinated by the Neutron Scattering Group, a joint Interest Group of the Institute of Physics and Royal Society of Chemistry. It is awarded to an individual in recognition of a single outstanding piece of work, or of a longer-term coherent body of work, in the use of neutrons applied to a significant scientific challenge or, alternatively, in recognition of a major development in neutron instrumentation or techniques.
Dr Owen’s prize announcement was made at the UK Neutron & Muon Science and User Meeting (NMSUM) 2026 at the University of Warwick.
Lewis actively encourages people to study crystallography and materials science, targeting widening participation in STEM from underrepresented groups, and is an excellent role model who inspires early career researchers and those considering an education and career in science.
Lewis’s co-nominator, Professor Steve Hull, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
