Past winners of the De Beers Gold Medal

YearNameField
2022Prof Hendrik Belsazar GeyerFor his fundamental and novel contributions in the field of non-Hermitian quantum mechanics, leadership in building the field of Theoretical Physics in South Africa and significant contributions to the education and training of students
2020Prof Andrew ForbesFor his outstanding research career in photonics, optics and lasers, and for his distinguished and extensive contributions to leadership, education and human capacity development in Physics
2018Prof. Patricia Ann WhitelockFor her outstanding research career in astronomy and astrophysics, and for her distinguished and extensive contributions to leadership, education and human capacity development of the Physics and Astronomy community.
2014Prof. Manfred A HellburgFor his outstanding research career in plasma physics that has earned him international recognition in this field and for the numerous contributions he has made in his service to Physics in South Africa, and, with his significant experience, represented South African Physics internationally
2012Prof. Harm MoraalFor his service, contributions and role as an academic, teacher, quality researcher and leader to the South African and International Physics communities
2010Prof. George EllisFor contributions to theoretical cosmology
2008Prof. Krishanlal Bharuth-RamFor contributions to experimental nuclear physics
2006Prof. John Darrel CominsFor contributions to the study and understanding of the structure of materials, specifically the optical characterisation of structural, vibrational, electronic, and defect properties of solids
2004Prof. Roger Eduoard RaabFor contributions to the theory of Electromagnetic and Optical properties of molecules and crystals
2002Prof. Walter Dieter HeissFor contributions to Quantum Theory
2000Prof. Paul de V. du Plessis
1998Prof. A.D.M. WalkerFor contributions to physics of the ionosphere
1996No Award
1994Prof. F.J.W. HahneFor contributions to Theoretical Nuclear Physics
1992Prof. M.W. FeastFor contributions to Astronomy
1992Prof. P.H. StokerFor contributions to Cosmic Research
1990Prof. J.P.F. SellschopFor contributions to ion beam physics, mineral physics and diamond physics
1988Dr. Johann Carl VogelFor pioneering work on the natural abundance of isotopes and the application thereof to dating of groundwater supplies and archaeology
1986Prof. R.H. LemmerFor contributions to Theory of Nuclear Reactions
1984Prof. J.H. van der MerweFor contributions to Theory of Epitaxial Growth
1982Prof. W.E. FrahnFor contributions to Theory of Nuclear Reactions
1980Prof. F.R.N. NabarroFor contributions to Physics of Crystal Dislocations
1978Dr. S. Meiring NaudeFor contributions to Optical Spectroscopy