Professor George Smith was the first-ever student to be admitted to the College to read what was called Metallurgy, now Materials Science. He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the College in 2009 in recognition of his distinguished academic career. He is a materials scientist with special interest in the study of the microstructure, composition and properties of engineering materials at the atomic level. He led the Oxford research group that developed novel atom probe techniques for the direct observation of solid materials in three dimensions on the atomic scale (now termed “atom probe tomography”). He also pioneered the commercial development of the technique through the establishment of a spin-out company, Oxford nanoScience Ltd (now part of Cameca Instruments Inc.) He has published extensively on the subjects of the atomic-scale changes that occur during the heat treatment and long-term service use of steels and non-ferrous alloys. He has particular interests in the long-term safety and stability of the engineering materials used in current-generation nuclear reactors, and those being developed for use in future fusion energy production systems. From 2000 - 2005 he was Head of the Department of Materials. He officially retired from the University in 2010, but continues to be active in research as an Emeritus Professor of Materials, and as an external consultant to an expanding U.K. fusion energy company, Tokamak Energy Ltd.
The Prize was established with support from the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, a livery company originally comprised of armourers and brass workers. Since 1985 it has been awarded biennially for excellence in basic research in functional or structural materials where the research is clearly motivated by use of these materials. The concept of 'use-inspired basic research' describes research seeking fundamental understanding that is motivated or inspired by considerations of practical use.
Commenting on his prize Professor Smith said: "I am greatly honoured to receive this prestigious award. My dominant thought is that this was a team effort. A large number of highly talented people worked within the team over many years to achieve this success, and this award is a tribute to them all."