Braithwaite, Nicholas (physicien)

Nicholas Braithwaite joined The Open University in 1987, as a lecturer in Electronic Materials. He is currently the Executive Dean of STEM and the VCE sponsor for Sustainability.  Previous offices held include Head of Materials Engineering, Head of Physics and Astronomy, Director of the Centre for STEM Pedagogy, Director of the OpenSTEM Labs, Associate Dean for Academic Excellence.  Nicholas was promoted to Professor in Engineering Physics in 2002 on the strength of his international research profile in plasma science together with his record of contributions to the teaching of topics in electrical engineering and physics. He has made major contributions to a wide range of modules in engineering and science, collaborating with other groups globally.  Through his work on the OpenSTEM Labs he has received particular recognition as an educational innovator including the 2020 Lawrence Bragg Gold Medal of the Institute of Physics. The OpenSTEM Labs have transformed the teaching of physics and other STEM subjects through practical work, to a global audience of formal and informal learners. The Labs provide over 100,000 hours per year of practical engagement and have won several major awards for educational innovation.