For over 30 years, Martijn has been a key figure in research, education and service within the Australian, Australasian and global optics communities. A theorist in nonlinear optics, he has made key contributions in soliton physics, nonlinear Bragg grating, gap solitons, high energy laser pulses, photonic crystals and metamaterials, scattering theory, and novel aspects of nonlinear propagation in optical fibres, and numerous other areas. For a pure theorist, his commitment to constant collaboration with experimentalists is notable and a key part of his research success.

Martijn is a gifted classroom teacher in optics, photonics and all areas of general physics and has lectured at times in the developing world. His contributions to optics education were acknowledged with multiple awards.

His service to the Australian and global optics communities is equally impressive. He has hold many leadership positions at OPTICA, on the ARC College of Experts, and within the University of Sydney, CUDOS and COMBS.

More details on the award can be found here.