It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Jonathan Lawrence, a distinguished leader in laser engineering, on 14th July 2024 while on holiday in Crete, Greece. Long-time friends and ex-colleagues Pratik Shukla and David Waugh (both MTC), and Dave MacLellan (AILU) share their thoughts.

Jonathan was a devoted husband to Louise and a loving father to his two children, Ethan and Lydia. His passing is a great loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the global academic community. Jonathan held the position of Professor of Lasers in Engineering and later became the Chair of Energy Materials and Engineering during his final tenure at the University of the West of Scotland (2022-2024).

Jonathan was a very keen supporter of AILU and became a member in 2015. Shortly after that he joined the Steering Committee where he served from 2016 until 2021. He acted as Chair and host of the Surface Engineering workshop in 2015 at Chester University, and was always happy to give advice and recommendations to steer AILU in the right direction. After ILAS 2017 and 2019, selected papers were published in Lasers In Engineering – of which Jonathan was Editor-in Chief – an initiative that gave open access to many of the academic papers presented.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1970, Jonathan began his career as a turner in the mid-1990s before pursuing his academic aspirations. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bradford and earned a PhD in Laser Processing at the University of Manchester in 1999, under the supervision of Professor Lin Li as his very first PhD student.

Academic Career

Jonathan’s postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester set the foundation for a remarkable career. He went on to take a lectureship at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he spent four years before returning to the UK as a Senior Lecturer at Loughborough University in 2005. At Loughborough, Jonathan’s career in laser processing of materials flourished, particularly after securing EPSRC and industrial funding for projects in laser surface engineering. These projects laid the foundation for his future leadership in the field, allowing him to build an impressive network of researchers and establish a strong reputation for innovation.

Jonathan’s ability to lead and innovate led to his appointment as Professor of Laser Engineering at Lincoln University in 2010 at the age of 40, a notable achievement in the academic world. Over the next decade, he would grow three research laboratories across the UK, at Lincoln and subsequently the universities of Chester and Coventry, contributing to pioneering advancements in laser processing of materials. He was the author of 8 books, 16 book chapters, and 7 patents, and he published 180 international journal papers. He also secured £7.6 million in research income from 57 grants, funded by both government and industry.

Contributions and Leadership

Jonathan’s major contributions to laser engineering were in the fields of wetting science, laser peening, and laser ignition and later in laser welding. He was a key figure in several high-profile projects, including H1PERBAT (£18 m) and H1PERCHAIN (£12 m), both based at Coventry University. His vision and leadership extended beyond academia, serving as Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor to the Scottish Government (East Ayrshire Council) from 2022–2024, and as Founder Director of the Institute for Sustainable Engineering and Energy (ISEE) at the University of the West of Scotland.

A Mentor and Visionary

Perhaps Jonathan’s greatest legacy was his impact as a mentor and leader. He supervised numerous PhD students and senior researchers and lecturers, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. His approach to leadership was progressive, providing opportunities for his colleagues to grow both professionally and personally. Jonathan believed in pulling people up alongside him, ensuring they had the necessary infrastructure and environment to succeed. This unique leadership style not only advanced the careers of those around him but also supported their personal and family lives.

A Charismatic Leader

Jonathan was admired for his charismatic and approachable personality. He had a gift for making those around him feel valued, and his ability to offer thoughtful advice, whether on professional or personal matters, made him a trusted mentor. To those who knew him well, it wasn’t uncommon to be encouraged by his approach and his unwavering belief in those he mentored, often being told “don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t solve a problem, show them that you can”

Editor and Academic Publisher

Jonathan was also a respected figure in academic publishing. As Editor-in-Chief of two leading journals, Lasers in Engineering and the newly established Laser Science and Engineering, he worked tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of scholarship. His meticulous approach to reviewing and editing made these journals influential platforms for the dissemination of cutting-edge research in laser processing.

A Life Well Lived

Outside of his academic pursuits, Jonathan was a dedicated family man. He loved spending time with his family, ensuring their well-being was always a priority. He enjoyed walking, played recreational football in his younger years, and relished sunbathing on holiday and often driving very fast in his beloved red Honda Civic which he kept in an absolutely immaculate condition over the years.

Jonathan Lawrence’s legacy will live on through the individuals whose careers he shaped, the innovations he brought to the field of laser engineering, and the warmth and kindness he shared with those around him. He will be remembered not only for his scientific contributions but for the deep impact he had as a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. He is survived by his wife Louise, his children Ethan and Lydia, and his extended family. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pratik Shukla, David Waugh, Dave MacLellan