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Gianluigi Botton

Chief Executive Officer

Gianluigi Botton - Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Light Source



Professional Overview:
Professor Gianluigi Botton was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Light Source in August 2023, officially taking up his role in October 2023. He transitioned to Diamond Light Source from the Canadian Light Source, where he served as the Science Director from May 2019. Botton is a highly respected materials scientist and engineer, specializing in the characterization of materials using advanced electron microscopy and electron spectroscopy techniques.

Key Achievements and Career Highlights:
  • Research and Funding: He has secured over $50 million as Principal Investigator and $90 million as a co-investigator. His prolific research output includes more than 350 peer-reviewed publications with over 34,000 citations.

  • Recognitions: Recipient of notable accolades including:

  • Presidential Award from the Microbeam Analysis Society (2020)

  • Metal Physics Award from the Canadian Materials Science Conference (2017)

  • Fellowships:

  • Royal Society of Canada (2018)

  • Microscopy Society of America (2014)

  • Leadership at Research Institutions:

  • Founding Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM), spearheading its operations from 2008 until 2019.

  • Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at McMaster University.

  • Holder of a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Electron Microscopy of Nanoscale Materials.


Projects and Initiatives:
  • Diamond-II Upgrade: Under Botton's leadership, Diamond Light Source is embarking on the £519 million Diamond-II upgrade, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the facility's capabilities in delivering cutting-edge scientific research. Botton has expressed his enthusiasm for realizing the opportunities that Diamond-II will bring to both the academic and industrial scientific communities.

  • Sustainability Efforts: He oversaw the completion of a significant solar panel installation, underlining Diamond Light Source's commitment to sustainability.


Public Engagement and Industry Contributions:
  • Botton is actively involved in promoting scientific achievements and outreach, exemplified by his participation in events such as the Harwell Open Day, where he showcased Diamond Light Source's contributions to the broader scientific community.

  • He has been instrumental in fostering collaborations and facilitating complex experiments, particularly in imaging and developing energy-efficient materials for applications in batteries, fuel cells, and lighting.


Notable Appointments and Statements:
  • His arrival at Diamond Light Source was endorsed by Professor Sir Adrian Smith, Chairman of the Diamond Board of Directors, who highlighted Botton's extensive experience and contributions as a scientific leader.

  • Upon his appointment, Botton expressed his excitement about leading Diamond Light Source during a transformative period and emphasized the facility's potential to tackle global challenges such as climate change and pandemics through innovative scientific research.


For any detailed inquiry or further exploration of Gianluigi Botton's professional journey, his LinkedIn profile and various published works provide extensive resources. His impactful leadership and research expertise underscore a strategic advantage for collaborators and stakeholders engaging with Diamond Light Source.