Robert Lamb is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Light Source, Canada’s national synchrotron facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Professor Lamb completed a PhD in Surface Chemistry at The University of Melbourne and a PhD in Solid State Physics at Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge. His academic history includes appointments at institutions including University of Heidelberg, Germany; University of Sydney; University of Cambridge as well as Universities in the USA and Hong Kong. He has published 202 papers and 39 patents, most notably in the area of surface and materials science. He has lectured in both Physics and Chemistry for the past 20 years and has had 75 postgraduates in the past decade.

Dr. Lamb was Head of the School of Chemistry at the University of New South Wales (Sydney) from 2000-2006 and also Director of the Surface Science and Technology Centre. From 2007-2009 he was Foundation Director of the Australian Synchrotron - the $400 million National Science institute established in Melbourne.

He served on a number of committees including the Australian Academy of Sciences Chemistry Committee, Editorial board of Surface and Interface Analysis, including Chair of Scientific Advisory Committee for the Canadian Light Source. He also chaired the ISO group that produced National Standards for surface characterization and also world’s first ISO certification for Synchrotron operations.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently holds positions on Boards in Australia, North America and Asia. He has founded 3 start-up ventures. His current research interests are in thin film materials with particular emphasis on non-stick surfaces. He is also working with staff and students on developing the translation of science to technology within a University setting.