Rate My Professor Richard Collins

Professor Richard Collins is Emeritus Professor in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE) since 1997, he previously served as Professor of Applied Physics from 1980 to 2000 and as Head of the School of Physics. Collins enjoyed a 40-year career at the University of Sydney as both a research scientist and educator, emphasizing the vital role of teacher-student interaction in physics learning. He contributed significantly to the Physics Foundation, listed among its distinguished supporters.

Collins' research specializations in applied physics include conduction heat transfer in rarefied polyatomic gases and heat flow measurements in vacuum insulating glass. He led a University of Sydney research team funded by the Energy Research and Development Corporation on vacuum glazing technology starting in the early 1990s. Key publications feature 'An experimental study of conduction heat transfer in rarefied polyatomic gases' co-authored with M.T. O'Shea, and more recent works such as 'Measurement of heat flow through vacuum insulating glass part 1' (2022) and 'Measurement of heat flow through vacuum insulating glass part 2: measurement area separated from glass sheets with buffer plates' (2022), both involving collaborators from the School of Physics and industry partners like Glaston Finland Oy and Nippon Sheet Glass Co. His leadership extended to serving as Chairman of an Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation committee, re-appointed in 1990 for four years. Collins has shared insights on physics education and research through ABC radio programs, including Ockham's Razor on teaching effectiveness and The Science Show. His contributions have advanced thermal insulation technologies and enhanced physics teaching practices at the University of Sydney.