Russell Stannard is a retired high-energy particle physicist, currently holding the position of Professor Emeritus of Physics at the Open University.

Stannard Studied Physics at University College London, where he earned a BSc in Special Physics, followed by a PhD in Cosmic Ray Physics. He has served as a lecturer at University College London, before beginning his career at the Open University as a Reader. Stannard became the head of the Physics Department at Open University, a position which he held for over 20 years.

Stannard has also worked as a Visiting Fellow at the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey, and is the former Vice President of the Institute of Physics.

In 1986, he was awarded the Templeton UK Project Award for ‘significant contributions to the field of spiritual values; in particular for contributions to greater understanding of science and religion. This prize is awarded by the Templeton Foundation, of which he has been a trustee.

Stannard has also been awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his work at the Open University and his contributions to physics and science in general. Other awards include the Bragg Medal and Prize of the Institute of Physics for ‘distinguished contributions to the teaching of physics’. Stannard is also a sculptor; two of his pieces were until recently on display in the main quadrangle of the Open University site at Milton Keynes.