David James Thouless (1934-2019) Biography, Family

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Full Name	David James Thouless
Field	Condensed matter physics
Famous for	Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016 for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter

BA	Natural Science at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University (1955)
PhD	Theoretical Physics, Cornell University (1958)

Wife/Spouse

Margaret Scrase (biologist, teacher)

Children

Sons	Michael Christopher
Daughter	Helen

Parents

Father	Robert Henry Thouless (15/07/1894 - 25/09/1984)
Mother	Priscilla (Gorton) Thouless

Siblings

Sister	Susan

Doctoral Advisor	Hans Bethe
Doctoral Student	J. Michael Kosterlitz
Doctoral Thesis	The application of perturbation methods to the theory of nuclear matter (1958)
Key Positions	Research fellow, University of Birmingham (1959-1961) Professor, University of Washington, Seattle (1980-2003)
Key Collaborations	Developed the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition with J. Michael Kosterlitz in the 1970s

1. David's father served in the British Army’s Royal Engineers Corps during WWI.
2. David developed an interest in mathematics at the age of four.
3. During WWII, David and his sister were relocated to Devon in England.
4. David did not attend school while living with his grandmother.
5. His love for arithmetic calculations blossomed at the age of five.
6. David was a top student in mathematics at his school.
7. While studying at St Faith’s School in Cambridge, David earned a scholarship.
8. He excelled academically at Winchester College.
9. David's teachers critiqued his handwriting abilities.
10. He submitted his doctoral thesis earlier than expected.
11. David met his wife, Margaret Scrase, while studying in the US.
12. He challenged and triumphed over David Bronstein in a chess match.
13. The chess match against Bronstein took place at Trinity Hall Cambridge.
14. David fell ill with a respiratory disease during his time at Churchill College, Cambridge.
15. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in the winter of 1964.
16. David participated in a scientific conference in Russia in 1965.
17. He cherished the beautiful scenery of California where he lived.
18. Conflict with Birmingham University led to David's resignation.
19. He devoted his time and resources to conducting research in his laboratory.
20. David served as the president of the Society for Psychical Research.