Fergus William Campbell

Fergus William Campbell (30 January 1924 – 3 May 1993) was a Scottish vision scientist who conducted foundational research into the optics of the human eye, into the electrical activity of the brains of people experiencing various phenomena of vision, and into the sorts of images which, when shown to people, might reveal the processes of their visual systems. Campbell's research changed the course of vision science.

Although Campbell's research work took him to Oxford University and then University of Cambridge, both in England, he remained true to his Scottish heritage and his humble origins. He was much beloved by colleagues and students, renowned for his kindliness, generosity, and stock of good stories.

In 1953, Campbell was appointed as a lecturer at the Cambridge Physiological Laboratory. He spent the remainder of his career there, eventually winning a personal chair in Neurosensory Physiology before retiring in 1991. He was a fellow at St. John's College.

Community service

Between 1960 and 1962, Campbell served on the General Optical Council of the UK National Health Service, representing educational interests for optometry.

Campbell was an Advisory Editor of Spatial Vision, and a member of the editorial board of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics.

Research

Selected works

Honours

In 1959, Campbell became the 14th Foundation lecturer of the British Optical Association. In 1962, he was awarded an honorary Fellowship of The British Optical Association. In 1978, Campbell was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. He won the Tillyer Medal from the Optical Society of America in 1980, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science from University of Glasgow in 1986 and from Aston University in 1987.