Sir Martin Wood, founder of Oxford Instruments died on 23 November at the age of 94 after a short illness. Oxford Instruments was started by Martin and his wife, Audrey’s, garden shed in 1959. Together they established Oxford Instruments as the first, and still one of the most successful, spin outs from the University of Oxford. Under Martin’s guidance, Oxford Instruments developed the world’s first superconducting magnet, establishing a new research field of nuclear magnetic resonance as well as the first fully functioning MRI for medical use. Here, he pioneered the design and manufacture of low temperature equipment and his innovations have enabled researchers to carry out fundamental research at extremely low temperatures.
He stepped back from the daily running of Oxford Instruments a number of years ago, but maintained an active interest in the company as Honorary Chairman.
