After graduation as a Physicist at the University of Cambridge, Peter Hawkes joined the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge and received his PhD in Physics in 1963. He was awarded several Fellowships from Peterhouse and Churchill College which allowed him to dedicate his research on electron optics. During this very exciting time he pioneered work in the field of aberration corrections. In parallel, Peter was becoming increasingly interested in scientific computing and image processing.  These topics, for which he acquired international renown, has significantly advanced our understanding in image formation. 

In 1975, he joined the CNRS Laboratory of Electron Optics (now CEMES) in Toulouse, France. This Institute was home to the world's first high voltage electron microscope, and Hawkes launch image processing at the laboratory. Peter remained at the institute until his retirement in 2022, having also become Director in 1987.

Peter Hawkes was former president of the French Society of Microscopies (1998-1999) and was honorary member of this Society. Most importantly for the European community of microscopists, he was the Founder-President of the European Microscopy Society in 1998. 

Peter’s contributions were not just limited to his groundbreaking research; he was also a dedicated mentor and educator, inspiring countless students and colleagues with his passion and knowledge. His publications, including “Electrons and Microscopes: Towards Nanosciences,” have been instrumental in shaping modern microscopy techniques.

He was editor-in chef of a book series “Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics”.  He was also the author of one of the reference books on electronic optics “Principles of Electron Optics, 3 volumes” PW Hawkes and E Kasper. Hawkes joined the editorial board of the microscopy methods journal, Ultramicroscopy and was editor with JCH Spence of the Springer handbook of microscopy (2019) which included the very recent developments in ptychography, electron vortex optics, a proposal for a quantum microscope, phase plates and statistical methods of extracting information from micrographs.

Alongside Hawkes’ tireless contributions to writing about the latest developments in electron optics and aberrations for the broader microscopy community, he also organized numerous conferences and congresses.

Beyond his professional achievements, Peter was known for his kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers.

Peter Hawkes will be deeply missed, but his contributions to science and his impact on those who knew him will live on.

The board of the European Microscopy Society extend its condolences to Peter's family and loved ones