Bertram Hopkinson

Bertram Hopkinson's main interest was in developing research in the Department, with the aim of making it comparable with that of Experimental Physics at the Cavendish. He built up a team of researchers looking at the science of flames and explosions, as well as the impact of bullets on steel plates. Amongst his research students was Harry Ricardo, the engineer who made his name for his pioneering work on internal combustion engines. It was Hopkinson who encouraged Ricardo to work on engines, turning him from the more traditional pursuit of civil engineering at that time.

Hopkinson continued his practice in the law courts together with his research. He employed Arthur H. Chapman to help him, and Arthur went on to serve successive Heads of Department for half a century. Bertram Hopkinson devoted a great deal of personal attention to teaching, and intervened personally in the running of the Workshops, appearing watch in hand at 8am to check the workmen started on time.