I was greatly saddened to learn of Paul McMillan's passing last week on February 2, 2022. He was a truly exceptional scientist and wonderful, engaging human being who communicated his infectious love of science to all who came in contact with him.

Paul was born on June 3, 1956 in Edinburgh, Scotland, received his Bachelor of Science at the University of Edinburgh in 1977 and his Ph.D only four years later at Arizona State University. I believe I first met Paul at one of the Gordon Conferences on Research at High Pressure, a Conference he himself Chaired in 2002. Besides his great passion for science, he loved playing soccer and enthusiastically took part in the friendly traditional Gordon Conference soccer matches Thursday afternoon. 

Because Paul possessed a deep understanding of Chemistry and Materials Physics, it was always a pleasure to discuss science and exchange ideas with him. He was a gifted communicator and a much sought after invited speaker. Following a Condensed Matter Seminar that Paul gave on my invitation at Washington University in the 1990’s, the Chair of the Department of Physics, Dick Norberg, was so impressed that he commented to me “I wish we had someone of his caliber here.” Since Dick Norberg was referring to Paul McMillan, I was not in the least insulted!

Paul McMillan will be greatly missed both as an exceptional scientist and human being.

James S. Schilling
Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA