Richard D. James (scientist)

This article is about the scientist Richard D. James. For the musician, see Aphex Twin.

Richard D. James (born 1952) is a renowned mechanician and materials scientist. He is currently the Russell J. Penrose Professor and Distinguished McKnight University Professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Minnesota. He was educated at Brown University and at Johns Hopkins University.

James is widely known for his research in phase transitions. He has received several awards, including the Alexander von Humboldt Senior Research Award and more recently, the Prager Medal and the Koiter Medal. With John M. Ball, he currently serves as one of the chief editors of the Archive for Rational Mechanics and Analysis.