 Massey returned to University College , London , in October 1945 to find it badly damaged by bombing , and the Mathematics Department in dingy temporary accommodation . He was allowed to pick his own lecturers , so he chose Bats , Burhop , Buckingham and Gunn . While they had to teach mathematics , they were free to choose their own research topics , so they chose to research physics , carrying out physical experiments . This situation lasted until 1950 , when Edward Andrade retired , and Massey was appointed Quain Professor of Physics and head of the University College , London , Physics Department . The department was merged with Astronomy in 1973 , but he remained its head until he retired in 1975 . He also served as University College , London 's Vice @-@ Provost from 1969 to 1973 . 
