Roland Winston received his BS in 1956, MS in 1957, and PhD in 1963 all from the University of Chicago.

From 1964 to 2003, Professor Winston held various positions, including Chairman of the Department of Physics (1989-1995) at his alma mater, the University of Chicago. In 1965, in connection with designing Cerenkov radiation detectors for a high energy physics experiment, Professor Winston discovered the ideal nonimaging concentrator now called the compound parabolic concentrator. He extended the principles of nonimaging concentration to the design of solar collectors in 1973.

Professor Winston's research and teaching focuses on concentrating solar energy systems and applied nonimaging optics. The concepts developed and the devices invented by Professor Winston have formed the core of a new technology which carries the promise of making solar energy a truly viable energy source for society.

Professor Winston has continued research on high energy physics, most recently at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, where the beta decays of the hyperon octet are being investigated.

He is now Distinguished Professor at University of California, Merced, and Director of UC Solar. Winston is a Fellow of the Society and recipient of the 2009 Joseph Fraunhofer Award/Robert M. Burley Prize.