David Bates

David Bates (1916–1994) was a British physicist and mathematician. He was born in Omagh and died in Belfast. His professional career included positions at Queen's University Belfast, University College London, the British Admiralty Office, and Princeton University. He received his education at Queen's University Belfast and University College London.

Bates was a member of the Royal Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences. He was also affiliated with the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland. His notable awards include being a Fellow of the Royal Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Knight Bachelor.

His field of work encompassed atmospheric physics, molecular physics, and interstellar clouds. He studied under doctoral advisor Harrie Massey. He served as the doctoral advisor for M. J. Seaton and John T. Lewis.