The renowned physicist who developed the laws of thermodynamics is Lord Kelvin, also known as William Thomson. He made significant contributions to the understanding of heat, energy, and the physical properties of gases. His formulation of the laws of thermodynamics helped establish foundational concepts in both physics and engineering, influencing various fields, including chemical engineering and cosmology. Kelvin's work laid the groundwork for modern thermodynamic principles, shaping our understanding of energy interactions and conservation in closed systems, which continues to be vital in scientific research today.