SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION



                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                   -------------------------------------------

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                                 Date of Report

                       (Date of earliest event reported):

                                 April 23, 2003

                    ----------------------------------------


                           THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware                                1-8002                        04-2209186
(State or other jurisdiction     (Commission File Number)       (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                         Identification Number)

81 Wyman Street, P.O. Box 9046
Waltham, Massachusetts                                                02454-9046
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

                                 (781) 622-1000
                         (Registrant's telephone number
                              including area code)



     This Current Report on Form 8-K contains  forward-looking  statements  that
involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements are set forth under the heading "Forward  Looking  Statements" in the
Registrant's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 28,
2002. These include risks and uncertainties  relating to the need to develop new
products and adapt to significant  technological change, dependence on customers
that operate in cyclical  industries,  general worldwide  economic slow down and
related  uncertainties,  the  effect of  changes  in  governmental  regulations,
dependence  on  customers'  capital  spending  policies and  government  funding
policies, use and protection of intellectual  property,  retention of contingent
liabilities  from  businesses  we sold,  integration  and  consolidation  of our
instrument businesses, realization of potential future savings from new sourcing
initiatives,   implementation  of  new  branding  strategy,   implementation  of
strategies  for  improving   internal  growth,   the  effect  of  exchange  rate
fluctuations on international operations,  and potential impairment of goodwill.
In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our views only as of today
and should not be relied  upon as  representing  our views as of any  subsequent
date. While we may elect to update  forward-looking  statements at some point in
the  future,  we  specifically  disclaim  any  obligation  to do so, even if our
estimates change and,  therefore,  you should not rely on these  forward-looking
statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to today.

Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

     (a)  Financial Statements of Business Acquired: Not applicable.

     (b)  Pro Forma Financial Information: Not applicable.

     (c)  Exhibits

          99   Press Release dated April 23, 2003.

Item 9.  Regulation FD Disclosure  (Information  furnished  pursuant to Item 12,
"Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition").

     On April 23, 2003, the Registrant  announced its financial  results for the
fiscal  quarter ended March 29, 2003.  The full text of the press release issued
in connection  with the  announcement  is attached  hereto as Exhibit 99 to this
Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

     In accordance with the procedural guidance in SEC Release No. 33-8216,  the
information in this Form 8-K and Exhibit 99 attached  hereto is being  furnished
under "Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure"  rather than under "Item 12. Disclosure
of Results of Operations and Financial  Condition." The information shall not be
deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange  Act") or otherwise  subject to the  liabilities of that section,
nor  shall it be  deemed  incorporated  by  reference  in any  filing  under the
Securities  Act of 1933 or the Exchange  Act,  except as expressly  set forth by
specific reference in such a filing.


                                       2




                                    SIGNATURE


     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized, on this 24th day of April 2003.

                                THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION


                                By: /s/ Kenneth J. Apicerno
                                    -------------------------
                                    Kenneth J. Apicerno
                                    Treasurer

                                       3


                                                                      Exhibit 99
[THERMO LOGO]

                                                                            NEWS


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:
J. Timothy Corcoran
Phone: 781-622-1111
E-mail: tim.corcoran@thermo.com
Website:  www.thermo.com

               Thermo Electron Reports First Quarter 2003 Results

WALTHAM, Mass., April 23, 2003 - Thermo Electron Corporation (NYSE: TMO) today
reported GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $.22 for the first quarter of
2003, compared with $.59 in the year-ago period. EPS results in 2002 included
significant gains from the sale of securities and divestitures. First quarter
revenues increased 2 percent to $500.2 million in 2003, compared with $491.3
million for the same period in 2002. Eliminating favorable currency effects (6
percent) and the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, organic revenues
declined 5 percent. GAAP operating margin for the quarter was 7.9 percent in
2003, versus 7.5 percent a year ago.

For investors to gain a better understanding of our operating results, we
believe it useful to present our financial results on both a GAAP and adjusted
basis, consistent with how we measure our operating performance. In this regard,
adjusted EPS increased to $.22 in the first quarter of 2003, versus $.20 for the
same period in 2002. The 2003 results reflect the adoption of new accounting
rules for revenue recognition under EITF Issue No. 00-21, which increased
earnings by $.01; results for the 2002 quarter have not been restated. First
quarter adjusted operating margin was 10.0 percent in 2003, versus 9.5 percent a
year ago.

Adjusted EPS and adjusted operating margin (detailed in the accompanying
schedules) exclude restructuring and other costs/income; amortization of
acquisition-related intangible assets; income from the sale of shares of FLIR
Systems and Thoratec; gain/loss on the early retirement of debt; and gain/loss
on disposal of discontinued operations.

Marijn E. Dekkers, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Electron,
said, "We are pleased to report a 10 percent improvement in adjusted EPS and
higher operating margins even though our top-line growth has been hampered by
ongoing difficult economic conditions. This performance is largely a result of
our efforts to drive continuous productivity throughout our operations. The
structural changes we've made position Thermo for faster EPS growth when our end
markets begin to recover.

"Critical to our growth strategy is our continued investment in product
development. We launched nearly 30 new products in March at Pittcon, one of the
world's largest laboratory instrumentation exhibitions. Our customers now know
us as a single instrumentation powerhouse, and we are providing them exceptional
value by offering the broad combination of instruments, consumables, and
software they need to accomplish their objectives."




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Mr. Dekkers added, "While the economy will affect our performance in the near
term, we believe that our productivity improvements will allow us to deliver EPS
growth for the full year. Our goal is to report $.22 to $.24 in adjusted EPS for
the second quarter of 2003, and $1.07 to $1.12 for all of 2003." This guidance
excludes $.01 of expense per quarter from the amortization of
acquisition-related intangible assets, and also excludes the other items
detailed in the description of adjusted EPS as well as other unusual items we
may have in the future. It is not feasible to provide GAAP EPS guidance because
the items excluded, other than the amortization expense, are difficult to
predict and estimate and are primarily dependent on future events, such as
decisions concerning the location and timing of facility consolidations, and the
timing of and proceeds from the sale of our remaining equity interests in
Thoratec and FLIR Systems.

Sector Results
Please note: In the first quarter of 2003, we realigned several businesses among
the sectors and began to allocate to the sectors some costs previously reported
as corporate expenses. Results for 2002 have been restated to reflect the sector
realignment and cost reallocation (detailed in the accompanying Segment Data
chart). Organic revenue growth figures exclude the effects of acquisitions,
divestitures, and currency translation.

Life and Laboratory Sciences
First quarter 2003 revenues for the Life and Laboratory Sciences sector were
$299 million, versus $281 million in 2002; organic revenues were flat. These
results included strong sales of our anatomical pathology products, optical
immunoassay rapid diagnostic tests, and mass spectrometry instruments, offset by
continued weakness in sales of laboratory equipment such as concentrators,
freezers, and incubators. On a GAAP basis, operating margin was 13.0 percent in
the first quarter of 2003, versus 15.0 percent a year ago. Adjusted operating
margin was 14.4 percent for the quarter, compared with 15.2 percent in 2002.
Operating margins in the quarter were negatively affected by the timing of
aggressive investments in several key commercial initiatives.

We continue to increase our presence as a leading provider of advanced
analytical technologies for the life sciences industry. During the quarter, we
formed a key alliance with Amersham Biosciences for the co-marketing of mass
spectrometers to the proteomics marketplace. Among the many products we launched
at Pittcon was our new Finnigan LTQ-FT - the first hybrid ion trap/Fourier
transform mass spectrometer. The LTQ-FT, which received the Pittcon Editors'
Silver Award, combines two powerful technologies to greatly accelerate analysis
in pharmaceutical research, drug discovery, and metabolic studies. We also
recently announced that our collaboration with Quest Diagnostics has resulted in
the first automated gene-based medical test using a biochip to screen
prospective parents for cystic fibrosis genes.

Measurement and Control
First quarter 2003 revenues for the Measurement and Control sector were $154
million, versus $152 million in 2002; organic revenues declined 7 percent. While
sector results continue to reflect difficult conditions in many industrial
process markets, sales of our environmental products


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remained strong, primarily those driven by new federal mandates governing
homeland security. GAAP operating margin declined to 7.0 percent in the 2003
quarter, versus 9.1 percent in 2002, due to charges for facility consolidations
and the planned sale of a business. Adjusted operating margin increased to 9.7
percent in 2003, from 9.1 percent a year ago, a result of ongoing productivity
and integration initiatives.

Optical Technologies
As a result of sector realignment during the quarter, Optical Technologies now
consists only of lasers and photonics businesses branded as Spectra-Physics.
First quarter 2003 revenues for this sector were $50 million, versus $62 million
in 2002. Organic revenues declined 18 percent, reflecting weak economic
conditions in industrial and semiconductor markets served by this sector. GAAP
operating margin was negative 7.3 percent for the first quarter of 2003, versus
negative 19.3 percent in the 2002 period, when the sector incurred significant
restructuring charges. Adjusted operating margin for the sector was negative 4.2
percent in 2003, compared with negative 5.5 percent last year.

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Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited)
                                                                             Three Months Ended
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               March 29, 2003               March 30, 2002
                                                        --------------------------    ---------------------------------
(In thousands except per share amounts)                 Reported (a)   Adjusted (b)   Reported (a)   Adjusted (b)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenues                                                  $500,205      $500,205        $491,326     $491,326
                                                          --------     ---------        --------     --------
Costs and Operating Expenses:
  Cost of revenues                                         276,367       276,367         267,670      267,670
   Selling, general, and administrative expenses           136,727       136,727         137,346      137,346
   Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets     2,392             -           1,567            -
   Research and development expenses                        37,321        37,321          39,626       39,626
   Restructuring and other costs, net (c)                    8,102             -           8,383            -
                                                          --------     ---------        --------     --------
                                                           460,909       450,415         454,592     444,642
                                                          --------     ---------        --------     --------
Operating Income                                            39,296        49,790          36,734       46,684
Interest Income                                              7,685         7,685          14,358       14,358
Interest Expense                                            (6,904)       (6,904)        (13,479)     (13,479)
Other Income, Net (d)                                        5,120         1,418          59,042        3,820
                                                          --------     ---------        --------     --------
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and
  Minority Interest                                         45,197        51,989          96,655       51,383
Provision for Income Taxes                                 (13,806)      (15,597)        (33,312)     (16,698)
Minority Interest Income                                         -             -             331          324
                                                          --------     ---------        --------     --------
Income from Continuing Operations                           31,391        36,392          63,674       35,009
Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations (net of
  income tax provision of $3,564 and $5,593)                 5,036             -          51,370            -
                                                          --------     ---------        --------     --------
Net Income                                                $ 36,427     $  36,392        $115,044     $ 35,009
                                                          ========     =========        ========     ========
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
    Basic                                                 $    .19                      $    .37
                                                          ========                      ========
    Diluted                                               $    .19                      $    .34
                                                          ========                      ========
Earnings per Share (e):
    Basic                                                 $    .22                      $    .66
                                                          ========                      ========
    Diluted                                               $    .22     $     .22        $    .59     $    .20
                                                          ========     =========        ========     ========
Weighted Average Shares:
    Basic                                                  162,844                       174,250
                                                          ========                      ========
     Diluted                                               165,614       167,480         204,189      178,144
                                                          ========     =========        ========     ========




(a)  Reported results were determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
     accounting  principles (GAAP).
(b)  Adjusted  results exclude  amortization of  acquisition-related  intangible
     assets,  restructuring  and  other  costs/income  (note c),  certain  other
     income/expense (note d), and gain on disposal of discontinued operations.
(c)  Reported results in 2003 include  restructuring  and other items consisting
     principally  of severance;  abandoned  facility and other  expenses of real
     estate consolidation;  a writedown of a business held for sale to estimated
     disposal value;  net gains on the sale of a product line and property;  and
     legal/advisory  fees  associated  with a  reorganization  of the  company's
     non-U.S.   subsidiary   structure.   Reported   results  in  2002   include
     restructuring  and  other  items  consisting  principally  of  charges  for
     abandoned  equipment  at  Spectra-Physics;  severance;  abandoned  facility
     costs;  other  expenses of real estate  consolidation;  and  impairment  of
     abandoned assets. These items are net of gains on the sale of businesses.
(d)  Reported results include  $3,702,000 and $56,309,000 of gains from the sale
     of shares of FLIR Systems,  Inc. in 2003 and 2002,  respectively.  Reported
     results also include  losses of $1,087,000 in 2002 on the early  retirement
     of debt. These items have been excluded from adjusted results.
(e)  Adjusted  earnings  per share  excludes  interest  expense  on  convertible
     debentures  of  $450,000  and  $53,000,  net of  tax,  in  2003  and  2002,
     respectively, for the assumed conversion of such convertible debentures.



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Segment Data (f)(g)(h)
                                                                              Three Months Ended
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands except percentage amounts)                       March 29, 2003               March 30, 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life and Laboratory Sciences
  Revenues                                                        $299,465                     $281,314
                                                                  --------                     --------

  GAAP Operating Income                                             39,022                       42,119
  Restructuring and Other Items (i)                                  2,573                         (317)
  Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets              1,588                        1,016
                                                                  --------                     --------
  Adjusted Operating Income                                       $ 43,183                     $ 42,818
                                                                  --------                     --------

  GAAP Operating Margin                                               13.0%                        15.0%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                           14.4%                        15.2%

Measurement and Control
  Revenues                                                        $153,920                     $151,689
                                                                  --------                     --------
  GAAP Operating Income                                             10,819                       13,831
  Restructuring and Other Items (i)                                  3,630                         (249)
  Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets                523                          284
                                                                  --------                     --------
  Adjusted Operating Income                                       $ 14,972                     $ 13,866
                                                                  --------                     --------
  GAAP Operating Margin                                                7.0%                         9.1%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                            9.7%                         9.1%

Optical Technologies
  Revenues                                                        $ 50,202                     $ 61,553
                                                                  --------                     --------

  GAAP Operating Loss                                               (3,677)                     (11,898)
  Restructuring and Other Items (i)                                  1,294                        8,258
  Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets                281                          267
                                                                  --------                     --------
  Adjusted Operating Loss                                         $ (2,102)                    $ (3,373)
                                                                  --------                     --------

  GAAP Operating Margin                                               (7.3%)                      (19.3%)
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                           (4.2%)                       (5.5%)


Consolidated (including Corporate Costs)
  Revenues                                                        $500,205                     $491,326
                                                                  --------                     --------

  GAAP Operating Income                                             39,296                       36,734
  Restructuring and Other Items (i)                                  8,102                        8,383
  Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets              2,392                        1,567
                                                                  --------                     --------

  Adjusted Operating Income                                       $ 49,790                     $ 46,684
                                                                  --------                     --------

  GAAP Operating Margin                                                7.9%                         7.5%
  Adjusted Operating Margin                                           10.0%                         9.5%



(f)  GAAP operating  income (loss) and GAAP operating  margin were determined in
     accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
(g)  Adjusted  operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin exclude the
     items  in  note  (c) and  amortization  of  acquisition-related  intangible
     assets.
(h)  Segment data for 2002 has been revised, consistent with the presentation in
     2003,  to reflect an  allocation  to the segments of some costs  previously
     reported as corporate costs,  including  marketing,  global  sourcing,  and
     e-commerce as well as a portion of legal, human resources,  and information
     systems  costs.  In  addition,  segment  data for 2002 has been  revised to
     reflect  the  transfer  of  management  responsibility  in 2003 for several
     businesses  between  segments as follows:  (1) the  compositional-metrology
     business  was moved to the Life and  Laboratory  Sciences  segment from the
     Optical  Technologies  segment;  (2)  the  ultra-high  vacuum  systems  and
     semiconductor  testing businesses were moved to the Measurement and Control
     segment from the Optical Technologies  segment; and (3) Thermo Euroglas was
     moved to the Life and Laboratory  Sciences segment from the Measurement and
     Control segment.
(i)  Includes items described in note (c).

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Thermo Electron will hold its earnings conference call on Thursday, April 24,
2003, at 11 a.m. Eastern time. To listen, dial 888-872-9028 within the U.S., or
973-633-6740 outside the U.S. The conference call will also be Webcast at
www.thermo.com. Click on "Investors." An audio archive of the call will be
available on our Website until May 8, 2003.

About Thermo Electron
Leading the world in high-tech instruments, Thermo Electron Corporation helps
life science, laboratory, and industrial customers advance scientific knowledge,
enable drug discovery, improve manufacturing processes, and protect people and
the environment with instruments, scientific equipment, and
sample-in/knowledge-out solutions. Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Thermo
Electron has revenues of more than $2 billion, and employs approximately 11,000
people in 30 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.thermo.com.

The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains forward-looking
statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by
such forward-looking statements are set forth under the heading "Forward-Looking
Statements" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
28, 2002. These include risks and uncertainties relating to the need to develop
new products and adapt to significant technological change, dependence on
customers that operate in cyclical industries, general worldwide economic
slowdown and related uncertainties, the effect of changes in governmental
regulations, dependence on customers' capital spending policies and government
funding policies, use and protection of intellectual property, retention of
contingent liabilities from businesses we sold, integration and consolidation of
our instrument businesses, realization of potential future savings from new
sourcing initiatives, implementation of our new branding strategy,
implementation of strategies for improving internal growth, the effect of
exchange rate fluctuations on international operations, and potential impairment
of goodwill. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


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