Alwyn Williams (geologist) facts for kids

Sir Alwyn Williams (born June 8, 1921 – died April 4, 2004) was a famous Welsh geologist. He was the leader, called the Principal, of the University of Glasgow in Scotland from 1976 to 1988. He also led the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a group for smart people, from 1985 to 1988.

Early Life and Studies

Alwyn Williams was born in Aberdare, a town in South Wales. He went to Aberdare Boys' Grammar School. As a young person, he loved sports like athletics and rugby. He wanted to join the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy.

However, in 1939, he got sick with tuberculosis. This meant he could not join the Navy. Instead, he won a scholarship to study at University College of Wales. There, he earned top grades in geology. He also got a PhD for studying rocks in Wales and finding new types of ancient sea creatures called brachiopods.

While at Aberystwyth, he was the President of the Students' Representative Council. He was also the National Vice-President of the National Union of Students. In 1948, he was offered a job as a geology teacher at the University of Glasgow. But first, he spent two years in Washington, D.C., learning more about brachiopods.

A Career in Geology

Williams started his job as a geology teacher at the University of Glasgow in 1950. He stayed there for four years. In 1954, he became a professor of geology at Queen's University Belfast.

At Belfast, he was in charge of the science department. He also helped run the university's academic council. From 1967, he was a Pro-Vice-Principal, which is like a deputy leader.

In 1974, he moved to the University of Birmingham. There, he became the Lapworth Professor of Geology and head of the department. Just two years later, he returned to Glasgow. This time, he became the Principal of the University of Glasgow.

Studying Ancient Life

While in Belfast, Williams started to focus his research on brachiopods. These are marine animals with two shells, like clams. He used new ways to study them, like special microscopes.

He also began writing parts of a big book series about ancient spineless animals. Later, he helped to update these important books. When he was Principal at Glasgow, he kept doing research. He looked at how the soft parts and hard shells of brachiopods were connected. He even started a new research group called the Palaeobiology Unit.

Leading the University of Glasgow

Sir Alwyn became the leader of the University of Glasgow in 1976. He took over from Sir Charles Wilson. He brought in new ways of teaching, using modern technology.

He also helped create a top department for computer science in the UK. He made sure the university did very strong research. Even with many leadership duties, Williams kept up his own research. He published many scientific papers and received grants for his work.

He was made a knight in 1983. This means he was given the title "Sir" for his achievements. When he retired in 1988, he set up the Palaeobiology Unit. This allowed him to continue his important research.

Leading the Royal Society of Edinburgh

Sir Alwyn also became the President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1985. He held this important role until 1988. During his time, the Society bought a new building in George Street.

He also helped build stronger connections with other important groups, like the Royal Society in London. His leadership helped the Royal Society of Edinburgh become one of the top academic groups in the British Isles.

The Sir Alwyn Williams Building

The Sir Alwyn Williams Building is at the University of Glasgow. It opened on June 22, 2007. Professor Anne Glover and Williams's wife, Joan, opened it.

This building is an extension for the Computing Science Department. It connects to older buildings and the Queen Margaret Union. The building has offices, labs, and spaces for students to relax.

The building looks very modern. The project also included building a walking area between University Gardens and Lilybank Gardens. This connects to another university building. It cost £4 million to build and was finished in 2007.

The building was designed by Reiach and Hall Architects. They also designed the university's Wolfson Medical School Building. In 2008, students briefly used the building for a protest.

Personal Life

Alwyn Williams married Joan Bevan in 1949. They met while studying in Aberystwyth and got married in Canada. They had a son and a daughter. The family lived in Pollokshields in Glasgow.

Besides his work at universities, Williams was also very interested in the arts. He led a committee about national museums and galleries in Scotland from 1979 to 1981. He wrote a report that led to the creation of the Museum of Scotland.