Anthony Ledwith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Ledwith
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| Born | 14 August 1933 |
| Died | 5 January 2015 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Liverpool (PhD) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Clare Ryan |
| Children | Four |
| Awards | See list |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Polymers |
| Institutions | University of Liverpool Pilkington plc University of Sheffield |
| Thesis | Some new types of polymerization (1957) |
Anthony Ledwith CBE FRS (born 14 August 1933 – died 5 January 2015) was a very important British chemist. He was known for his amazing work with Polymers, which are like long chains of molecules that make up many materials we use every day. He taught at universities and also worked for a big company.
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Life and Education of Anthony Ledwith
Anthony Ledwith was born on 14 August 1933. His hometown was Goose Green, Greater Manchester. His parents were Thomas Ledwith and Mary Clare. Sadly, his father passed away in a railway accident when Anthony was only four years old.
Early Schooling and College Years
Anthony went to local schools as a child. He attended St Cuthbert's Primary School from 1938 to 1945. After that, he went to Wigan Junior Technical School. Then he studied at Wigan District Mining and Technical College.
In 1954, he took special exams in London. These exams were for the Royal Institute of Chemistry. He did very well and also earned a science degree from London University.
Becoming a Polymer Expert
After his studies, Anthony Ledwith joined a research group. This was at the University of Liverpool. Here, he started studying Polymers for his PhD degree. Polymers are large molecules made of many smaller units linked together. Think of them like a long train made of many connected cars.
He became an expert in this field. In 1957, he earned his PhD. He continued working at the University of Liverpool. He moved up from a lecturer to a professor. By 1980, he became the Campbell Brown Professor of Industrial Chemistry.
Working in Industry and Back to Academia
In 1984, Anthony Ledwith left university life for a while. He joined Pilkington plc, a big company. He became the Deputy Director, then the Director of Group Research. At Pilkington, he was very interested in polymer coatings for glass. These coatings can make glass stronger or give it special properties.
After retiring from Pilkington in 1996, he returned to university. He became a professor and the head of the Chemistry Department at the University of Sheffield. From 1998 to 2000, he was the President of the Royal Society of Chemistry. This is a very important role for a chemist in the UK.
Recognitions and Achievements
Anthony Ledwith received many awards and honours for his work. These show how much he contributed to science.
- 1954: Became an Associate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry (ARIC).
- 1954: Earned his Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours from London University.
- 1957: Received his PhD from the University of Liverpool.
- 1970: Earned his Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of Liverpool.
- He also received honorary DSc degrees from other universities. These include City, Loughborough, and East Anglia Universities.
- 1995: Was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). This is a special honour from the British Queen or King for great achievements.
- 1995: Became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honour for scientists in the UK.
- 1998–2000: Served as President of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
- 1999–2003: Was Chairman of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Family Life
Anthony Ledwith married Mary Clare Ryan in 1960. They got married at St Marie's Church in Standish. They had four children together: three daughters named Joanne, Stephanie Clare, and Katherine Elizabeth, and one son named James Anthony.
Anthony Ledwith passed away on 5 January 2015.
