Arthur Birch (organic chemist) facts for kids

Arthur John Birch (born August 3, 1915 – died December 8, 1995) was an important Australian chemist. He was known for creating a special chemical reaction called the Birch reduction. This reaction helps change the structure of certain chemical compounds.

The Birch reduction is used a lot in making new chemical substances. It was especially useful for changing steroids, which are natural chemicals in the body. In 1948, Birch was the first to completely create a male hormone called 19-nortestosterone in a lab. This was a big step in chemistry. His work also helped develop other steroid medicines and antibiotics. He also found a simple way to make part of the cholesterol molecule. Arthur Birch wrote over 440 scientific papers during his career.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Birch was born in Sydney, Australia. He was a very bright student. He won a scholarship to study at the University of Sydney. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), in 1937. The next year, in 1938, he completed his Master of Science (MSc).

After his studies in Australia, Birch traveled to England. He went to the University of Oxford to continue his education. There, he worked on his Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.) degree. He finished his doctorate in 1940.

Birch's Chemistry Career

Research at Oxford and Cambridge

In 1940, Arthur Birch started working on hormone research. This research was important for the RAF during World War II. He stayed at Oxford as a research fellow until 1948. During this time, he worked with a famous chemist named Sir Robert Robinson.

After Oxford, Birch moved to the University of Cambridge. He became a Smithson Fellow there and worked until 1952. At Cambridge, he collaborated with another important chemist, Lord Todd.

Returning to Australia

In 1952, Arthur Birch came back to Australia. He became a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Sydney. His work was highly recognized. In 1954, he was made a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

He stayed at the University of Sydney until 1955. Then, he moved back to England to take a similar job. He became a professor at Manchester University. In 1958, he received another big honor. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very prestigious science group.

Leading Science in Australia

Arthur Birch returned to Australia for good in 1967. He had a big goal: to create a new research center. He established the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University in Canberra. He was the first leader, or founding dean, of this school. He continued to be involved with the school until 1980.

Birch also took on other important roles. He was the President of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute from 1977 to 1978. He also led an important review of the CSIRO in 1977.

From 1982 to 1986, he served as the President of the Australian Academy of Science. In 1987, he received one of Australia's highest honors. He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This was for his great contributions to science in Australia. In 1994, he was given an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. He was also a founding member of the Australian Science and Technology Council.

Arthur Birch passed away in 1995. To honor his amazing work, the Research School of Chemistry building at the Australian National University was named the "Birch Building."