Bennett Lewis facts for kids

Wilfrid Bennett Lewis (born June 24, 1908 – died January 10, 1987) was an important Canadian scientist. He was a nuclear physicist and a leader who played a key role in creating the CANDU reactor, a special type of nuclear power plant.

Wilfrid Lewis was born in Castle Carrock, England. He studied physics at the University of Cambridge and earned his doctorate degree in 1934. He continued his research in nuclear physics there until 1939.

From 1939 to 1946, he worked for the British Air Ministry. He became the Chief Superintendent of the Telecommunications Research Establishment. This was a very important job during World War II.

In 1946, Lewis moved to Canada. He became the director of Atomic Energy Research at the National Research Council of Canada. This work was done in Chalk River, Ontario. From 1952 to 1973, he held senior leadership roles at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).

Developing the CANDU Reactor

Starting in the mid-1940s, Wilfrid Lewis led the team that developed the CANDU reactor system. He strongly supported this design.

How CANDU Reactors Work

The CANDU reactor uses natural uranium as its fuel. It also uses something called heavy water (deuterium oxide) to control the nuclear reaction. Heavy water helps slow down the tiny particles called neutrons. This allows the reactor to work efficiently and safely.

CANDU's Success

The CANDU design has been very successful for making electricity. These reactors are known for being very efficient and having excellent safety records. Under Lewis's leadership, AECL also became a world leader in making special radioactive materials called radioisotopes. These are used for medical purposes, like diagnosing and treating illnesses.

Later Life and Contributions

From 1973 until his death in 1987, Lewis was a special professor at Queen's University. He also represented Canada on the United Nations Scientific Advisory Committee from 1955 to 1987. This committee advised the UN on scientific matters.

In 1994, a book about Wilfrid Lewis called Nuclear Pursuits was published by Ruth Fawcett.

Honours and Awards

Wilfrid Bennett Lewis received many important awards for his scientific work.

• In 1945, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is a very high honour for scientists.
• In 1946, he was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
• In 1964, he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
• In 1966, he was the first person to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada.
• In 1967, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honours.
• In 1967, he received the United States Atoms for Peace Award.
• In 1972, he won the Royal Medal from the Royal Society of London.
• In 1981, he received the United States Department of Energy Enrico Fermi Award. This is a top science and technology award in the United States.