Clifford Copland Paterson facts for kids

Sir Clifford Copland Paterson (1879–1948) was a brilliant English scientist and an expert in electrical engineering. He is best known for setting up and leading a very important research center for the General Electric Company (GEC). His work helped create many new technologies, especially in lighting.

Early Life and Learning

Clifford Paterson went to several schools to become an engineer. He studied at Mill Hill School, then at Finsbury Technical College, and also at Faraday House. These places helped him learn a lot about electricity and how it works.

First Job at the National Physical Laboratory

In 1903, Clifford Paterson joined a new place called the National Physical Laboratory. Here, he became an expert in light and how we use it. He studied things like how bright lights are and how to make them better.

During World War I, Clifford Paterson did very important work. He helped invent a special device called the Paterson-Walsh aircraft height finder. This tool helped planes figure out how high they were flying. For his efforts, he received an award called the OBE in 1916.

Creating a Research Powerhouse

In 1916, a man named Hugo Hirst, who was in charge of the General Electric Company (GEC), asked Clifford Paterson for help. GEC wanted to start a new research department just for making Osram lightbulbs. Clifford Paterson was the perfect person for this job.

Building the GEC Research Laboratories

After World War I ended, Hugo Hirst asked Clifford Paterson again to build an even bigger research center. This new center would help all parts of GEC, not just lightbulbs. Clifford Paterson agreed, and the new laboratories started in 1919.

At first, the labs were in Hammersmith, inside the Osram lightbulb factory. But soon, they needed a bigger, special place. They found a spot in Wembley, and the new buildings opened in 1922. Clifford Paterson was the director of these laboratories, which were later named the Hirst Research Centre. He led this important center until he passed away in 1948.

Awards and Recognition

Clifford Paterson received many honors for his amazing work. People recognized his contributions to science and engineering.

• In 1937, he received an honorary science degree from the University of Birmingham.
• He was given the Faraday Medal in 1945, a very important award for electrical engineers.
• In 1946, he received the James Alfred Ewing Medal.
• The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America gave him their Gold Medal in 1948.
• He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1942, which is a big honor for scientists.
• In 1946, he was made a knight, so he became "Sir" Clifford Paterson.

His Lasting Legacy

To remember his important work, two special honors are named after him:

• The Royal Society has a lecture series called the Clifford Paterson Lecture.
• The Institute of Physics gives out the Clifford Paterson Medal and Prize.