Digby McLaren facts for kids

Digby Johns McLaren (born December 11, 1919 – died December 8, 2004) was a famous Canadian scientist. He studied both geology (the study of Earth's rocks and history) and paleontology (the study of ancient life, like dinosaurs and fossils).

He was born in Carrickfergus, Ireland. He went to Sedbergh School and then studied geology at the University of Cambridge. During World War II, he served in the army in the Middle East and Europe. After the war, he continued his studies and earned a Master of Arts degree in geology in 1948.

A Career in Canadian Science

In 1948, Digby McLaren moved to Canada. He joined the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). This is a government group that studies Canada's land and natural resources. In 1951, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.

Leading Paleontology Research

From 1959 to 1967, he was in charge of the paleontology section at the GSC. This meant he led research into fossils and ancient life forms found in Canada.

Director of Geological Survey

In 1967, he became the first director of a new research center. It was called the Institute of Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology. Then, in 1973, he was chosen to be the director of the entire Geological Survey of Canada. This was a very important job. He helped guide much of Canada's geological research.

Government Science Leader

Later, in 1981, he became an Assistant Deputy Minister. This meant he helped lead science and technology efforts for the Canadian government. He worked for the department that managed energy, mines, and resources.

His Important Discoveries

Digby McLaren wrote over 100 scientific papers and maps. These works covered paleontology, how fossils help date rock layers (called biostratigraphy), and regional geology.

The Dinosaur Extinction Event

He was one of the first scientists to suggest a big idea about the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. This was the time when dinosaurs and many other living things suddenly disappeared from Earth. McLaren was one of the first to propose that a major event, like an asteroid impact, caused this mass extinction. This idea is now widely accepted by scientists.

Leading Scientific Societies

From 1987 to 1990, he was the president of the Royal Society of Canada. This is a group of Canada's top scientists and scholars. He also served as president of the Geological Society of America.

His Family Life

In 1942, Digby McLaren married Phyllis Matkin. They had three children together: Ian, Patrick, and Alison.

Honours and Awards

Digby McLaren received many awards for his important work.

• In 1968, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
• In 1979, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in the United Kingdom.
• Also in 1979, he became a Foreign Associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
• In 1987, he received the Logan Medal. This is the highest award from the Geological Association of Canada.
• In 1987, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest civilian honors.
• In 1994, he was chosen as an International member of the American Philosophical Society.