Durward William John Cruickshank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Durward William John Cruickshank
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| Born | 7 March 1924 London, UK
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| Died | 13 July 2007 (aged 83) Alderley Edge, UK
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| Education | Loughborough University University of London University of Cambridge University of Leeds |
| Known for | Thermal ellipsoid |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Crystallography |
| Institutions | University of Leeds University of Glasgow University of Manchester |
| Doctoral advisor | Ernest Gordon Cox |
Durward William John Cruickshank (7 March 1924 – 13 July 2007) was a brilliant British scientist. He was a crystallographer, which means he studied how atoms are arranged in solid materials like crystals. His work greatly improved how accurately we could figure out the shapes of tiny molecules using X-rays.
He developed a special idea called the anisotropic displacement parameters, also known as the thermal ellipsoid. This helped scientists understand how atoms in a crystal move and vibrate. He published his important ideas in 1956.
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Early Life and School
Durward William John Cruickshank was born in London, UK, on March 7, 1924. Both his parents, William and Margaret, were doctors.
He went to school at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate, Kent. Later, he studied engineering at Loughborough College. He earned a top degree from the University of London in 1944.
From 1944 to 1946, he worked for the Admiralty. This was a government department in charge of the navy. He helped with special projects, including those about underwater vehicles.
After that, Cruickshank studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge. He earned several degrees there, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1949. He also received his PhD from the University of Leeds in 1952.
Working as a Scientist
In 1950, Cruickshank joined a research group at the University of Leeds. He started as a research assistant. Soon after, he became a Lecturer in Mathematical Chemistry. By 1957, he was promoted to a higher position called Reader.
From 1962 to 1967, he became the first Joseph Black Professor of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. This was a very important role.
In 1967, Professor Cruickshank moved to Manchester. He became a Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). He stayed there until he retired in 1983. Even after retiring, he was an Emeritus Professor, meaning he was still highly respected.
He continued his research even after retirement. He published his last scientific paper in 2007, the same year he passed away.
Awards and Recognition
Professor Cruickshank received many honors for his important work. In 1979, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very prestigious award for scientists in the UK.
In 1991, he won the Dorothy Hodgkin Prize. This award is given by the British Crystallographic Association. He also served as the Vice President of this association from 1983 to 1985.
The University of Glasgow also gave him an honorary degree in 2004. This was to recognize his great contributions to science.
Later Life and Passing
Durward William John Cruickshank died on July 13, 2007, in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. He was 83 years old and passed away from cancer. His wife, Marjorie, had passed away before him. He was survived by his son and daughter.
See also
- Timeline of crystallography
