Evelyn Ebsworth facts for kids

Evelyn Algernon Valentine Ebsworth (14 February 1933 – 16 July 2015) was a smart British chemist and a leader in universities. He was known for his work in chemistry and for leading two important universities.

He was a professor of chemistry at the University of Edinburgh from 1967 to 1990. After that, he became the Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University from 1990 to 1998. This means he was the main leader of the university.

Early Life and Education

Evelyn Ebsworth was born on 14 February 1933, which is Valentine's Day. He was born in Richmond, England. His father was a soldier who served in World War II. Because of his father's job, Evelyn lived in different countries when he was young. From 1940 to 1945, he lived in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Kenya.

He went to schools in many different places. Later, he finished his schooling at Marlborough College. This was a private boarding school for boys in England.

In 1951, Evelyn started studying chemistry at King's College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1954. He continued his studies at the University of Cambridge and got his PhD in 1957. His special research was about preparing and studying certain chemical compounds.

While at university, he was also involved in student politics. He was the president of the Cambridge University Liberal Club in 1954.

Career in Academia

After finishing his studies, Evelyn Ebsworth worked as a researcher at King's College, Cambridge. He spent one year of his research time at Princeton University in the United States. In 1959, he became a fellow at Christ's College, Cambridge. He also taught chemistry at the university.

In 1967, when he was only 33 years old, he became a professor at the University of Edinburgh. This was quite young to become a full professor! He was the Crum Brown Professor of Chemistry there. From 1984 to 1988, he was also the dean of the science department.

In 1990, Evelyn Ebsworth moved to Durham University. He became the vice-chancellor and warden, which is like being the head of the whole university. During his time, he helped the university grow a lot. He oversaw the building of a new campus in Stockton-on-Tees.

He retired from his university work in 1998. Durham University then made him a professor emeritus. This is a special title for retired professors who are still highly respected.

Life After Retirement

After retiring, Evelyn Ebsworth continued to be active. In 1998, he helped create the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners. This group checked if expert witnesses (people who give expert opinions in court) were properly qualified. He was the chairman of this council until 2005.

From 2002 to 2012, he was the head of the governing body for two private schools in Cambridge: St Faith's School and The Leys School. He lived in Cambridge, England, until he passed away on 16 July 2015.

Family Life

Evelyn Ebsworth was married twice. In 1955, he married his first wife, Mary Salter. They had three daughters and one son together. Mary passed away in 1987. In 1990, he married Rose Zuckerman, who was from America. Through this marriage, he gained five stepchildren.

Awards and Honours

Evelyn Ebsworth received many awards for his work.

• In 1969, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). This is a special honour for top scientists in Scotland.
• He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC).
• In 1978, he won the Main Group Chemistry Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Universities also gave him special degrees:

• In 2002, Durham University gave him an honorary Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) degree. This was given at the Stockton campus, which he helped create.
• In 2013, the University of Edinburgh gave him an honorary Doctor of Science (ScD) degree. This was to thank him for his big help in growing the study of Chemistry there.

In 1996, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a high honour given by the Queen for his services to education.