Frederick Charles Bawden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Charles Bawden
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| Born | 18 August 1908  |
| Died | 8 February 1972 (aged 63) |
| Occupation | Virologist, botanist |
Sir Frederic Charles Bawden (1908–1972) was an important English scientist. He studied plant diseases and viruses. He worked at a famous research center called Rothamsted Experimental Station. He was the director there from 1958 until he passed away.
Early Life and Education
Frederic Bawden was born on August 18, 1908. His hometown was North Tawton, in Devonshire, England. His parents were George and Ellen Balment. His father's job involved keeping official records.
The family later moved to Okehampton. There, Frederic became very interested in growing potatoes. His headmaster at Okehampton Grammar School, W. Hunter, helped him develop an early love for botany. Botany is the scientific study of plants.
After attending schools in Okehampton and Crediton, Frederic went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He studied plant diseases, like those affecting cereal crops. He earned his master's degree in 1930.
Discovering Viruses
In 1930, Bawden began working at the Potato Virus Research Station. He worked with other scientists, including Kenneth M. Smith. A big part of his work was studying viruses that infect plants.
He teamed up with another scientist named Norman W. Pirie. Together, they made a very important discovery. They managed to crystallize viruses. This means they turned viruses into a solid, crystal-like form. This was a huge step in understanding how viruses work.
In 1936, Frederic Bawden joined Rothamsted Experimental Station. He continued his research on viruses there. Bawden and Pirie also showed that viruses contain RNA. RNA is a type of genetic material. This was another major scientific breakthrough.
Awards and Recognition
Frederic Bawden's important work was recognized by many. In 1949, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected scientific group in the United Kingdom.
He also received a special medal in 1955. This medal came from the Royal Agricultural Society of England. It honored his contributions to agriculture. In 1967, he was given the title of "Sir." This meant he was knighted for his achievements.
Personal Life
Frederic Bawden married Marjorie Elizabeth Cudmore in 1934. They had known each other since school in Okehampton. They also both attended Cambridge University. Frederic and Marjorie had two sons. Sir Frederic Charles Bawden passed away on February 8, 1972, at the age of 63.
