Frederick Gugenheim Gregory facts for kids

Frederick Gugenheim Gregory (born December 22, 1893 – died November 27, 1961) was an important British scientist. He was a botanist, which means he studied plants. He was also a plant physiologist, focusing on how plants work and grow. Gregory won the Royal Medal for his amazing discoveries.

Growing Up and School

Frederick Gregory was born in London. His original name was Fritz Gugenheim. He changed it because of strong anti-German feelings during First World War. Sadly, his lab notebooks were even destroyed by others because of this.

He went to Dame Alice Owen's School. His science teacher, G. A. Armitage, encouraged him to study science. Even though Frederick was good at art, he chose science. He did very well in school, winning many prizes.

In 1912, he passed important exams for the University of London. He studied math, physics, chemistry, and mechanics. This helped him get into Imperial College London.

Becoming a Plant Scientist

Frederick first planned to study chemistry at Imperial College. But after hearing a lecture by John Bretland Farmer, he switched to botany. Botany is the study of plants. He earned his first degree in 1914 and a second in 1915. Both were with top honors.

He was not required to serve in World War I. This allowed him to continue his studies. He earned more advanced degrees in 1917, 1920, and 1921. By this time, he had joined the Research Institute in Plant Physiology at the university.

He started studying how greenhouse plants grew. He noticed plants grew differently at different times of the year. This happened even when the temperature stayed the same. He tried to explain this using math. His ideas made him well-known in his field.

A Career in Plant Science

After finishing his studies, Gregory worked on how electricity affected plant growth. He was also very interested in how plants grow. In 1919, he began experiments at the Rothamsted Experimental Station. He continued this work until 1937.

By 1928, his work was very important. He was asked to advise the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation. He helped them with irrigation techniques in Sudan. He set up statistical studies that were very useful. His final report helped a lot with farming development in Sudan.

When his mentor, Vernon Blackman, became head of the biological labs, Gregory was promoted. He became an assistant professor of plant physiology. He also became assistant director of the research institute. This was the first time he had to teach university lectures.

Under Gregory, the research institute became famous. They studied how plants respond to cold (vernalization). They also looked at how plants react to light (photoperiodism). Other studies included how plants release water (transpiration) and how they use energy (carbohydrate metabolism). Gregory was often asked for advice by many groups.

Leading the Research

In 1937, Gregory became head of the laboratories. Work at the university was difficult during World War II. In 1947, Gregory was also made head of the research institute. He focused on fixing damage from the war.

During this time, Gregory gained more respect as a scientist. He was chosen as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1940. This is a very high honor for scientists. He served on its council from 1949 to 1951. In 1957, he received the Royal Medal. This award was given for his "distinguished studies in plant physiology."

Around the same time, he was also made a foreign member of other important science groups. These included the Indian Society of Plant Physiologists and the United States National Academy of Sciences. He retired in December 1958. Frederick Gregory passed away in Hampstead General Hospital, London, on November 27, 1961.