Geoffrey Allen (chemist) facts for kids
Sir Geoffrey Allen FRS FREng (born October 29, 1928 – died March 15, 2023) was a very smart British scientist. He was a chemist who studied materials like plastics and rubber. He was especially known for his important research on how rubber stretches and bounces back. Sir Geoffrey inspired many young scientists with his work. He also loved helping connect scientific research in universities with real-world industries.
Early Life and Education
Geoffrey Allen was born in a place called Clay Cross, in Derbyshire, England, on October 29, 1928. He went to Tupton Hall Grammar School. Later, he studied at the University of Leeds.
A Career in Science
Sir Geoffrey started his teaching career at the University of Manchester. He was a Lecturer from 1955 to 1965. Then, he became a Professor of Chemical Physics, teaching there until 1975.
After that, he moved to London. He became a Professor at Imperial College London. There, he taught about polymer science and chemical technology. Polymers are like the building blocks of plastics and many other materials. From 1977 to 1981, he also led the Science Research Council. This group helps decide what science projects get funding in the UK.
Leading in Industry and Academia
Sir Geoffrey Allen also worked in the business world. He was the Head of Research at Unilever, a big company, from 1981 to 1990. He even became a Director there. After 1990, he advised Kobe Steel Ltd., a company in Japan.
He held many important positions. From 1991 to 1993, he was a Vice-President of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists. He was also the Chancellor of the University of East Anglia from 1993 to 2003. A Chancellor is like the head of a university.
Sir Geoffrey was also part of the Royal Commission on Environmental Protection. This group advises the government on protecting our environment. He was also the President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. This group focuses on materials science. He was also an Honorary Fellow at Robinson College, Cambridge.
Many universities recognized his achievements. He received honorary doctorates from the University of Essex in 1986 and Loughborough University in 1985. He was very happy to receive his degree at Loughborough at the same time his godson received his bachelor's degree.
Sir Geoffrey Allen was also the President of the Society of Chemical Industry from 1989 to 1991. He gave an important talk in 1990 called Our Chemical Industry 2001. He was given the society's Lampitt medal in 2017 for his great work.
Sir Geoffrey Allen passed away at his home on March 15, 2023. He was 94 years old.
