George Gray (chemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Gray
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George William Gray (born September 4, 1926 – died May 12, 2013) was a very important scientist. He was a professor at the University of Hull. He helped create special materials that made liquid crystal displays (LCDs) possible. You see LCDs everywhere, like on your phone or TV! He won the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology in 1995 for his amazing work.
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Early Life and Learning
George Gray was born in Denny, Scotland. He went to the University of Glasgow to study. Later, he worked at the University College in Hull. While there, he earned his PhD in 1953. A PhD is a very high university degree.
Working at Hull University
George Gray stayed at the University of Hull for a long time. He worked there from 1946 to 1990. He became a senior lecturer in 1960. Later, he became a Professor of Organic Chemistry in 1974. He was even named the GF Grant Professor of Chemistry in 1984. Even after he stopped working full-time, he remained an Emeritus Professor. This means he was still honored by the university.
After the University
In 1990, Professor Gray joined a chemical company called Merck. Then, in 1996, he became an independent consultant. This means he gave advice to different companies.
Discovering Liquid Crystals
Professor Gray's most famous work was with liquid crystals. In 1973, he worked with the Royal Radar Establishment. They found a special compound called 4-Cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl. This compound had a stable nematic phase at room temperature. This means it stayed in a liquid crystal state even when not heated or cooled.
This discovery was a huge step forward! This compound and others like it made LCD screens very popular. These are the screens you see on many devices today.
Writing About Liquid Crystals
George Gray also wrote the first English book about liquid crystals. It was called "Molecular Structure and Properties of Liquid Crystals" and came out in 1962. This book helped many other scientists learn about this new field.
Awards and Honors
Professor Gray received many important awards for his work.
- In 1995, he won the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology. This is a very respected international award.
- He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1991. This is an honor from the British Queen or King.
- He was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1983. This means he was recognized as one of the best scientists in the UK.
- In 1987, he received the Leverhulme Medal of the Royal Society.
- He also won the Rank Prize for Opto-electronics in 1979.
- In 1996, he received the SID Karl Ferdinand Braun Prize.
University Recognition
The University of Hull was also recognized for its work on liquid crystals. In 1979, it was the first university to win the Queen's Award for Technological Achievement. This was for the joint work on liquid crystals.
Lasting Legacy
Professor Gray was a Director of the International Liquid Crystal Society. This is a group for scientists who study liquid crystals. To honor his achievements, the British Liquid Crystal Society created the George W. Gray Medal. This medal is given to people who make important contributions to liquid crystal research.
In March 2013, the University of Hull celebrated a special anniversary. It was 40 years since Professor Gray's important paper was published.
Even a train was named after him! Hull Trains named one of their British Rail Class 222 high-speed trains Professor George Gray. This was to remember his amazing work in Hull.
Family Life
George Gray married Marjorie Canavan in 1953. Sadly, Marjorie passed away just two weeks before her husband. They lived in Furzehill in Wimborne Minster in Dorset. They had three daughters.
