Gordon Elliott Fogg facts for kids

Gordon Elliott Fogg (born April 26, 1919 – died January 30, 2005) was an important British biologist. He studied tiny living things like algae and bacteria that live in water. He was also a professor and helped lead many science groups.

Early Life and Education

Gordon Fogg was born in Langar, Nottinghamshire, England. He went to school at Dulwich College and then studied at Queen Mary College, London.

A Career in Science

Helping During World War II

During World War II, Gordon Fogg used his science skills to help his country. He worked on a project to find out how much seaweed was available. He also researched special algae that could be used to make silk dissolve in water. This dissolving silk was used for parachutes that dropped mines into the sea. He also helped with pest control for a company called Pest Control Ltd.

Becoming a Professor

In 1945, Gordon Fogg started working at University College, London. He began as an Assistant Lecturer and later became a Reader in Botany. He worked there until 1960. During this time, he guided Joanna M. Kain, who earned her science degree in 1957.

Later, he became a Professor of Botany at Westfield College, London (from 1960 to 1971). After that, he became a Professor of Marine Biology at University College of North Wales (from 1971 to 1985).

Studying Tiny Water Life

Professor Fogg was an expert in tiny living things found in water. He focused on:

• Cyanobacteria: These are tiny bacteria that can make their own food using sunlight, like plants.
• Algal cultures: These are groups of algae grown in a lab for study. Algae are simple plant-like organisms.
• Phytoplankton: These are very tiny plants and plant-like organisms that float in water. They are a main food source for many sea creatures.

He wrote two very important books about these topics:

• The Metabolism of Algae (1954)
• Algal Cultures and Phytoplankton Ecology (1966)

From 1953 to 1960, he also helped edit and write for a popular science book series called New Biology.

Leading Science Organizations

Professor Fogg was a leader in many important science groups. He was:

• President of the British Phycological Society (1961–1962). This group studies algae.
• Chairman of the British Antarctic Survey Scientific Advisory Committee (1971–1964). This group explores Antarctica.
• Chairman of the Freshwater Biological Association Council (1974–1985). This group studies life in fresh water.
• Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Panel for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1974–1982). This is a famous garden and research center.
• President of the Institute of Biology (1976–1977).

He also served on the Council of NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) and the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. These groups help protect our environment.

Gordon Fogg married Beryl Llechid-Jones in 1945. He passed away in Llandegfan, Anglesey, in 2005.

Awards and Recognition

Gordon Fogg received many honors for his important work:

• He was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in March 1965. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
• He gave the Leeuwenhoek Lecture to the Royal Society in 1968. This is a special lecture about microbiology.
• He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1983.
• A place in Antarctica, called Fogg Highland, is named after him.
• A building at Queen Mary University of London is named the G.E. Fogg Building in his honor.

Images for kids

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  The G.E. Fogg Building at Queen Mary University of London, named after Gordon Fogg.