Ian Shanks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Shanks
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|---|---|
| Head of Engineering Sciences, Unilever | |
| In office 2001–2003 |
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| Divisional Scientific Adviser, Research Division, Unilever | |
| In office 1994–2000 |
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| Chief Scientist, Thorn EMI | |
| In office 1986–1994 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ian Alexander Shanks
22 June 1948 |
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day |
Ian Alexander Shanks (born 22 June 1948) is a British scientist. He is famous for inventing the technology behind the digital blood glucose meter in 1982. This invention helps millions of people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels easily. Before this, he also did important work on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and later on optoelectronics.
About Ian Shanks
Ian Shanks grew up in Scotland. He went to Dumbarton Academy for his schooling. Later, he studied at the University of Glasgow, where he earned his first degree and then his PhD.
Inventing the Glucose Meter
In May 1982, Ian Shanks started working at Unilever UK. While there, he invented the key technology for the digital blood glucose meter. This device helps people with diabetes measure their blood sugar quickly and accurately.
His invention used a special part called a capillary cell. This cell had tiny parts called electrodes coated with something called glucose oxidase. This clever design made blood glucose testing much easier and changed how people managed their diabetes.
Many companies that made these meters used Ian Shanks's invention. They got special permission from Unilever to use his patented technology. In 1984, when he was only 35, Ian Shanks became the youngest person to be made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists. He also won the Clifford Paterson Medal and Prize in 1994 for his work.
Later, in 2019, a court decided that Unilever had gained a lot from Ian Shanks's invention. They awarded him £2 million because his work had brought such a huge benefit to the company.
Other Contributions
Before leaving Unilever in 1986, Ian Shanks was the Head of Physical and Engineering Sciences. He also helped start the Optoelectronics College, which focuses on the study of light and electronics.
Personal Life
Ian Shanks received the OBE award in 2012. This is a special honor given by the British monarch for important achievements. He lives in Broughty Ferry, Scotland.
