Ian Shanks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Shanks
|
|
|---|---|
| Head of Engineering Sciences, Unilever | |
| In office 2001–2003 |
|
| Divisional Scientific Adviser, Research Division, Unilever | |
| In office 1994–2000 |
|
| Chief Scientist, Thorn EMI | |
| In office 1986–1994 |
|
| 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 brilliant British scientist. He is famous for inventing the technology used in the digital blood glucose meter in 1982. This invention helps millions of people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels easily. He did this important work while employed at Unilever, even though it wasn't part of his main job at the time.
In the 1970s, Ian Shanks also did a lot of research on liquid crystal displays (LCDs). These are the screens you see on many electronic devices, like phones and TVs. Later, he worked on optoelectronics, which is about using light and electronics together.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ian Shanks grew up in Scotland. He went to Dumbarton Academy for his schooling. After that, he studied at the University of Glasgow, where he earned his first degree. He then continued his studies and received a PhD, which is a very high academic degree.
A Brilliant Career
The Amazing Glucose Meter
In May 1982, Ian Shanks started working at Unilever UK Central Resources Ltd (CRL). While there, he came up with the idea for the digital blood glucose meter. This invention was so important that it was protected by a patent in Europe and the United States (U.S. Patent 5,141,868A).
The technology uses a small device with special sensors that can measure glucose (sugar) in a tiny drop of blood. This made it much easier for people with diabetes to manage their health. Many companies that make these meters used his invention under a special agreement.
In 1984, when he was just 35, Ian Shanks became the youngest person to be made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This was because of his amazing work on LCDs. He also won the Clifford Paterson Medal and Prize in 1994 for his scientific achievements.
Ian Shanks later became the Head of Physical and Engineering Sciences at CRL before leaving in October 1986.
Fighting for Fair Recognition
In 2006, Ian Shanks took legal action against Unilever. He believed he should receive more payment for his invention because Unilever had made a lot of money from it. After a long legal process, the Supreme Court made a big decision on 23 October 2019. They ruled that Unilever had received an "outstanding benefit" from his glucose testing patents. Because of this, Ian Shanks was awarded £2 million.
Ian Shanks also started the Optoelectronics College, which helps educate people in this field.
In 2025, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) honored Ian Shanks with the national Russ Prize. This award celebrates major breakthroughs in engineering and technology. He received it for inventing the "electrochemical capillary fill device (eCFD)," which is the core technology that helps people with diabetes get accurate and quick blood glucose measurements.
Life Outside Work
Ian Shanks was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours. This is a special award from the King or Queen for important achievements. He lives in a town called Broughty Ferry in Scotland.
