John Horlock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Horlock
FRS FREng
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| Born |
John Harold Horlock
19 April 1928 Edmonton, Middlesex
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| Died | 22 May 2015 |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | University of Cambridge |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Spouse(s) |
Sheila Stutely
(m. 1953) |
| Children | Alison, Tim, Jane |
| Parent(s) | Harold and Olive Horlock |
| Engineering career | |
| Discipline | Turbomachinery |
| Institutions | University of Liverpool University of Salford Whittle Laboratory |
Sir John Harold Horlock (born April 19, 1928 – died May 22, 2015) was a very important British engineer and professor. He was known for his work in mechanical engineering. He even led two big universities, the Open University and the University of Salford, as their vice-chancellor. He was also a vice-president of the Royal Society, which is a famous group for scientists. In 1977, he became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a special honor for engineers.
Early Life and Education
John Horlock grew up in North London. He went to a school called The Latymer School in Edmonton. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He worked very hard and earned his PhD degree there in 1958.
His Amazing Career
Even though he had a job offer from Rolls-Royce, a famous company, John Horlock chose to work at the University of Liverpool. He became a professor and the head of the mechanical engineering department there.
In 1967, he went back to Cambridge University. In 1973, he started a special place called the Whittle Laboratory within the engineering department. He also became its first director. This lab became very important for engineering research.
Later, in 1981, Horlock started working for the Open University. This university is special because it helps people learn from home. While he was there, he worked hard to get more money for the university. He also started a new master's degree program for students who had already finished their first degree. He helped the Open University grow a lot.
After he retired, he continued to be active. He served as the treasurer and later as the vice-president of the Royal Society.
What He Studied
John Horlock's main area of study was something called turbomachinery. This involves machines that use spinning parts to move fluids like air or water. He focused on things like gas turbines, which are used in power plants and airplanes. He also studied compressors and jet engines, which are powerful engines that make planes fly.
Awards and Honors
John Horlock received many special awards and honors for his important work.
- In 1976, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists and engineers.
- In 1980, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University. This means the university recognized his great achievements.
- He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1988, another important recognition for engineers.
- In 1996, he was given a knighthood in the 1996 New Year Honours. This meant he became "Sir John Horlock" for his great contributions to science, engineering, and education.
- In 2001, he received the James Alfred Ewing Medal from the Institution of Civil Engineers.
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A building at the Open University's Walton Hall campus was named the Horlock Building in his honor in 1989. This shows how much they appreciated his work. Also, in 1991, an award called the "Sir John Horlock Award for Science" was created by the Open University Graduates' Association to celebrate his legacy.
