Mary Archer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Archer
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Lady Archer in 2011
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| Born |
Mary Doreen Weeden
22 December 1944 |
| Education | Cheltenham Ladies' College |
| Alma mater | |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Solar energy conversion |
| Institutions |
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| Doctoral students | Joanna Bauldreay |
Dame Mary Archer (born Mary Doreen Weeden on 22 December 1944) is a British scientist. She is well-known for her work in solar energy conversion. This means she studies how to turn sunlight into useful energy.
Mary Archer is married to the famous writer Jeffrey Archer. She was given the title of Dame in 2012 for her important work. She is currently the Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mary Doreen Weeden was born in 1944 in Epsom, Surrey, England. She went to Cheltenham Ladies' College for her schooling. After that, she studied chemistry at St Anne's College, Oxford.
She continued her studies at Imperial College London. There, she earned her PhD in physical chemistry. Her research focused on how certain chemical reactions happen.
A Career in Science and Energy
Mary Archer started her career as a research fellow at St Hilda's College, Oxford in 1968. She also taught chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford. Later, she worked as a scientific researcher at the Royal Institution in London.
It was during this time that she became very interested in photoelectrochemistry. This is the study of how light and electricity interact in chemical systems. She has written and given many talks on this topic.
Working with Solar Energy
Mary Archer became a director of the International Solar Energy Society. She was also a fellow at Newnham College, Cambridge and taught chemistry at Trinity College, Cambridge. This was between 1976 and 1986.
From 1988 to 2000, she led the National Energy Foundation. This organization helps improve how we use energy in buildings. She later became its President and then Patron. She also served as President of the UK Solar Energy Society. In 2002, she received the Melchett Medal for her contributions to energy.
Writing and Publications
Mary Archer has written and helped create many books about solar energy. One of her major works, Photochemical & Photoelectrochemical Approaches to Solar Energy Conversion, took 15 years to complete.
She also co-edited several other important books. These include Clean Electricity from Photovoltaics (2001) and Molecular to Global Photosynthesis (2004). Her work has helped many people understand solar energy better.
Contributions to Healthcare
Mary Archer chaired the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for ten years. This trust includes Addenbrooke's and the Rosie Hospitals. She worked there until 2012.
She also helped create patient decision aids for people with prostate cancer. In 2007, she received the Eva Philbin Award for her work. She continues to help create online information for bladder cancer patients.
Leadership Roles
Mary Archer has held many important leadership positions. She was a Trustee and later Chairman of the Science Museum Group. On 24 February 2020, she became the Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.
She also serves as Chairman of the Salters' Institute. In 2024, she was appointed Chairman of the Royal Parks Board.
Honours and Recognition
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In 2012, Mary Archer was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This honour was given for her great service to the National Health Service (NHS).
A road between Addenbrooke's and the Rosie Hospital was named Dame Mary Archer Way in 2013. This was to recognize her achievements as the former chairman of the hospital trust. She is also a Freeman of the City of London.
Personal Life
Mary Weeden married Jeffrey Archer in July 1966. They met while studying at Oxford University.
In 1974, the Archers faced financial difficulties. Mary took a teaching job at Cambridge University. This, along with her husband's success as a novelist, helped them recover.
Lord and Lady Archer live in the Old Vicarage, Grantchester, near Cambridge. They have two children:
- Hon. William Archer
- Hon. James Archer
See also
In Spanish: Mary Archer para niños
