Meirion Thomas facts for kids

Meirion Thomas (28 December 1894 – 5 April 1977) was a Welsh scientist. He was a botanist, meaning he studied plants. He was also a plant physiologist, which means he focused on how plants work and grow.

Early Life and Education

Meirion Thomas was born on December 28, 1894, in Bangor, Wales. His father, John Thomas, was a Vice Principal at Bangor Normal College.

Meirion went to Friars School, Bangor from 1906 to 1912. After school, he started studying at the University of Cambridge. However, his studies were paused because of the First World War.

During the war, he joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He later became an officer in the South Wales Borderers. He then worked in the Gas Warfare section and became a captain.

After the war ended, Meirion Thomas returned to Cambridge in 1919. He continued his studies in Botany, which is the scientific study of plants. He earned his first degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1921 and a Master of Arts degree in 1925.

Career and Research in Plant Science

In 1924, Meirion Thomas began working at Armstrong College in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He started as a teacher (lecturer) of botany and plant physiology. He later became a senior lecturer and then a reader, which is a high academic position.

In 1946, he became a Professor of Botany at Kings College, Newcastle. He retired from this role in 1961. Even after retiring, he helped the college become a full university. This happened in 1963, and it became known as Newcastle University. He also served as a captain in the Officer Training Corps.

Meirion Thomas was known for his research into how plants break down substances to get energy. This process is called catabolic processes.

Awards and Important Recognitions

Meirion Thomas received several important awards for his scientific work.

In 1945, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). This is a special honor given to top scientists in Scotland.

In 1949, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive in the United Kingdom. He was recognized for his important research on how plants process energy.

Personal Life

Meirion Thomas passed away on April 5, 1977. He died in Bryn Crug, near Tywyn in Wales. He never married and did not have any children.