Richard Adrian, 2nd Baron Adrian facts for kids
Richard Hume Adrian, 2nd Baron Adrian (born October 16, 1927 – died April 4, 1995) was an important British scientist. He was also a peer, which means he held a special title, Baron Adrian. He was known for his work as a physiologist, studying how living things work.
About Richard Adrian
Richard Adrian was born in Cambridge in 1927. He was the only son of Edgar Adrian, 1st Baron Adrian and Hester Agnes Pinsent. His mother worked to help people with mental health issues.
His father, Edgar Adrian, was a very famous scientist. He won a Nobel Prize in 1932 for his work in medicine. He was also the head of the Royal Society, a group for top scientists, from 1950 to 1955. In 1955, he was given the title Baron Adrian.
In 1967, Richard Adrian married Lucy Caroe. She was a historian who studied geography. They did not have any children. When Richard Adrian passed away in 1995, his title Baron Adrian ended.
Richard Adrian was also the great-uncle of Skandar Keynes. Skandar Keynes is an actor who played a main role in the Chronicles of Narnia movies.
Richard Adrian's Career in Science
Richard Adrian studied medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge and University College, London. He focused on advanced research into how cells work. This area of study is called cellular physiology.
In 1978, he became a Professor of Cell Physiology at Cambridge University. He was also a fellow at several colleges there. These included Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and Churchill College, Cambridge. From 1981 to 1992, he was the Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
In 1977, Richard Adrian was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This honor recognized his important contributions to physiology. In 1987, he was also elected to the American Philosophical Society.
Richard Adrian's Role in Politics
After his father passed away in 1977, Richard Adrian became the second Baron Adrian. This meant he inherited his father's title.
He was active in politics in the House of Lords. This is part of the UK Parliament. He sat as a cross-bencher, which means he was an independent member. He did not belong to a specific political party.
He also helped manage several important national places. These included the British Museum and the British Library. He served as a trustee for these institutions.
