Robert Fox (historian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Fox
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Robert Fox, 2013
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| Born | 7 October 1938 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Historian of science |
| Known for | The Savant and the State and other books |
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| Academic background | |
| Education | University of Oxford (B.A. 1961, M.A. 1965, D.Phil. 1967) |
| Thesis | The study of the thermal properties of gases in relation to physical theory from Montgolfier to Regnault |
| Doctoral advisor | Alistair Cameron Crombie |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | History of science |
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| Main interests | History of science, French history, European history |
Dr. Robert Fox was born on October 7, 1938. He is a leading British expert in the history of science. This means he studies how science and technology have changed over time.
He is especially interested in how science developed in Europe from the 1700s onwards. Robert Fox has written many books. One book, The Savant and the State, looks at science, culture, and politics in France between 1814 and 1914. Another book, Science without Frontiers, explores scientific progress from the late 1800s until the Second World War.
In 2015, Robert Fox received the George Sarton Medal. This is a very important award from the international History of Science Society. France's Ministry of Culture also honored him in 2006. They recognized him as a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
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Robert Fox's Education
Robert Fox started his studies at the Imperial College London in 1957. He then went to Oriel College, Oxford.
He earned a degree in Physics in 1961. Later, he received his D.Phil. degree in 1967. His main project for this degree was about how scientists studied the heat properties of gases.
Robert Fox's Career
Robert Fox taught at the University of Lancaster from 1966 to 1988. He started as a lecturer and later became a professor of the History of Science.
Working in Paris and London
Between 1986 and 1988, Robert Fox worked in two important places. He was a research director at a science history center in Paris, France. He also served as an assistant director at the Science Museum, London.
Professor at Oxford University
In 1988, Robert Fox became a professor of history of science at the University of Oxford. He retired from this role in 2006.
Today, he is an Emeritus Professor at Oxford. This means he is a retired professor who is still highly respected. He is also an Honorary Fellow at Oriel College.
Thomas Harriot Lectures
Robert Fox was the first person to organize the yearly Thomas Harriot Lectures. These lectures take place at Oriel College, Oxford. He also edited two books based on these lectures.
Visiting Professor Roles
Since 2006, Robert Fox has been a visiting professor at several universities. These include Johns Hopkins University and Oregon State University in the United States. He also visited the Czech Technical University in Prague.
Leading History of Science Societies
Robert Fox helped create the European Society for the History of Science in 2003. He was its first president until 2006.
He also served as president for other important groups. These include the British Society for the History of Science.
Editing a Science Journal
From 2008 to 2014, Robert Fox edited a journal called Notes and Records: the Royal Society Journal of the History of Science. This journal publishes articles about the history of science.
Radio Appearances
Robert Fox has appeared on the BBC radio show In Our Time. On the show, he discussed the famous Curie family. This included Marie Curie, Pierre Curie, and their daughter Irène Joliot-Curie.
Awards and Honors
Robert Fox has received many awards for his work. Here are some of them:
- 2018: Gustav Neuenschwander Prize, a lifetime award from the European Society for the History of Science.
- 2017: Alexandre Koyré Medal, a lifetime career award from the International Academy of the History of Science.
- 2015: George Sarton Medal, the top award from the History of Science Society.
- 2006: Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France.
- 2004: Oskar von Miller Gold Medal from the Deutsches Museum.
- 1998: Dickinson Medal for the History of Technology.
- 1989: Elected as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
- 1988: Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques.
- 1986: Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.
