Robin Nicholson (metallurgist) facts for kids

Sir Robin Buchanan Nicholson was a British scientist who studied metals. He was born on August 12, 1934. He became a very important science advisor for the UK government. Later, he worked with big companies like Rolls-Royce, BP, and Pilkington.

Early Life and Learning

Robin Nicholson was born in a place called Sutton Coldfield in England. He went to a school named Oundle School. After that, he studied science at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1956. Then, in 1959, he got a special degree called a PhD in metallurgy. Metallurgy is the study of how metals are made and how they behave.

University and Research

From 1962 to 1966, Robin Nicholson was a fellow at Christ's College, Cambridge. He also taught metallurgy at Cambridge starting in 1964. In 1966, he became a professor of metallurgy at the University of Manchester.

Later, in 1972, he joined a company called Vale Inco, which works with nickel. He led their research lab and became a director. From 1976 to 1981, he was the managing director there.

Important Roles and Contributions

In 1981, Robin Nicholson started working for the UK government. He became the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Cabinet Office from 1983 to 1985. This role meant he gave scientific advice to the government.

He was also part of other important science groups. He was on the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) and the UK Government's Council for Science and Technology (CST).

Working with Companies

After his government role, Robin Nicholson returned to work with private companies. In 1986, he became a director at Pilkington plc and Rolls-Royce plc. He also joined BP plc in 1987.

Awards and Recognition

Robin Nicholson was recognized for his important work. In 1978, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. In 1980, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

In 1983, he was elected a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. This was for his leadership in science and engineering policy. It also recognized his research on how metals get stronger.

He was the first chairman of the National Energy Foundation from 1988 to 1990. This foundation helps promote energy saving and clean energy.

In 1998, he wrote a book called Science and Technology in the United Kingdom. He also served on the Council of Exeter University until 2011.

Personal Life

In 1958, Robin Nicholson married Elizabeth Mary Caffyn. They had two daughters, Jennifer and Helen, and a son, Timothy. Elizabeth Mary passed away in 1988.