Robin Perutz facts for kids

Robin Perutz, born in December 1949 in Cambridge, UK, is a very smart scientist. He is a professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of York. From 2000 to 2004, he was even the head of his department there. His father, Max Perutz, was also a famous scientist who won a Nobel Prize!

Professor Perutz studies different types of chemistry. He works on inorganic chemistry, which is about things that aren't living, like metals and minerals. He also studies photochemistry, which is how light can make chemical reactions happen. And he looks into catalysis, which is about making chemical reactions go faster. His work has helped other chemists understand how important reactions happen. It has also helped improve many processes used in factories and industries.

School and Studies

Robin Perutz went to the University of Cambridge. He earned his first degree in Natural Sciences in 1971. After that, he worked on his PhD, which is a very high-level degree. He studied with Professor Jim Turner. First, he worked in Cambridge, and then at Newcastle University.

His main focus was on using light to break apart certain metal compounds. He did this at very cold temperatures. His important work showed how some chemicals, like Cr(CO)₅, react with "inert" (not very reactive) substances. These substances included gases like methane (CH₄) and xenon (Xe).

Awards and Honors

Professor Perutz has received many important awards and honors for his work. These awards show how much his research has helped the world of chemistry.

• 2010: He became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor for top scientists in the UK.
• 2009: He won the Franco-British Prize from the French Chemical Society.
• 2008: He received the Sacconi Medal from the Italian Chemical Society.
• 2007-2010: He was the President of the Dalton Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
• 2005: He was given the Nyholm Medal and Lectureship by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Important Talks

Professor Perutz is often asked to give special lectures. These are called plenary or invited lectures. He shares his knowledge with other scientists around the world.

• January 2005: He gave a main lecture at the ACS Winter Fluorine Conference in Florida, USA.
• July 2004: He was invited to speak at the International Symposium on Photophysics and Photochemistry of Coordination Compounds in Hong Kong.
• May 2003: He gave a series of lectures in Switzerland to students and scientists.

Helping Others

Robin Perutz cares a lot about making science fair for everyone. He has worked hard to support women in science. Because of his efforts, the Chemistry Department at the University of York was the first to win the Athena SWAN gold status. This award is given for excellent work in supporting women's equality in science. He also helps students with disabilities who want to study STEM subjects.