Ruth Lynden-Bell facts for kids

Ruth Marion Lynden-Bell, born on December 7, 1937, is a famous British chemist. She is a professor who has retired from both Queen's University Belfast and the University of Cambridge. She also served as the acting President of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge from 2011 to 2013. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a big honor for scientists.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Lynden-Bell started her schooling at King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham. She then went on to study at Newnham College, Cambridge. There, she earned her first degree in 1959 and her PhD in 1962.

During her studies, she worked with important scientists like Norman Sheppard. In 1961, she also spent some time studying at the California Institute of Technology. She worked there with Harden M. McConnell.

In 1965, Ruth Lynden-Bell became a chemistry lecturer at the University of Sussex. Later, in 1972, she returned to Cambridge. In 1995, she moved to Queen's University Belfast. There, she helped start the Atomistic Simulation Group. This group studies how atoms behave.

Scientific Research

Ruth Lynden-Bell's research focuses on something called atomistic simulation. This is a way to use computers to understand how liquids work. She studies the properties of different liquids at a very tiny, atomic level.

She is an Emerita Fellow at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. She was also an Associate of Newnham College, Cambridge. From January to December 2012, she was the acting President of Murray Edwards College.

Ruth Lynden-Bell has also helped with many science journals. She was an editor for Molecular Physics from 1998 to 2003. She also served on the boards of other important science publications. Even after retiring, she still works on research projects with Queen's University Belfast.

Personal Life

Ruth Lynden-Bell is the daughter of David and Priscilla Truscott. In 1961, she married Donald Lynden-Bell, who is an astronomer. They moved to California together, then to Cambridge in 1962, and to Sussex in 1964. They returned to Cambridge in 1972. They have one son and one daughter.

Ruth Lynden-Bell had her first child while working part-time as a lecturer at the University of Sussex. She found that her work as an experimental chemist allowed her to balance her career and family life. She offers helpful advice to other women in science. She suggests not being afraid to ask for things like part-time work. She also advises taking opportunities when they come up, even if they seem unexpected.

Her journey as a scientist and a mother is shared in a book called Parent Carer Scientist. This book was published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Awards and Recognition

Ruth Lynden-Bell has received several important awards for her work. In 2006, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. In 2009, she received an honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast. She also received a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellowship in 2003.