William Joseph Whelan facts for kids

William Joseph Whelan (born December 14, 1924 – died June 5, 2021) was an important scientist who studied biochemistry. Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that happen inside living things.

William Whelan was born in Britain but later became an American citizen. He was a professor at the University of Miami Medical School. He also started a big science meeting called the Miami Winter Symposium. He was also the main editor for a science magazine called IUBMB Life.

William Whelan's Life Story

William Whelan was born in a place called Salford, Greater Manchester in England in 1924. He loved learning about chemistry. He went to the University of Birmingham to study organic chemistry. This is a type of chemistry that focuses on carbon-based compounds, which are very important for life.

He earned his first degree in 1944 and then a higher degree (Ph.D.) in 1948. After finishing his studies, he became a teacher. He taught at different universities in the United Kingdom. These included University College of North Wales and the University of London.

In 1964, he became the head of the biochemistry department at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in London. A few years later, in 1967, he moved to the United States. He became a professor and chairman at the University of Miami Medical School. He worked there until 1991, when he became a professor emeritus. This means he retired but kept his title.

What William Whelan Discovered

William Whelan was famous for his amazing work on starch and glycogen. Starch is how plants store energy. Glycogen is how animals, including humans, store energy. Both are types of carbohydrates, which are like fuel for our bodies.

One of his most important discoveries was finding a protein called glycogenin. He found that glycogenin is inside glycogen. It helps glycogen molecules to form and grow. This discovery helped scientists understand better how our bodies store and use energy.

Because of his important work, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1992. This is a very special honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. William Whelan passed away on June 5, 2021, when he was 96 years old.

Working with Scientists Around the World

William Whelan also worked hard to connect scientists from different countries. He believed that scientists should work together. He helped create and lead many international science groups.

For example, he was the first General Secretary of FEBS in 1964. This group helps biochemists in Europe. He also served as General Secretary for the IUB (now IUBMB) for many years. This is a big international group for biochemistry and molecular biology. He even helped start FAOBMB, which connects scientists in Asia and Oceania.

His efforts helped scientists from all over the world share their ideas. This made science stronger and helped new discoveries happen faster.