The 1967 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Ronald George Wreyford Norrish for his work on extremely rapid chemical reactions. His career spanned decades of research at the University of Cambridge, where he specialized in photochemistry and gas kinetics, ultimately reshaping the understanding of chemical processes through the methodology known as flash photolysis.
Academic Foundation and Military Service
Born in 1897 in Cambridge, Norrish attended Emmanuel College. His early interest in chemical experimentation was supported by his father, who helped him build a laboratory in their garden shed. His studies were interrupted by World War I; Norrish served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, during which time he was captured on 21 March 1918 and held as a prisoner of war.
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He returned to Emmanuel College in 1925 as a Research Fellow, beginning a long career at the University of Cambridge. He eventually served as the Head of the Department of Physical Chemistry. Throughout his tenure, he became known as a precise experimentalist. His work in photochemistry and gas kinetics led to the development of the Norrish reaction. Notably, he supervised Rosalind Franklin during his time at the university.
Recognition and Legacy
Norrish received numerous accolades for his contributions to science. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1936. His awards include the 1926 Meldola Medal and Prize, the 1957 Liversidge Award, the 1958 Davy Medal, and the 1966 Royal Society Bakerian Medal. He also held a doctor honoris causa from the University of Paris and received the Longstaff Prize in 1969. He remained active in the scientific community as a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences until his death in 1978 in Cambridge.
Fast facts
- Born: 1897, Cambridge
- Died: 1978, Cambridge
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry: 1967
- Education: Emmanuel College, Cambridge
- Fellow of the Royal Society: 1936
- Key research: Flash photolysis
- Military service: Royal Field Artillery
Questions readers ask
What was Norrish's primary contribution to chemistry?
He is recognized for his research into extremely fast chemical reactions using flash photolysis and kinetic spectroscopy.
Did Norrish work outside the United Kingdom?
His career was centered at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, though he received international honors including a doctorate from the University of Paris.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of Cambridge
- Educated at Emmanuel College
- Worked as chemist and university teacher
