Tony Ryan (scientist)
Encyclopedia
Professor Anthony John Ryan, OBE is a polymer chemist
at the University of Sheffield
. He delivered the 2002 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
.
, in March 1962. He graduated with a BSc in Polymer Science and Technology from the University of Manchester
in 1983, and a PhD from the same institution in 1988. He received a DSc from UMIST
in 2004. His academic career began as a lecturer in Polymer Science
at UMIST, followed by a position at the University of Minnesota
, then back to UMIST in 1990. In 1997 he joined the University of Sheffield as a Professor of Physical Chemistry
, being Head of Department from 1998 to 2003, and is now (as of 2010) Pro-Vice-Chancellor
for Pure Science. He is married and has two daughters.
In 2002, he presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.
In the 2006 New Year Honours, he received an OBE for services to Science.
Polymer chemistry
Polymer chemistry or macromolecular chemistry is a multidisciplinary science that deals with the chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers or macromolecules. According to IUPAC recommendations, macromolecules refer to the individual molecular chains and are the domain of chemistry...
at the University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a research university based in the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. It is one of the original 'red brick' universities and is a member of the Russell Group of leading research intensive universities...
. He delivered the 2002 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are a series of lectures on a single topic, which have been held at the Royal Institution in London each year since 1825. The lectures present scientific subjects to a general audience, including young people, in an informative and entertaining manner....
.
Life
Ryan was born in LeedsLeeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
, in March 1962. He graduated with a BSc in Polymer Science and Technology from the University of Manchester
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university located in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is a "red brick" university and a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive British universities and the N8 Group...
in 1983, and a PhD from the same institution in 1988. He received a DSc from UMIST
UMIST
The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology was a university based in the centre of the city of Manchester in England. It specialised in technical and scientific subjects and was a major centre for research...
in 2004. His academic career began as a lecturer in Polymer Science
Polymer science
Polymer science or macromolecular science is the subfield of materials science concerned with polymers, primarily synthetic polymers such as plastics...
at UMIST, followed by a position at the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
, then back to UMIST in 1990. In 1997 he joined the University of Sheffield as a Professor of Physical Chemistry
Physical chemistry
Physical chemistry is the study of macroscopic, atomic, subatomic, and particulate phenomena in chemical systems in terms of physical laws and concepts...
, being Head of Department from 1998 to 2003, and is now (as of 2010) Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
In a university, an assistant to a vice-chancellor is called a pro-vice-chancellor . These are sometimes teaching academics who take on additional responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities are in charge of Administration, Research and Development, Academic and Education affairs...
for Pure Science. He is married and has two daughters.
In 2002, he presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.
In the 2006 New Year Honours, he received an OBE for services to Science.