John Howard Purnell
Welsh chemist (1925–1996)
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John Howard Purnell OBE FRSC[1] (17 August 1925 Rhondda, South Wales — 12 January 1996 Swansea, Wales)[2] was a Welsh chemist.
Professor John Howard Purnell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 August 1925 Rhondda |
| Died | 12 January 1996 (aged 70) Swansea |
| Alma mater | Cardiff University, University of Cambridge |
| Known for | Chemistry, Gas Chromatography |
| Signature | |
| 4th & 5th Swansea University Head of Chemistry Department | |
| In office 1970–1984 | |
| Preceded by | Cedric Hassall |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Pelter |
| In office 1988–1990 | |
| Preceded by | Andrew Pelter |
| Succeeded by | Keith Smith |
| President, Royal Society of Chemistry | |
| In office 1994–1996 | |
| Succeeded by | Professor E.W. Abel |
Education
He attended Maes y Dderwen County School in Ystradgynlais before attending Pentre Secondary School.[3]
After graduating with a first class honours in chemistry at University College, Cardiff in 1946 he went on to the University of Wales and received a PhD in 1952.[3]
Career
Purnell began to work in the field of gas chromatography in this field in 1952 at Cambridge University while working with Professor R. G. W. Norrish.[3] In 1965 he became Professor of Physical Chemistry at University College, Swansea where he remained until his retirement in 1992.
He was president of the Royal Society of Chemistry between 1994 and 1996.[citation needed]