Louis Rosenhead

Rosenhead matriculated from Leeds High School and went to the University of Leeds to study medicine, but after four weeks changed his studies to mathematics. His decision was influenced by Selig Brodetsky. Rosenhead graduated with first class honours in 1926, and continuing, eventually to attain a Ph.D. in 1928, studying under Brodetsky. He then earned another Ph.D. at St John's College, Cambridge, studying under Harold Jeffreys. This was followed by spending the academic year 1930-31 in Göttingen where Ludwig Prandtl was active. Rosenhead spent time there along with Sydney Goldstein and H. B. Squire, all working on theoretical fluid mechanics.^[1]

In 1931 Rosenhead became assistant lecturer in applied mathematics at University College, Swansea. In 1933 he replaced Joseph Proudman as professor of applied mathematics at Liverpool.^[1]

During World War II, Rosenhead was superintendent of ballistics at the Projectile Development Establishment and collected a team of mathematicians to work on rocket weapons.

Rosenhead was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1946.^[1]

In 1947 he was instrumental in developing statistics and in the appointment of Robin Plackett. His colleagues also included Maurice Bartlett, P. A. P. Moran and D. G. Kendall.