An academic from the University of Aberdeen was today (Monday, February 11) awarded a Fellowship of the Society of Glass Technology.
Professor John Duffy, Emeritus Professor, School of Natural & Computing Sciences, Chemistry, was presented with his award by Dr David Martlew FSGT, President of the Society.
The Society is an international organisation based in Sheffield which fosters pure and applied glass science, mainly through organising meetings and publishing the European Journal of Glass Science and Technology.
It confers the title of Fellow to academics who have given conspicuous service to glass science or technology.
Unfortunately, Professor Duffy has been unable to travel south to be awarded his Fellowship – instead Dr Martlew has kindly agreed to visit Aberdeen for the event.
Professor Duffy's contributions to glass science are as varied as they are remarkable. He pioneered the application of chemical bonding theory to many practical problems, including the basicity of steel-making slags, electrochromic mirrors, redox reactions (which largely control glass transparency) and glass refractivities (which control most optical applications of these materials).
More recently, he has collaborated with Professor Donald Macphee at the University in the development of proton-conducting gels and photo-responsive electrodes for novel fuel cell designs In addition he is applying chemical bonding concepts to the development of "white" cements and concretes.
Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Physical Sciences, is extremely pleased to hear of Professor Duffy's accolade.
He said: "Professor Duffy has been a valued member of staff at the University of Aberdeen since he joined in 1966 – more than 40 years ago. His work at the University in the area of chemical bonding theory is proving to be of great scientific significance and this award reflects the high quality of research which he has undertaken. I am, therefore, delighted to see therefore his work being recognised by this prestigious award."