Remembering Professor Robert Haszeldine and supporting Queens' Chemistry students
The College’s has successfully endowed The Haszeldine Fund in Chemistry. This will commemorate one of Queens’ most notable chemists and Honorary Fellows, Professor Robert Haszeldine (1925-2016).
This Fund supports future generations of Queens’ chemists through enriching provision for undergraduates and postgraduates by assisting them in a variety of areas. These include:
- Academic related travel
- Books, equipment and dissertation expenses
- Research projects
- Chemistry events
- Internships
- The Queens’ College Chemistry Society
Thanks to a generous legacy from Professor Haszeldine, Queens’ secured the first £40,000 towards establishing this Fund. Support from another 12 Queens’ donors enabled the College to endow the Fund at £100,000. The Fellowships remains grateful to all of the donors.
This ring-fenced sum in the College’s endowment provides an annual return of about £3,000. It is disbursed to Chemistry students by the Director of Studies in Chemistry, (currently Dr Howard Jones), and the Senior Tutor.
Professor Robert Haszeldine
Professor Haszeldine was a Fellow of Queens’ (1954-57), Assistant Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (1956-57) and Honorary Fellow (1976-2016). A talented chemist, he enjoyed a stellar career at Queens’, UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology), first as Professor of Chemistry then as Principal from 1976, and many other institutions. This included stints as a visiting lecturer across Europe, Israel, the USA, South America, China, Japan, and Russia.
The Royal Society commented “during his career he made significant contributions to several branches of both organic and inorganic chemistry.” He is especially renowned for his work in the field of fluorine chemistry. His research has been characterised as boasting “outstanding experimental skill and originality.”
Photo: Credit Godfrey Argent Studio through the Royal Society