Alwyn Williams (geologist)
Sir Alwyn Williams FGS | |
---|---|
Principal of the University of Glasgow | |
In office 1976–1988 | |
Preceded by | Sir Charles Wilson |
Succeeded by | Sir William Kerr Fraser |
Personal details | |
Born | 8 June 1921 Aberdare, Wales |
Died | 4 April 2004 | (aged 82)
Spouse | Joan Bevan |
Residence(s) | Pollokshields, Glasgow |
Alma mater | University College of Wales |
Profession | Geologist |
Sir Alwyn Williams
Early life
Williams was born in
Academic career
Williams took up his post as Lecturer in Geology at the University of Glasgow in 1950, but remained only four years, moving in 1954 to the Chair in Geology at Queen's University Belfast. Whilst at Belfast, he served as Dean of Science and as Secretary to the Academic Council, and from 1967 as Pro-Vice-Principal. He left Belfast in 1974 to succeed Fred Shotton as Lapworth Professor of Geology and Head of Department at the University of Birmingham, and two years later returned to Glasgow as Principal of the University.[1][5]
Research
Whilst at Belfast, Williams began focussing his research on
University of Glasgow
Williams was appointed
Royal Society of Edinburgh
Sir Alwyn became President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1985, serving until 1988. Although his tenure lasted only three years, it included the purchase of the Society's landmark premises in George Street and the fostering of links with the Royal Society in London and the Royal Irish Academy, Williams also holding membership of both organisations. His leadership helped the RSE to develop its position and role as one of the leading academies of the British Isles.[8]
Sir Alwyn Williams Building
Sir Alwyn Williams Building | |
---|---|
General information | |
Construction started | 2005 |
Completed | 2007 |
Cost | £4m |
Technical details | |
Floor count | 5 |
Design and construction | |
Architecture firm | Reiach and Hall |
References | |
[9] |
The Sir Alwyn Williams Building at the University of Glasgow was opened on 22 June 2007 by Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, and Williams's widow, Joan.[10] It was an extension to the facilities of the Department of Computing Science, located between the Department's pre-existing accommodation, in a row of interconnected Victorian townhouses on Lilybank Gardens, and the 1968-built Queen Margaret Union building. The Building contains offices and laboratories as well as informal 'break-out spaces'.
The architectural style is strikingly modern, and building work also included construction of a pedestrianised plaza between University Gardens and Lilybank Gardens, connecting to the North doors of the Boyd Orr Building. Construction lasted between 2005 and 2007, and cost £4m.[9] The building was designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, who also built the University's Wolfson Medical School Building. In 2008, the building was briefly occupied by students protesting against violence in the Gaza Strip.
Personal life
Williams married Joan Bevan in 1949, with whom he had a son and a daughter. The pair met while studying in Aberystwyth and married in Canada.
References
- ^ a b c d e f Brunton, Howard (23 April 2004). "Sir Alwyn Williams (obituary)". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- ^ a b c "Sir Alwyn Williams". The Independent. London. 12 April 2004. Retrieved 19 December 2009.[dead link]
- ^ a b "Williams, Sir Alwyn". Gateway to the Archives of Scottish Higher Education, Archives of the University of Glasgow. 4 September 2002. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2009.
- ^ "Sir Alwyn Williams 1921–2004". Earth Science 2000. Archived from the original on 20 November 2010. Retrieved 19 December 2009.
- ^ a b "Biography of Sir Alwyn Williams". University of Glasgow. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- ^ Naughton, Philippe. "University League Table 2010: Computing Science". The Times. London. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- ^ "Sir Alwyn Williams FRS, 1921–2004". Geological Society of London. Retrieved 19 December 2009.
- ^ a b "Sir Alwyn Williams". Royal Society of Edinburgh. Archived from the original on 5 November 2004. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- ^ a b "Sir Alwyn Williams Building". Glasgow Architecture. 18 November 2008. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- ^ "Sir Alwyn Williams Building opened". University of Glasgow. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
External links
- "Image of the Sir Alwyn Williams Building". University of Glasgow. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 18 December 2009.