Robin Clark (chemist)

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Robin Clark

Canterbury University College
  • University College London
    • Known forTransition metal and mixed-valence complexes
    AwardsBakerian Medal (2008)
    CNZM (2004)
    FRS (1990)
    Scientific career
    FieldsInorganic chemistry
    InstitutionsUniversity College London
    Thesis Some Studies in the Chemistry of Titanium Complexes[1]  (1961)
    Doctoral advisors
    Other academic advisorsWilliam Fyfe
    Doctoral studentsRichard J. Puddephatt

    Robin Jon Hawes Clark

    mixed-valence complexes, and later for the use of Raman spectroscopy
    in determining the chemical composition of pigments used in artworks.

    Early life and education

    Clark was born in

    Marlborough College, Blenheim, and Christ's College, Christchurch before pursuing bachelor's and master's at Canterbury University College. Clark was a research and teaching fellow under William Fyfe at the University of Otago in 1958. From 1958 to 1961, Clark worked toward a doctorate advised by Ronald Sydney Nyholm and Jack Lewis at University College London and was awarded a PhD degree for his work on titanium complexes in 1961. The University of London later awarded Clark a DSc in 1969.[1][2]

    Career

    Clark began teaching at

    Sir William Ramsay
    Professor in 1989, and served until retirement in 2009. He served as the dean of science from 1988 to 1989 and later as head of the chemistry department from 1989 to 1999.

    Clark died in London on 6 December 2018.[3][4][5]

    Artwork authentication

    In 1992, Clark was asked to develop a non-destructive technique to analyze the chemical composition of a painting in such a way to be able to spot art forgeries. He had since developed the use of Raman spectroscopy as an important tool for use in the fields of artwork authentication, conservation, and preservation.[6][7]

    Awards and honours

    Over the course of his career, Clark delivered several named lectures and received multiple awards. In 1969, he was elected a fellow of the

    Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to science and New Zealand interests in the United Kingdom,[10] followed by elections as a foreign fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India in 2007 and as an international member of the American Philosophical Society in 2010.[1] In 2009, Royal Society of Chemistry awarded Clark the Sir George Stokes Award for his contribution to the application of analytical science to the arts and archaeology through his development of Raman microscopy for the identification of pigments.[11]

    Selected works

    References

    1. ^ a b c "Professor Robin J H Clark CNZM FRS" (PDF). Academia Europaea. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
    2. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U11033
      .
    3. ^ "Robin Clark: Biography". The Royal Society. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
    4. ^ "Prof. Robin Clark". The Times. 12 December 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
    5. ^ "Robin Clark death notice". Marlborough Express. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
    6. doi:10.1021/cen-09051-scitech3
      .
    7. doi:10.1039/cs9952400187
      .
    8. S2CID 210039438
      .
    9. ^ "Honorary graduates" (PDF). University of Canterbury. p. 2. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
    10. ^ "Queen's Birthday honours list 2004". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 7 June 2004. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
    11. ^ "Sir George Stokes Award 2009 winner". Royal Society of Chemistry. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
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