Famous Welsh Scientists

David Christopher Kelly was a respected Welsh scientist specializing in biological warfare. He served as a chief weapons inspector for the United Nations in Iraq, uncovering anthrax and BW programs. Kelly played a key role in missions with UNSCOM and UNMOVIC. His involvement in the 2002 dossier on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction led to controversy after his off-the-record conversation with a BBC journalist. Following his tragic death, an inquiry confirmed suicide. Kelly's work was recognized with honors and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Robert Recorde was a Welsh physician and mathematician known for his significant contributions to the field of mathematics. In 1557, he introduced the equals sign (=) and popularized the plus (+) and minus (−) signs to English speakers. His work revolutionized mathematical notation, making it easier for people to solve equations and perform calculations. Recorde's innovations in mathematical notation have had a lasting impact on the field of mathematics and continue to be used worldwide in various mathematical expressions and equations.

Donald Watts Davies was a Welsh computer scientist and Internet pioneer known for inventing modern data communications, including packet switching, high-speed routers, and communication protocols. He envisioned a "single network" for data and telephone communications, proposing and studying a national data network in the UK. Davies designed and built the NPL network to demonstrate the technology, which influenced the development of the ARPANET in the US and the CYCLADES project in France. His work was key to the data communications technology used in the Internet.

Sir John Maddox was a respected Welsh theoretical chemist, physicist, and science writer. He made significant contributions to the field of science during his career. Maddox served as an editor of the prestigious journal Nature for a total of 22 years, from 1966 to 1973 and again from 1980 to 1995. His editorial leadership and dedication to promoting scientific research and communication were widely recognized within the scientific community. Maddox's work continues to inspire and influence current and future generations of scientists.

Richard Price was a prominent figure in various fields, known for his contributions as a moral philosopher, mathematician, Nonconformist minister, and political reformer. He actively supported radical and liberal causes, engaging in the French and American Revolutions. Through his connections with influential figures like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, Price facilitated communication among key individuals. As a minister in London, he edited and published significant works on actuarial science, demography, and finance. Price's impact as a thinker and fellow of the Royal Society is widely recognized in history.

Isaac Roberts was a Welsh engineer and businessman renowned for his contributions as an amateur astronomer. He made significant advancements in the field of astrophotography of nebulae, pioneering new techniques. Roberts was an active member of the Liverpool Astronomical Society and a fellow of the Royal Geological Society. His work earned him the prestigious Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1895, recognizing his valuable contributions to the field of astronomy and astrophotography.

Sir William Robert Grove was a prominent Welsh judge and physical scientist known for his contributions to the general theory of the conservation of energy. He played a significant role in the development of fuel cell technology and is credited with inventing the Grove voltaic cell. His work as a pioneer in this field has had a lasting impact on the scientific community, and his innovative contributions continue to be studied and built upon by researchers and engineers around the world.

John Patrick Savage was a Welsh-born Canadian physician and politician. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 and established himself as a prominent family physician in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Savage transitioned into politics by serving as the mayor of Dartmouth in 1985, later becoming the leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party in 1992. Elected as the 23rd premier of Nova Scotia in 1993, Savage implemented significant reforms in taxation, regional government, and government hiring practices during his tenure. He resigned in 1997 amid low public approval ratings and passed away in 2003.

Thomas Pennant was a Welsh naturalist, traveller, writer, and antiquarian known for his extensive contributions to the fields of natural history and travel literature. His works, such as British Zoology and The History of Quadrupeds, influenced notable figures like Samuel Johnson. Pennant traveled extensively throughout Britain and Europe, documenting his observations on geography, wildlife, and local customs. As an antiquarian, he amassed a significant collection of scientific works and art. His detailed travelogues, often accompanied by illustrations, provided valuable insights into lesser-known regions for the British public.

Ronald Mathias Lockley was a prominent Welsh ornithologist and naturalist known for his extensive contributions to the field of natural history. He authored more than fifty books focusing on various aspects of wildlife, with a particular emphasis on shearwaters. Lockley's work, including the influential book "The Private Life of the Rabbit," served as a valuable resource for fellow naturalists and writers. His collaboration with Richard Adams on "Watership Down" further solidified his legacy as a respected figure in the study of wildlife and conservation.