Harry Kroto

Date of Birth: October 7, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 30, 2016

Biography

Sir Harold Walter Kroto, commonly known as Harry Kroto, was a distinguished British chemist renowned for his groundbreaking work on the discovery of fullerenes, a new form of carbon. Born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England, Kroto grew up in Bolton, Lancashire. He attended Bolton School and later studied at the University of Sheffield, where he completed his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1964. Kroto’s most significant scientific contribution came in 1985 when, alongside Robert Curl and Richard Smalley, he discovered C60, a spherical molecule composed entirely of carbon atoms, which came to be known as buckminsterfullerene or buckyballs. This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996 and opened up new fields of research in nanotechnology and materials science. Throughout his career, Kroto was a passionate advocate for science education and public understanding of science. He held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Sussex and Florida State University. Kroto was also actively involved in various outreach programs, such as the Vega Science Trust, which aimed to promote science through media. Kroto’s legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements, as he was also known for his commitment to promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking. He passed away on April 30, 2016, but his contributions to science and education continue to inspire future generations.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry Kroto

1. Harry Kroto was knighted in 1996 for his contributions to chemistry.

2. He was also an accomplished graphic designer, having designed many of his own scientific illustrations.

3. Kroto co-founded the Vega Science Trust, which produced over 200 programs to promote science education.

4. He was a fellow of several prestigious societies, including the Royal Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

5. Kroto was an avid advocate for atheism and secularism, often speaking out about the importance of scientific reasoning over religious belief.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Kroto

1. “Science is the search for truth – it is not a game in which one tries to beat his opponent, to do harm to others.”

2. “Creativity in science, as in art, cannot be organized. It arises spontaneously from individual talent.”

3. “I believe that education is the key to the future, and I try to use my position to promote the importance of scientific thinking.”

4. “I am very worried about the education system and the way in which science is taught. I think it is essential that we inspire young people to take an interest in science.”

5. “The beauty of science is that it is a never-ending journey of discovery.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Harry Kroto’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, primarily from his academic positions, speaking engagements, and contributions to scientific research.

Children

Harry Kroto had two sons, Stephen and David. Both have pursued careers outside of the scientific field, but they have been supportive of their father’s legacy and his contributions to science.