Date of Birth: June 6, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: October 28, 2005
Biography
Richard Errett Smalley was an American chemist and physicist renowned for his significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology. Born on June 6, 1943, in Akron, Ohio, Smalley developed an early interest in science that led him to pursue a rigorous academic career. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 1965 and later received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University in 1973. Smalley joined Rice University in 1976, where he conducted groundbreaking research in nanotechnology. His most notable achievement came in 1985 when he, along with Robert Curl and Harold Kroto, discovered fullerenes, a new form of carbon. This discovery, which led to the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996, revolutionized the understanding of carbon allotropes and opened up new avenues in materials science and nanotechnology. Throughout his career, Smalley was a passionate advocate for nanotechnology and its potential to address global challenges such as energy production and medicine. He was also an active voice in science policy, emphasizing the need for sustainable and clean energy solutions. Richard Smalley passed away on October 28, 2005, but his legacy continues to influence the scientific community and inspire future generations of researchers.
5 Interesting Facts about Richard Smalley
1. Richard Smalley was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996 for the discovery of fullerenes, alongside Robert Curl and Harold Kroto.
2. He co-founded the Carbon Nanotechnology Laboratory at Rice University, which became a leading research center for nanotechnology.
3. Smalley was an advocate for using nanotechnology to solve global energy problems and frequently spoke about the need for sustainable energy solutions.
4. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999 and continued his research and advocacy work while undergoing treatment.
5. Smalley was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and received numerous awards, including the American Physical Society’s International Prize for New Materials in 1992.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Smalley
1. “By the mid-21st century, we will have the ability to build things at the molecular level.”
2. “Nanotechnology is the art of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale.”
3. “The energy crisis is the single most important issue facing humanity today.”
4. “We need to find a way to create clean, renewable energy sources that can sustain our growing population.”
5. “Science is the key to our future, and if you don’t believe in science, then you’re holding everybody back.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Richard Smalley’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his contributions to science and technology have had immeasurable value.
Children
Richard Smalley had two children. Their names are Preston Reed Smalley and Chad Richard Smalley.
Relevant Links
1. [Nobel Prize Biography](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1996/smalley/biographical/
4. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-E-Smalley
