Sir Harold W. Kroto

Harold Walter Kroto, known for his discovery of buckminsterfullerene, was born on October 7, 1939, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England. His early interest in chemistry and physics set the stage for a distinguished academic career. Kroto's work in spectroscopy and his contributions to the understanding of molecular carbon later earned him a Nobel Prize.

On September 4, 1985, Harold Kroto, along with researchers Richard Smalley and Robert Curl, discovered a new form of carbon composed of 60 carbon atoms in a spherical structure, which they named buckminsterfullerene. This discovery was groundbreaking as it introduced a completely new class of carbon structures, revolutionary for materials science and chemistry.

In 1990, Harold Kroto and his colleagues published a seminal paper on the synthesis of C60, providing detailed insights into the method of creating these molecules in laboratory settings. This publication was crucial in advancing the practical applications of fullerenes in various scientific and industrial domains.

Harold Kroto was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996, sharing it with Robert Curl and Richard Smalley. The prize recognized their joint discovery of fullerenes, the carbon-60 molecule known as the 'buckyball'. This discovery had significant implications for nanotechnology and materials science, leading to advancements in various fields.

In January 2001, Harold Kroto founded the Vega Science Trust, an organization aimed at promoting science education and public understanding through the production and distribution of high-quality scientific articles and programs. This initiative stemmed from his passion for making science accessible to a broader audience.

In February 2004, Harold Kroto was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing his contributions to chemistry and his service to science. This honor reflected his status as a prominent public figure in scientific research, education, and advocacy, underscoring the global impact of his work on molecular carbon structures.

In May 2009, Sir Harold Kroto joined Florida State University as a professor. His position was part of the university's initiative to enhance its research capabilities, benefiting from Kroto’s extensive experience and expertise in chemistry. His involvement also gave students access to a Nobel laureate's insight into molecular innovation.

In November 2010, Harold Kroto was awarded the Copley Medal by the Royal Society for his outstanding contributions to chemistry. The Copley Medal is the Society's oldest and most prestigious award, highlighting the global recognition of Kroto’s pioneering work on carbon molecules such as fullerenes.

On December 10, 2011, Harold Kroto launched GEOSET, a collaborative effort to provide free educational resources in science and technology. This project aimed to empower educators worldwide by sharing lecture materials and fostering international collaboration in education, amplifying Kroto's commitment to science outreach.

Sir Harold W. Kroto passed away on April 30, 2016, at the age of 76. His death marked the loss of one of the most influential scientists of his time, whose groundbreaking work on fullerenes and commitment to science education left a lasting legacy in the scientific community and beyond.