Professor Emeritus John Dallas Donaldson - obituary BSc PhD (Aberdeen) DSc (London) FRSC CChem CSci FRSA Hon FCIWM
1935 - 2021
John was born in Hopeman Scotland, was educated at Elgin Academy and obtained his BSc and PhD at Aberdeen University. On completion of his PhD he joined the academic staff as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry for a few years before moving south to London, to the University of London (Chelsea College) where his academic career as a world-renowned inorganic tin chemist commenced in earnest. It was here he established his research group which ultimately grew, during his career, to more than 100 researchers obtaining doctorate degrees working under his supervision, and over 30 post-doctoral researchers from around the world, who worked in his laboratories, benefitting from his guidance and inspiration.
In 1980 he was appointed to a unique and challenging foundation chair as Professor of Industrial Chemistry at City University, London, where he successfully carried out the dual tasks of setting up an industrially-based research centre and forging three-way links between the university, the chemical and related industries and the financial institutions of the City of London.
Measures of John’s success at City University in this unique role were his expanding research portfolio impacting many sectors of industry, and the value he brought, as a consultant and advisor, to a large number of companies in the chemical, agricultural, food, water treatment, mineral treatment, heat exchanger, paints and electronics industries.
During his time at City, John showed his skills in developing a specialist Masters training programme tailored to meet industry needs. He established and directed a modular MSc programme in Industrial and Administrative Sciences, sponsored by RTZ to train mining and geology engineers from Southern African countries to take up middle to senior management positions, on their return home. His role as Director of the programme and as a Trustee of the Zimbabwe Technical Management Training Trust, saw him regularly visit Zimbabwe and other countries in the region over the course of the 10-year programme.
In 1990 John moved to Brunel University where he became Head of the Department of Chemistry and established a Centre for Environmental Research which gained a worldwide reputation for postgraduate training at Masters’ degree and Research level in environmental science, engineering and management. At this point his research focus transitioned to studies on fundamental science and technology of environmental effects and their control, development of clean technology processes for end-of-pipe treatment with simultaneous recovery of dissolved metals and destruction of organic contaminants, and the challenges of material recovery from waste and low-grade primary sources.
John interfaced with key stakeholders nationally and internationally: advising legal, insurance and investment companies on environmental issues in the UK, directing a team of 40 researchers, on behalf of the Environment Agency, in conducting the National Waste Survey for the Thames Region, and representing the Bureau of International Recycling on secondary metals issues on the Technical Working Group of the Basel Convention. John’s profile in the waste sector became prominent with his appointment as Academic Vice President of WAMITAB (Waste Management Industry Training Advisory Board) - responsible for the award of Certificates of Technical Competence for Managers of operational waste facilities - where he worked alongside two Presidents, Lord Gregson, and subsequently Lord Lewis of Newnham, before being appointed as its President in 2015.
After 21 years of service John stepped down from this role, and it was held that John’s expertise of combining chemistry knowledge and waste management and his consistent level-headed support underpinned the success of WAMITAB, and its current strengths in training the community within the waste and resource sector. The Chartered institution of Wastes Management recognised John’s valuable input to this training body at an early stage and awarded the Honorary Fellowship of the Institution to him in February 2002.
In recognition of John’s outstanding contribution to academia during his career he was made an Emeritus Professor of both City and Brunel universities, and he continued to contribute to academia as a Visiting Professor at Imperial College, within the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, where his support to staff and MEng, MSc and PhD students over a period of 16 years until his death was hugely valued.
Aside from his academic interests John made a rich contribution to many aspects of society both nationally and internationally. John’s links with the Royal Society of Chemistry spanned more than 60 years, and his strong relationship with the Society was evident as he served as a Member of the Council and on the Finance Committee, following periods as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice-President of the Dalton (Inorganic Chemistry) Division of the Society. He also served for many years on committees within the Society for Chemical Industry and The Institution of Electrical Engineers. In 1990 he co-founded Hopeman Associates Ltd a multi-disciplinary consultancy company focused on scientific and environmental consultancy and management consultancy bringing together teams of experts through an international network working closely with key industrialists, financial institutions, businesses, and regulators.
John was an eminent scientist, an outstanding leader, an excellent negotiator, an inspirational educator, and a greatly valued colleague, and friend; in all, a fine gentleman with a considerate and a deeply caring nature. John began his research life as a tin chemist, and when he moved to City University his rapid acceptance into the city institutions led him to join one the oldest Livery Companies, The Worshipful Company of Pewterers. He rose through the ranks; and so popular and admired was he, that he was advanced prematurely to become Master of the Company in 2010-11, a position which filled him with great pride. John had a keen interest in all sport, playing Association Croquet at Roehampton Club, London, and for his Livery Company, and was an avid supporter of Brentford Football Club and the Scottish National team.
John’s sudden passing has left a great void, for his family and friends. Predeceased by his wife Elisabeth, also from Aberdeen, he leaves behind his much-loved children Claire, Sarah, and Richard of whom he was immensely proud, and four treasured grandchildren.
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