John Polanyi

John Polanyi Collegiate Insititute

John Charles Polanyi, PC CC OOnt FRS FRSC (born January 23, 1929), is a Hungarian-Canadian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986 for his research in chemical kinetics. Polanyi was born in Berlin, Germany, to a Hungarian family, which moved to England in the 1930s to escape the rise of Nazism. He later emigrated to Canada, where he has spent most of his academic career. Polanyi's work has significantly impacted the fields of chemical kinetics and molecular chemistry, particularly in the study of the dynamics of chemical reactions.

Early Life and Education

John Polanyi was born to Mihály Polányi, a chemist and philosopher, and Magda Kemeny, a teacher. In 1933, his family moved to England where Polanyi was educated at Manchester Grammar School before attending the University of Manchester, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1949. He continued his studies at the same university, obtaining his PhD in chemistry in 1952 under the supervision of Professor E. H. S. Burhop.

Career

After completing his doctorate, Polanyi moved to Canada in 1952 and began working at the University of Toronto, where he has remained throughout his career. His research has focused on the energetics and dynamics of chemical reactions, using innovative techniques such as infrared chemiluminescence to study the detailed processes that occur during chemical reactions on a molecular level. This work laid the groundwork for the development of chemical laser technology and has had profound implications for the understanding of chemical processes.

Nobel Prize

In 1986, John Polanyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Dudley Herschbach and Yuan T. Lee for their contributions to the dynamics of chemical elementary processes. Polanyi's specific contribution was in the field of infrared chemiluminescence, allowing for the observation of the transition states of molecules during chemical reactions. This work not only advanced the field of chemical kinetics but also contributed to the broader understanding of molecular interactions.

Later Work and Legacy

Beyond his Nobel-winning research, Polanyi has been an active voice in the scientific community, advocating for peace and the responsible use of science in society. He has written extensively on the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the need for scientists to engage with the public and policymakers.

Polanyi's contributions to science and his advocacy for ethical responsibility in research have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Companion of the Order of Canada and the Royal Society's Royal Medal. He has also been a mentor to a new generation of scientists, emphasizing the importance of curiosity-driven research and the role of science in addressing societal challenges.

Personal Life

John Polanyi is married and has two children. He continues to live in Toronto, Canada, where he remains active in both his research and advocacy work.

See Also

• Chemical kinetics
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• University of Toronto
• Infrared chemiluminescence