Lifelong learning at St Andrews

A sixty year association with the University of St Andrews reached a pinnacle today (Friday 30 November) when Honorary Professor Douglas Lloyd finally received a PhD at the age of 87.

Having graduated with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Bristol in 1941 Douglas Mathon Gent Lloyd went straight into war service, researching explosives at the University of Sheffield.

When the war ended Professor Lloyd returned briefly to the chemistry department at Bristol joining the University of St Andrews in 1947 where his career progressed to see him serve as lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, honorary reader and honorary professor, specialising in organic chemistry.

During his long period of service Professor Lloyd, who lives in St Andrews with his wife Lydia, has published over 200 research papers, reviews and books including a history of chemistry at the University.

Professor Lloyd holds a DSc from both Bristol and St Andrews and in 1977 he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Reflecting on the award of his PhD Professor Lloyd said: “Today progression from undergraduate to post-graduate studies is the norm but for science graduates in the war years this was not an option as we were required to use our skills for the war effort as soon as we graduated.

“After World War Two the universities had to build up new science departments as many staff had been seconded during the war and student numbers were increased by the provision of courses for returning service personnel.”

Fate had played a role in sowing the first seeds of interest in the University of St Andrews as while an undergraduate Professor Lloyd shared fire-watching duties at Bristol University with his chemistry professor Edmund (later Sir Edmund) Hirst. Professor Hirst had been dux at Madras College and a University of St Andrews student and lecturer.

The Bristol connection was cemented later when the zoologist who was to become Professor Lloyd’s wife left Bristol University to join the academic staff at the University of St Andrews. The couple met in St Andrews and married in 1954.

Professor Lloyd has served under five principals at the University of St Andrews and was instrumental, in conjunction with Principal James Irvine, in creating Deans Court as a dedicated post-graduate centre serving as its warden from 1947-1954.

Professor Lloyd also became the first Provost of St Leonard’s College in modern times when this office was reinstated in 1972.

An accomplished organist Professor Lloyd still plays for services and recitals.

Head of School Professor Neville Richardson said: “The fully deserved award of a PhD is the appropriate recognition for an outstanding achievement by a colleague who has given a lifetime of service to the School of Chemistry at St Andrews. His enthusiasm for chemistry burns as brightly as ever.”

ENDS

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Gayle Cook, Press Officer on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected]
Ref:  Prof Lloyd 291107
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