David Bates
ABOUT DAVID BATES
Remembered for his studies of molecular and atmospheric physics and the chemical composition of interstellar clouds, this prominent scientist and mathematician was the 1970 recipient of the prestigious Hughes Medal. In addition, he founded Queen's University, Belfast's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.
He received his scientific training at University College London and Queen's University Belfast and, during the World War II years, developed nautical protection devices for the Royal Navy's Admiralty Mining Establishment.
A devoted political activist and pacifist, he was one of the founders of Northern Ireland's Alliance Party.
He spent his youth Omagh and Belfast, Northern Ireland. His marriage to Barbara Morris began in the 1950s and produced two children.
He and fellow Irish physicist Daniel Bradley were both active in the mid twentieth century.
