Discovery of a Lifetime: F. Sherwood Rowland and the Ozone Layer
November 2011 - April 2012
Discovery of a Lifetime celebrates the research contributions of world-renowned atmospheric scientist F. Sherwood "Sherry" Rowland, 1995 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, and UCI Donald Bren Research Professor of Chemistry in Earth System Science. The exhibit traces Rowland's ground-breaking work as one of the first scientists to warn that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere were depleting the earth's vital ozone layer. His research, along with postdoctoral colleague Mario Molina, contributed to the passing of the 1987 Montreal Protocol to eliminate CFCs from aerosols, and brought worldwide attention to the impact of human-contributed greenhouse gases on a planetary scale.
Rowland is internationally recognized not only for his work in the laboratory, but also for his efforts to inform other scientists, the public, and policymakers about threats posed by chemical pollutants to earth's atmosphere. The exhibit explores Rowland's career as a researcher and statesman; his relationship with the media, and his role as a scientist and national advocate. Mitchell Brown, Research Librarian for Chemistry, Earth System Science & Russian Studies is curator. Rowland generously donated his personal papers to the UCI Libraries and these rich materials are now available for scholarly research in the Libraries' Department of Special Collections and Archives.
Note:
Professor Rowland passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2012. He was 84. He leaves a legacy of courageous research and leadership in atmospheric science.
For more information and related links please visit: UCImpact | F. Sherwood Rowland.
Opening night event | event video | event photos | checklist (pdf) | brochure (pdf) | UCI feature article "Deconstructing Sherwood Rowland"