Alexander Walter Merrison

Background

Merrison, Alexander Walter was born on March 20, 1924 in London. Son of Henry Walter and Violet Henrietta (Mortimer) Merrison.

Education

Bachelor of Science, University London, 1944. Doctor of Philosophy, University Liverpool, 1957. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Bristol, 1971.

Doctor of Science (honorary), University Ulster, 1976. Doctor of Science (honorary), University Bath, 1977. Doctor of Science (honorary), Southampton, 1980.

Doctor of Science (honorary), Leeds, 1981. Doctor of Science (honorary), Liverpool, 1982.

Career

; children: Jonathan, Timothy. Married Maureen Michele Barry, 1970. Children: Andria, Benedict.

Researcher, Signals Research and Development Establishment, senior scientific officer research reactor and nuclear physics, Christchurch, 1944-1946, AERE, Harwell, 1946-1951.

Leverhulme fellow, lecturer elementary particle physics U. Liverpool, 1951-1957. Physicist European Organisation Nuclear Research European Organization of Nuclear Research, 1957-1960.

Professor experimental physics Liverpool University, 1960-1969, also director Daresbury Nuclear Physics Laboratory, 1962-1969. Vice chancellor Bristol University, 1969-1984.

Chairman Committee of Inquiry into Design and Erection of Steel Box Girder Bridges, 1970-1973.

Member Council of Scientific Policy. 1967-1972, Nuclear Power Advisory Board, 1973-1976. Chairman Royal Commission National Health Service, 1976-1979, Advisory Board for Research Councils, 1972-1973, chairman 79-82.

Chairman Bristol region Lloyds Bank, 1983-1989, also Chairman Committee Inquiry into Regulation of Medical Profession, 1972-1975.

Vice chairman Southwest Regional Health Authority, 1973-1976. Deputy Lieutenant County of Avon, 1974.

Chairman Bristol Old Vic Trust, 1971-1989, Western Provident Association, 1984-1989. Director Bristol Evening Post, 1979-1989, Bristol Waterworks Company, 1984-1989.

Chairman Vice-Chancellors and Principals, 1979-1981, Association Commonwealth Universities, 1982-1983.

President Council of Cern, 1982-1985. Freeman of the City of London. Member Council Institute Physics, 1964-1966, 1983-1989 (president 1984-1986).

Created knight, 1976.

Recipient Charles Vernon Boys prize Institute Physics, 1961.

Achievements

• Alexander Walter Merrison has been listed as a noteworthy physicist and bank director by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Freeman City of London. Chairman, vice-chancellors & principals, 1979—1981, Association Commonwealth Universities, 1982—1983. President Council of Cern, 1982—1985, Council Institute Physics, 1984—1986, member, 1964—1966, 1983—1989.

Fellow: Royal Society Arts, Royal Society. Member: Athenaeum Club (London).

Connections

Married Beryl Glencora Le Marquand, 1948 (deceased 1968). Children: Jonathan, Timothy. Married Maureen Michele Barry, 1970.

Children: Andria, Benedict.

Father:

Henry Walter Merrison

Mother:

Violet Henrietta (Mortimer) Merrison

Spouse:

Maureen Michele Barry

Spouse:

Beryl Glencora Le Marquand

child:

Timothy Merrison

child:

Jonathan Merrison

child:

Andria Merrison

child:

Benedict Merrison