Background
Rankin, Robert Alexander was born on October 27, 1915 in Garlieston, Wigtownshire, Scotland. Son of Oliver Shaw and Olivia Theresa (Shaw) Rankin.
Rankin, Robert Alexander was born on October 27, 1915 in Garlieston, Wigtownshire, Scotland. Son of Oliver Shaw and Olivia Theresa (Shaw) Rankin.
Bachelor, University Cambridge, England, 1937. Doctor of Philosophy, University Cambridge, England, 1940. Master of Arts, University Cambridge, England, 1941.
Doctor of Science, University Cambridge, England, 1959.
Fellow Clare College University Cambridge, 1939-1951, assistant lecturer, then lecturer, 1945-1951. Professor mathematics Birmingham University, England, 1951-1954, Glasgow University, Scotland, 1954-1982, professor emeritus mathematics Scotland, from 1982. Clerk of senate Glasgow University, 1971-1978, dean of faculties, 1985-1988.
Chairman Scottish Mathematics Council, 1967-1973.
Chairman Clyde Estuary Amenity Council, 1969-1981. Fellow Royal Society Edinburgh (member council 1957-1963). Member London Mathematics Society (vice president 1966-1968), Edinburgh Mathematics Society (president 1957-1958, 78-79), Mathematics Association, American Mathematics Society, American Mathematics Association, Scottish Gaelic Texts Society (vice president), Gaelic Society Glasgow (honorary president).
Married Mary Ferrier Llewellyn, July 25, 1942. Children: Susan Mary Llewellyn, Charles Richard Shaw, Fenella Kathleen Clare, Olivia Roberta Mary.