A WREXHAM nuclear expert has died at the age of 92.

Professor Glyn O. Phillips, originally from Rhosllannerchrugog and educated at Ruabon Grammar School, was the author or editor of 43 books and over 600 academic papers.

Graduating Bangor University with first class honours in chemistry, he received a doctorate in Philosophy and then in science for his research in carbohydrates.

Professor Phillips published a number of articles on his area of ​​expertise, the impact of nuclear rays on human tissue and the fabrication of new biomaterials for wound healing.

After acting as Professor of Chemistry at the University of Salford he went to Nigeria in 1970 to establish the University of Benin and was the first vice-chancellor.

In June 2003 the Glyn O. Phillips Research Center was established at the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI) - now Glyndwr University - in Wrexham, where he was researching until recently.

Glyndwr University has paid tribute to him.

A spokesman said: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Professor Glyn O. Phillips, who was the first Executive Principal of Wrexham Glyndwr University’s predecessor institution, NEWI, and had a long and distinguished career - both as a research scientist and as a leading figure at Higher Education institutions around the world.

“In 1975, when Professor Phillips took up his role as the first Executive Principal of NEWI, a link was founded with the university which has remained strong ever since.

“In 1992, he was among the people to have an Honorary Fellowship at NEWI bestowed. This was one of many accolades which he received for his contributions to both science and to Wales, and a mark of respect for the work Professor Phillips undertook in developing NEWI during his time as Executive Principal.

“His work - particularly in the field of hydrocolloids - has inspired many scientists at both NEWI and Glyndwr, and the Glyn O Phillips Research Centre, founded at the university in 2003, has helped to drive specialised innovation and research.

“Professor Phillips was a regular visitor to Glyndwr, both as an Honorary Fellow and as a researcher, as well as a key figure in shaping the institution at a crucial point in its development. He will be sadly missed.”

He was also a member of the Learned Society of Wales - the national academy for arts and sciences.

 Professor Hywel Thomas, President of the Society, said: “The Learned Society of Wales was saddened to hear about the passing of Professor Glyn O Phillips.

“He was a leading chemist, in demand for his expertise and leadership ability and involved with many international organisations. His time as Principal of NEWI had such an impact on the research culture there that it ultimately lead to the establishment of Glyndwr University.

"More than that, he was a significant figure in Wales’ intellectual and cultural life, as shown by his award of the National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal in 2004.”

 

Professor Phillips was also the first person to win the Science and Technology Medal at the National Eisteddfod in 2004.

He leaves a wife, Rhiain, two children - Aled and Elen - three grandchildren and one great-grandchild - who live in Cardiff.