Howard Alper (born 1941) is a distinguished Canadian chemist renowned for his pioneering work in organometallic chemistry and catalysis, particularly in the development of new synthetic methodologies. His career spans significant contributions to academic research, scientific leadership, and policy-making in Canada.
Early Life and Education
Howard Alper was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1941. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University (then Sir George Williams University) in 1963. He then pursued graduate studies at McGill University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1967. Following his doctoral work, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia.Academic Career
Alper began his academic career at the State University of New York at Albany before moving to the University of Ottawa in 1970. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Full Professor in 1976. At the University of Ottawa, he established a highly productive research group focused on developing novel catalytic reactions and understanding their mechanisms. His research has had significant implications for organic synthesis, pharmaceutical chemistry, and materials science. He is currently a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of Ottawa.Research Contributions
Professor Alper's research has primarily centered on:- Organometallic Chemistry: Investigating the synthesis and reactivity of organometallic compounds, particularly those involving transition metals.
- Catalysis: Developing new catalytic systems for a wide range of organic transformations, including carbonylation, cycloaddition, and oxidation reactions. His work has led to more efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic routes.
- Green Chemistry: Pioneering the use of phase-transfer catalysis and supercritical carbon dioxide as reaction media to reduce waste and improve selectivity in chemical processes.
- Nanotechnology: Exploring the application of nanoparticles as catalysts and in other advanced materials.
His prolific research output includes over 500 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and numerous patents.
Leadership Roles and Service
Beyond his scientific research, Alper has held numerous influential leadership positions, shaping science policy and research funding in Canada:- President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC): From 2004 to 2006, Alper served as the President of NSERC, the primary federal funding agency for university-based research in the natural sciences and engineering in Canada. In this role, he championed support for fundamental research and innovation.
- President of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC): He served as the President of the RSC, Canada's national academy of scholars, scientists, and artists, from 2001 to 2003.
- Vice-President (Research) at the University of Ottawa: From 1997 to 2004, he oversaw the research enterprise at his home institution.
- Chair of the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA): He played a key role in the establishment and early development of the CCA, an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides evidence-based assessments to inform public policy.
- Editor-in-Chief: He has served on the editorial boards of numerous prestigious scientific journals, including as Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Chemistry.
Honours and Awards
Professor Alper's extensive contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honours, both nationally and internationally:- Officer of the Order of Canada (OC): Appointed in 2001, one of Canada's highest civilian honours, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC): Elected in 1991.
- Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering: Awarded in 2000, Canada's highest honour for science and engineering research.
- Killam Prize in Natural Sciences: Recipient of this distinguished Canadian award for outstanding career achievements in research.
- Terasaki Award for Global Cooperation in Science: From the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
- Chemical Institute of Canada Medal: The highest award of the Chemical Institute of Canada.
- Prix Marie-Victorin: Quebec's highest award for scientific achievement.
- Honorary Doctorates: Received honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of Guelph, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Concordia University.