The Uniqueness of the RI

This chapter deals at length with the policies and practices exhibited by Sir George Porter when he was Director of the Royal Institution for a thirty year period. His astute Directorship, not only in selecting Discourse speakers and Christmas Lecturers, but also the pursuit of original research in his chosen field of photochemistry and photophysics are also outlined. My own contributions to both research and the popularisation of science at the RI is also discussed at some length. It includes reference to my work on heterogeneous catalysis. It also describes my interaction with other internation groups (in Novosibirsk), and with my colleague, Professor Richard Catlow. HRH The Duke of Kent’s tribute to my Directorship is also included.