Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971)

Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971)

Kathleen Lonsdale was born in Co. Kildare. She later moved to England where she was educated. She became a scientist and made many important discoveries.

Courtesy of the National Science & Engineering Plaques Committee

Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971)
Courtesy of the National Science & Engineering Plaques Committee

Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971)

Kathleen Lonsdale was born in Co. Kildare. She later moved to England where she was educated. She became a scientist and made many important discoveries.

Courtesy of the National Science & Engineering Plaques Committee

Enlarge image

Kathleen Lonsdale was born in Newbridge in 1903. She was the youngest of ten children. Her father was the postmaster in Newbridge. Kathleen's mother, worried at the political problems in Ireland at the time, took the children to live in England in 1908.

Kathleen showed great ability at school and won a scholarship to an all girls school. She took classes in physics, chemistry and higher mathematics but had to attend these classes at the local boys' school as these subjects were not taught in her school.

She continued to excel at school and won many scholarships. She graduated from university with a degree in physics. Her talent was spotted by a scientist who offered her a place on his research team at University College, London.

Lonsdale specialized in crystallography. She made many important discoveries in that field. She was also one of the first female scientists to be recognized for her work by receiving various awards and honours.

Lonsdale was a pacifist and believed that war was totally wrong. She was sent to prison for a month for her beliefs when World War II began in 1939. Life in prison was tough and conditions were bad. When she was released from prison she made suggestions to the prison authorities on how conditions could be improved. Many of her suggestions were put into place.

Lonsdale became ill in 1970 and died the following year. She is remembered in her native Kildare at NUI Maynooth. The Lonsdale Prize is awarded each year to the student of chemistry who receives the best results in their degree.