Carl Hanson (1934-1985), a distinguished chemical engineer, is noted for his contributions to the science and technology of solvent extraction.
Following graduation, Prof Hanson joined the UK Atomic Energy Authority where he worked on the development of mixer-settlers for solvent extraction processing before joining the University of Bradford in 1960. There he continued his research, developing and leading an internationally recognised teaching and research centre in the science and technology of liquid-liquid (solvent) extraction.
In addition to publishing many scientific papers he published several seminal books including the Handbook of Solvent Extraction that he edited with Professors Lo and Baird in 1983. He also directed a series of continuing education courses on solvent extraction that were presented on a regular basis around the world. He was Secretary to the Organising Committee for the International Solvent Extraction Conference (ISEC71) and when the International Committee for Solvent Extraction (ICSE) was established in 1974 he was the unanimous choice as General Secretary.
Prof Hanson was also an active member of SCI and was a founder member of the Solvent Extraction Group (now the Separation Science and Technology Group) of the Society, later becoming its Chairman. Following his sudden death in 1985, SCI and the German society Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Chemisches Apparatewesen, Chemishe Technik und Biotechnolgie e.V (DECHEMA) jointly instituted the Carl Hanson Medal in 1986.