2009 Press Releases
Nitrogen Fixation – Food Wars and Politics
19.03.2009
The reaction of atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen to form ammonia is one of the most important industrial chemical reactions as ammonia is used in the synthesis of a great many chemicals but, most importantly, explosives and fertilizers.
19.03.2009
The reaction of atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen to form ammonia is one of the most important industrial chemical reactions as ammonia is used in the synthesis of a great many chemicals but, most importantly, explosives and fertilizers.
In the final lecture of the Annual College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) Public Lecture Series at UCC on March 25th, Professor Michael Morris will describe how the development of nitrogen fixation has played a very significant role in recent political history and how ammonia fertilizers have become a vital component of food production. The higher yields obtained with fertilizer use has allowed the world population to grow. This lecture will explore these issues and address the question of population growth sustainability given that gas and petroleum are the basic feedstock for ammonia production.
Michael Morris is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at UCC where his research centres on the development of nanoscale materials. Of particular interest is the growing role of nanoscience in ICT hardware. Professor Morris is a principal investigator at the Tyndall National Institute and Director of the nanoelectronics research at the Centre for Research in Adaptive Nanostructure and Nanodevices in Trinity College Dublin. Professor Morris worked in industry for several years in areas including the development of catalysts for ammonia synthesis.
The SEFS Annual Public Lecture Series is organised by Professor William Reville, Public Awareness of Science Officer, SEFS. Full details of the lectures can be consulted by visiting website http://understandingscience.ucc.ie/pages/SEFS_LectureSeries_2009.pdf
All the lectures will be filmed and the films will be posted on the UCC Public Understanding of Science website http://understandingscience.ucc.ie The 2007 and 2008 Public Lectures are already posted on this website.
Professor Morris will deliver the lecture on Wednesday, March 25th 2009 at 8.00 pm in Boole IV Lecture Theatre. Admission to the lectures is free, and as always, members of the public are invited to attend.
Picture: Professor Michael Morris
1025MMcS
Michael Morris is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at UCC where his research centres on the development of nanoscale materials. Of particular interest is the growing role of nanoscience in ICT hardware. Professor Morris is a principal investigator at the Tyndall National Institute and Director of the nanoelectronics research at the Centre for Research in Adaptive Nanostructure and Nanodevices in Trinity College Dublin. Professor Morris worked in industry for several years in areas including the development of catalysts for ammonia synthesis.
The SEFS Annual Public Lecture Series is organised by Professor William Reville, Public Awareness of Science Officer, SEFS. Full details of the lectures can be consulted by visiting website http://understandingscience.ucc.ie/pages/SEFS_LectureSeries_2009.pdf
All the lectures will be filmed and the films will be posted on the UCC Public Understanding of Science website http://understandingscience.ucc.ie The 2007 and 2008 Public Lectures are already posted on this website.
Professor Morris will deliver the lecture on Wednesday, March 25th 2009 at 8.00 pm in Boole IV Lecture Theatre. Admission to the lectures is free, and as always, members of the public are invited to attend.
Picture: Professor Michael Morris
1025MMcS