Sir George Porter shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1967 with his former teacher, Ronald G. W. Norrish, and Manfred Eigen for their contributions to the study of rapid chemical reactions. Porter's efforts included research on flash photolysis , which has been used widely in the fields of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and photobiology. Porter, who is praised for having an outgoing personality and being a great promotor of science education, has also contributed to the scientific education of non-specialists and children, especially through his role in helping prepare television programs in Great Britain.

Porter was born on December 6, 1920, to John Smith Porter and Alice Ann (Roebuck) Porter in Stainforth, West Yorkshire, where he received his early education at Thorne Grammar School. With the award of an Ackroyd Scholarship, he entered Leeds University in 1938 to study chemistry and received his bachelor of science degree in 1941. While at Leeds he also...