Yuji Shibata (1882-1980)
A leading scientist in Japan during the Taisho and Showa eras. Conducted research in coordination chemistry and biochemistry using spectroscopic methods. The first Dean of the Faculty of Science at Nagoya University.
Background
- 1907
- Graduated from the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Imperial University of Tokyo.
- Jan. 1910 – Apr. 1910
- Lecturer at the College of Science, Imperial University of Tokyo.
- May 1910 – Oct. 1913
- Studied in Europe (Leipzig University with Hans Fischer, Zurich University with Alfred Werner, Paris University with Georges Urbain).
- Jul. 1913 – 1919
- Assistant Professor at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, College of Science, Imperial University of Tokyo.
- Jul. 1917
- Obtained a Doctor of Science degree.
- 1919 – 1942
- Professor at the Imperial University of Tokyo.
- 1942 – 1948
- Professor at the Imperial University of Nagoya (Dean of the Faculty of Science).
- 1949 – 1957
- First President of Tokyo Metropolitan University.
- 1962 – 1970
- President of the Japan Academy.
- Jan. 28, 1980
- Passed away at the age of 98.
Awards and Honors
- 1917
- Japan Academy Prize (Nobel Prize of Japan) for “Spectrochemical Studies on Metal Complexes”
- 1962
- Order of Culture, Japan
- 1973
- Order of the Sacred Treasure, First Class (posthumous, bestowed in 1973)
Principal Research Topics and Achievements
・Research on the Enzymatic Oxidation-Reduction Reactions of Metal Complexes Using Spectrophotometers
・Absorption Spectrum Analysis of Plant Pigments
・Study of Minerals Containing Rare Earth Elements