The Libraries announce the opening of a significant new exhibit, "Discovery of a Lifetime: F. Sherwood Rowland and the Ozone Layer" on Friday, November 18th, at 6 pm in Langson Library. The exhibit celebrates the research contributions of world-renowned atmospheric scientist F. Sherwood "Sherry" Rowland, 1995 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, and UCI Donald Bren Research Professor of Chemistry in Earth System Science.

F. Sherwood Rowland

This special evening with F. Sherwood Rowland will feature a talk by Ralph J. Cicerone, President of the National Academy of Sciences and Chancellor Emeritus, UC Irvine, along with special remarks by current UC Irvine Chancellor Michael V. Drake, M.D.

Discovery of a Lifetime traces Rowland's ground-breaking work as one of the first scientists to warn that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere were depleting the earth's critical ozone layer. His research, along with postdoctoral colleague Mario Molina, contributed to the passing of the 1987 Montreal Protocol to eliminate CFCs from aerosols, and brought worldwide attention to the impact of human-contributed greenhouse gases on a planetary scale.

Rowland is internationally recognized not only for his work in the laboratory, but also for his efforts to inform other scientists, the public, and policymakers about threats posed by chemical pollutants to earth's atmosphere. The exhibit explores Rowland's career as a researcher and statesman; his relationship with the media, and his role as a scientist and national advocate. Mitchell Brown, Research Librarian for Chemistry and Earth System Science is curator.

Rowland generously donated his personal papers (link) to the UCI Libraries and these rich materials are now available for scholarly research in the Libraries' Department of Special Collections and Archives. This vast archive includes manuscripts of published and unpublished writings and speeches, and audio and video recordings, primarily of his broadcast appearances, lectures, and testimony before legislative bodies; as well as photographs, award certificates, plaques, honorary diplomas, and ephemera including posters.

A long time colleague of Rowland's, Dr. Ralph Cicerone's own research in atmospheric chemistry, climate change, and energy has involved him in shaping science and environmental policy at the highest levels nationally and internationally. Immediately prior to his election as Academy president, Cicerone served as Chancellor of UC Irvine from 1998 to 2005 and Dean of the School of Physical Sciences from 1994 to 1998.

A light reception and exhibit viewing will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited; reservations are first come, first served. Please go to https://partners.lib.uci.edu/rowlandexhibit to make an online reservation. For further information please call 949.824.4651 or email partners@uci.edu.

Discovery of a Lifetime will be on display through April 2012 in the Langson Library Muriel Ansley Reynolds Gallery during regular library hours.