Solly Zuckerman

Solly Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman of Burnham Thorpe (1904-1993): Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Zuckerman completed his medical studies in England, and whilst teaching anatomy at University College London pursued research into primate behaviour at London Zoo.

His wartime career began in 1939 with experimental studies of concussion and ended with a 'post-mortem' analysis of the Combined Bomber Offensive. In 1943, Zuckerman was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Society, and in 1945 he took up the post of Professor of Anatomy at Birmingham University.

In 1960, Zuckerman was appointed Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) to the Ministry of Defence, and from 1965 until his retirement in 1971, he was CSA to successive British governments.

Zuckerman remained busy after retirement, as President of the Zoological Society of London, as a campaigner against the nuclear arms race, and as a promoter of environmental research.

Photo courtesy of the University of East Anglia

The Zuckerman Archive is a primary source for the study of British science and technology policy; air operations in Europe and the Middle East in World War II, especially in relation to air support of ground operations; wound ballistics research; and the evolution of operational research.

• British Bombing Survey Unit includes interrogation reports relating to Zuckerman's meeting with Albert Speer
• Professor Desmond Bernal (1901-1971) physicist, friend of Zuckerman, recruited to Combined Operations Headquarters

Related links

• World War II Papers and CSA Papers - online guides from the University of East Anglia Archive Collections
• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
• Zoological Society of London
• Royal Society