Alan R. Battersby

Sir Alan Battersby FRS
Battersby in his office
Born	Alan Rushton Battersby (1925-03-04)4 March 1925 Leigh, Lancashire, England
Died	10 February 2018(2018-02-10) (aged 92)
Alma mater	University of Manchester University of St Andrews
Spouse	Margaret Ruth née Hart
Parents	William Battersby (father) Hilda Rushton (mother)
Awards	Davy Medal (1977) Paul Karrer Gold Medal (1977) Royal Medal (1984) Tetrahedron Prize (1995) Copley Medal (2000)
Scientific career
Fields	Organic Chemistry Natural Products
Institutions	University of St Andrews Rockefeller University University of Illinois University of Bristol University of Liverpool Cambridge University
Thesis	Researches into the structure of Emetine (1949)
Doctoral advisor	Dr Hal T Openshaw
Doctoral students	Andrew D. Hamilton Craig Hawker

Sir Alan Rushton Battersby (4 March 1925 – 10 February 2018) was an English organic chemist best known for his work to define the chemical intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway to vitamin B₁₂ and the reaction mechanisms of the enzymes involved. His research group was also notable for its synthesis of radiolabelled precursors to study alkaloid biosynthesis and the stereochemistry of enzymic reactions. He won numerous awards including the Royal Medal in 1984 and the Copley Medal in 2000. He was knighted in the 1992 New Year Honours. Battersby died in February 2018 at the age of 92.^[1]