# Richard Buckingham

> English mathematician and computer scientist (1911-1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q15989871](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15989871)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Buckingham)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-buckingham

## Summary
Richard Buckingham was an English mathematician and computer scientist recognized for his work in particle physics. Born in 1911, he held academic positions at Birkbeck, University of London and Queen's University Belfast. He is noted for his academic lineage, having studied under Ralph H. Fowler and supervised Alexander Dalgarno.

## Biography
- **Born:** July 17, 1911, in Norwich, United Kingdom
- **Died:** August 13, 1994, in Chichester, United Kingdom
- **Nationality:** United Kingdom
- **Education:** University of Cambridge (St John's College), Gresham's School
- **Known for:** Mathematics, Computer Science, Particle Physics
- **Employer(s):** Birkbeck, University of London; Queen's University Belfast
- **Field(s):** Particle physics, Computer science
- **Doctoral Advisor:** Ralph H. Fowler
- **Doctoral Student:** Alexander Dalgarno

## Contributions
Richard Buckingham’s career bridged the disciplines of mathematics and the emerging field of computer science. While specific published papers are not detailed in the provided source, his professional contributions are defined by his academic appointments and mentorship roles. He worked within the field of particle physics, applying mathematical rigor to physical problems during a transformative era for computation.

His role as an educator and mentor was a significant contribution to the scientific community. He served as the doctoral advisor to Alexander Dalgarno, facilitating the development of future scientific expertise. His employment at prestigious institutions such as Birkbeck, University of London and Queen's University Belfast allowed him to shape curriculum and research in mathematics and computer science. Additionally, his affiliation with York St John University highlights his broader engagement with the UK higher education sector. His recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts further indicates a contribution that extended beyond pure academia into broader societal or cultural spheres.

## FAQs

### Q: When and where was Richard Buckingham born?
A: Richard Buckingham was born on July 17, 1911, in Norwich, United Kingdom.

### Q: What was Richard Buckingham's academic background?
A: He was educated at Gresham's School and St John's College at the University of Cambridge.

### Q: Who were Richard Buckingham's notable academic associates?
A: He studied under doctoral advisor Ralph H. Fowler and later served as the doctoral advisor to student Alexander Dalgarno.

### Q: What awards or recognitions did he receive?
A: Richard Buckingham was recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

## Why They Matter
Richard Buckingham matters as a figure in the historical development of computer science and mathematics within the United Kingdom. Active during the mid-20th century, his career represents the evolution of "computer science" as a distinct discipline practiced by mathematicians. His specific work in particle physics suggests a role in the mathematically intense scientific investigations of his time.

His significance is also anchored in his academic genealogy. By studying under Ralph H. Fowler, a prominent theoretical physicist, and supervising Alexander Dalgarno, Buckingham acted as a crucial link in the transmission of scientific knowledge. He helped train the next generation of scientists while employed at major institutions like Birkbeck, University of London. His life spanned a period of immense technological change, and his dual identity as a mathematician and computer scientist underscores the foundational role mathematicians played in the dawn of the digital age.

## Notable For
- **Dual Discipline:** Being identified as both a mathematician and a computer scientist.
- **Academic Lineage:** Serving as a doctoral student of Ralph H. Fowler and advisor to Alexander Dalgarno.
- **Fellowship:** Holding the title of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
- **Institutional Roles:** Employment at Birkbeck, University of London and Queen's University Belfast.
- **Field of Work:** Contributions to the field of particle physics.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Richard Arthur Buckingham was born on July 17, 1911, in Norwich, England. He held citizenship in the United Kingdom. His education began at Gresham's School. He subsequently attended the University of Cambridge, specifically St John's College, where he pursued higher education.

### Academic Career
Buckingham built his career in academia, identifying professionally as a mathematician and later as a computer scientist. His primary field of work was particle physics. He held employment positions at:
*   **Birkbeck, University of London**
*   **Queen's University Belfast**

He also maintained an affiliation with **York St John University**.

### Academic Relationships
Buckingham’s academic trajectory placed him within a notable network of scientists.
*   **Doctoral Advisor:** He completed his doctoral studies under the supervision of **Ralph H. Fowler**, a distinguished theoretical physicist.
*   **Doctoral Student:** He later supervised **Alexander Dalgarno**, contributing to the academic development of future scholars.

### Later Life and Recognition
Richard Buckingham passed away on August 13, 1994, in Chichester, United Kingdom, at the age of 83. Throughout his career, he received various identifiers within the academic and library communities, including an ISNI (0000000117603658) and a VIAF ID (43256668). He was recognized as a **Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts**. He is also listed in the Mathematics Genealogy Project under ID 143869.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. IdRef
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File