Morris Kates

Dr. Morris Kates 1923 - 2013 Morris Kates graduated with a degree in Physics and Chemistry in 1945 and obtained his Ph.D. in 1948 from the University of Toronto. His Ph.D. thesis described the first synthesis of L-a-lecithins and related compounds, from which followed the systematic study of lipid-water systems. After receiving his Ph.D. he joined the National Research Council in Ottawa where he worked from 1951 to 1968. During his early years there, he established the oxindole nature of the...See more

Dr. Morris Kates 1923 - 2013 Morris Kates graduated with a degree in Physics and Chemistry in 1945 and obtained his Ph.D. in 1948 from the University of Toronto. His Ph.D. thesis described the first synthesis of L-a-lecithins and related compounds, from which followed the systematic study of lipid-water systems. After receiving his Ph.D. he joined the National Research Council in Ottawa where he worked from 1951 to 1968. During his early years there, he established the oxindole nature of the alkaloid gelsemine. This, and his many other accomplishments established him as an internationally prominent researcher in lipid biochemistry. In 1968 Dr. Kates moved to the University of Ottawa where he taught organic chemistry and biochemistry. He served as vice-dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering from 1975 to 1979 and as chairman of the Department of Biochemistry from 1982 to 1985. The breadth of Dr. Kates' research spanned structure and synthesis, metabolism, enzymology, and physical chemistry of lipids. Over forty graduate students and postdoctoral fellows benefitted from Dr. Kates' mentorship, and with his encouragement, developed their careers in Canada and internationally. In the course of his career, over a dozen visiting professors came to Ottawa, Canada from various countries to work with Dr. Kates. Dr. Kates was president of the Canadian Biochemical Society, and was co-editor of the Canadian Journal of Biochemistry for 11 years from 1973 to 1984. He also served on committees of the Canadian Medical Research Council (MRC). He was invited to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1973, and was awarded the Society's 'Excellence in Research' award in 1981. In 1984, Dr Kates was the honoured recipient of the American Oil Chemists' Society Supelco Research Award. His achievements were further recognized in 1994 when he was honoured with the UK Biochemical Society's Morton Lectureship. As an emeritus professor he maintained an active interest in the analysis, structure, determination, biosynthesis and function of membrane phospholipids, biodiesel production, and the nutritional value of lipids. From 2005 until 2010 Dr. Kates dedicated himself to writing the third edition of Techniques of Lipidology. Earlier editions of this book have served as a laboratory guide to thousands of scientists worldwide. In addition to his love of science, Dr. Kates was also a prolific composer and an avid supporter of the Canadian Music Centre for many decades. See less