Solly Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman

Solly Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman OM KCB FRS (30 May 1904 – 1 April 1993) was a British public servant, zoologist and operational research pioneer. He is best remembered as a scientific advisor to the Allies on bombing strategy in the Second World War, for his work to advance the cause of nuclear non-proliferation, and for his role in bringing attention to global economic issues.

Early life and education

Solomon Zuckerman was born in Cape Town in the British Cape Colony (modern-day South Africa) on 30 May 1904, the second child and eldest son of Moses and Rebecca Zuckerman (née Glaser). Both his parents were the children of Jewish immigrants.

He was educated at the South African College School. After studying medicine at the University of Cape Town and later attending Yale University, he went to London in 1926 to complete his studies at University College Hospital Medical School.

He began his career at the London Zoological Society in 1928, and worked as a research anatomist until 1932. He taught at the University of Oxford from 1934–45, during which time he was elected to a Fellowship of the Royal Society.