Dr. Howard Alper
Fellow
Current Employer
University of Ottawa
Election Year
1984
Academy
Academy of Science
Discipline
Chemistry
Department
Centre for Catalysis Research and Innovation
Keywords
Catalysis
Organic chemistry
Organometallic chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Polymers
Organic chemistry
Organometallic chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Polymers
Noted for the breadth and diversity of his research contributions in organic and organometallic chemistry, Dr. Howard Alper has yet maintained a clear focus on the development of new synthetic pathways to organic compounds. His work, which is distinguished by a high degree of experimental ingenuity and skill, has pioneered in the application of phase transfer catalysis to organometallic chemistry and in the development of new synthetic applications catalyzed by transition metal complexes. Alper has invented novel carbonylation-ring expansion reactions and cycloaddition reactions of heterocycles with heterocumulenes. Both of these processes can be achieved in high enantiomeric excess using appropriate chiral ligands. He has also made seminal contributions in the areas of polymers (synthesis and functionalization) and clays.
In addition, Dr. Alper has represented the Royal Society of Canada in the following capacities:
President --- The Royal Society of Canada, 2001-2003.
President-Elect --- The Royal Society of Canada, 2000-2001.
President --- Academy of Sciences, The Royal Society of Canada, 1999-2001.
Vice-President --- Academy of Sciences, The Royal Society of Canada, 1995-98.
Chair --- Partnership Group for Science and Engineering, 1995-99.
Co-Chair --- InterAcademy Panel, 2007-2013 (now called InterAcademy Partnership)
Co-Chair --- Royal Society of Canada – Academia Lincea Workshop on “Science for Environmentally Sustainable Development”, 2004.
Co-Chair --- InterAmerican Network of Academies of Science, 2004-2007
Member --- Organizing Committee, Canada and the World-Agenda 2000, Royal Society of Canada, Nov. 1992.
Member --- International Relations Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1991-94.
Member --- Fellowship Review Committee Royal Society of Canada, 1990-93
Member --- Council, Academy III, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-92.
Member --- Program Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-92.
Member --- Rutherford Memorial Award Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-92.
Member --- Committee on the Reorganization of the Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Canada, 1988-89.
Convenor --- Chemistry Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-93.
In addition, Dr. Alper has represented the Royal Society of Canada in the following capacities:
President --- The Royal Society of Canada, 2001-2003.
President-Elect --- The Royal Society of Canada, 2000-2001.
President --- Academy of Sciences, The Royal Society of Canada, 1999-2001.
Vice-President --- Academy of Sciences, The Royal Society of Canada, 1995-98.
Chair --- Partnership Group for Science and Engineering, 1995-99.
Co-Chair --- InterAcademy Panel, 2007-2013 (now called InterAcademy Partnership)
Co-Chair --- Royal Society of Canada – Academia Lincea Workshop on “Science for Environmentally Sustainable Development”, 2004.
Co-Chair --- InterAmerican Network of Academies of Science, 2004-2007
Member --- Organizing Committee, Canada and the World-Agenda 2000, Royal Society of Canada, Nov. 1992.
Member --- International Relations Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1991-94.
Member --- Fellowship Review Committee Royal Society of Canada, 1990-93
Member --- Council, Academy III, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-92.
Member --- Program Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-92.
Member --- Rutherford Memorial Award Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-92.
Member --- Committee on the Reorganization of the Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Canada, 1988-89.
Convenor --- Chemistry Committee, Royal Society of Canada, 1989-93.