Department of Genetics, University of Glasgow

• Reference:GB 248 UGC 198/2/2/3
• Dates of Creation:1945-1968
• Physical Description:
  3 files, 8 items

• Administrative / Biographical History

  Pontecorvo spent most of his career at the University of Glasgow. He founded the Genetics Department there and held the First Chair of Genetics at the University. A recurring theme in these letters is the issue of salaries and recognition for his services to the University. Pontecorvo continually stressed to the Principal that he was underpaid. He also dropped a lot of hints and even asked outright that a Chair of Genetics be etsablished.

  He felt the University desperately needed to show its committment to the teaching of genetics by creating this Chair (at this point there were only five others in the UK) and he stressed that he was the man for the job. As the letters show he was eventually made Chair of Genetics in 1955 and this could be partly due to his determination and ambition. It is clear from the correspondence that Principal Hetherington was fond of Pontecorvo even though he was often on the receiving end of Pontecorvo's short temper and abrupt outbursts.

• Arrangement

  Chronological.