John Cunningham McLennan

Eminent physicist John Cunningham McLennan made tremendous contributions to the advancement of science. The first person to receive a doctorate in physics from U of T, his laboratory was at the forefront of research in radioactivity, spectroscopy and low-temperature physics. McLennan is credited with discovering the cosmic ray and pioneering the use of radium to treat cancer, accomplishments which earned him a knighthood. During the First World War, he acted as scientific adviser to the British Admiralty and helped found the National Research Council.