The University of the West Indies is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Henry Ellis, senior lecturer in Physical Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Mona Campus to the rank of Professor of Chemistry, with effect from October 5, 2011.
 
Henry Anthony Ellis holds both the Bachelor of Science (BSc (Hons) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom and was also Science Research Council Scholar, UK. Professor Ellis lectured courses in Physical and Polymer Chemistry at the University of Ife in Nigeria then joined the staff of The UWI, Mona in 1982. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1987.  
 
He has served as Head of the Physical Chemistry Section in the Department of Chemistry for some 21 years. He is a dedicated educator who has supervised MSc. and PhD candidates and has taught within the chemistry programme across all four campuses of The UWI. Professor Ellis was also a recipient of a Senior Fulbright Research Fellowship to the Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University in Ohio, USA and has been supported in his research work from local and international grants.
 
Professor Ellis has a distinguished record of original work. For over 30 years he has steadily researched and has published in many international peer review journals, particularly in the area of liquid crystals, the thermal behaviour of soaps and in organic salts which are essential elements in the human diet. His work with liquid crystals has involved carrying out important structural and thermal characterization of a range of lead, zinc and lithium compounds exhibiting liquid crystallinity. This work has been extensively cited in international scientific journals and monographs. His current research interests include Structural, Microscopic and DSC studies of Metal Carboxylates and Metal Ions as Thermal Stabilizers for Water Soluble Polymers (hydrogels). 
 
Professor Ellis has made contributions to industry and provided public service in a number of areas. He has been a member of the Soap and Detergent Committee as well as the Paints and Surfaces Committee of the Bureau of Standards, receiving commendation from them for his contribution to standards development in Jamaica. Professor Ellis also offers scientific advice to various local bodies and has carried out numerous consultations for industries in the bauxite, agriculture and edible oils industries. He also served as Board Member of Metropolitan Parks and Markets.