James M. Harrison

Dr. James Merritt Harrison
Born September 20, 1915(1915-09-20)
Regina, Saskatchewan
Died July 6, 1990(1990-07-06) (aged 74)
Canada
Residence Canada
Citizenship Canadian
Fields Geologist
Institutions Geological Survey of Canada
Canadian Federal Department of Energy, Mines and Resources
Alma mater University of Manitoba
Queen's University
Known for Founding the Union of Geological Sciences
Notable awards Order of Canada
Logan Medal

James Merritt Harrison, CC (September 20, 1915 – July 6, 1990) was a Canadian scientist and public servant. He was the Director of the Geological Survey of Canada from 1956 to 1964, and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, he obtained his B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba in 1935. He received his M.A. in 1941 and Ph.D. in 1943 from Queen's University.

He was one of the founders of the Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and was its first President from 1961 to 1964. Between 1966 and 1968, he was President of the International Council for Science.

In 1969, Harrison was awarded the Logan Medal, the Geological Association of Canada's highest honour.

From January 1973 to March 1976, he was the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris.

In 1971, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada.

References

Professional and academic associations
Preceded by
Gerhard Herzberg
President of the Royal Society of Canada
1967-1968
Succeeded by
Léon Lortie