Sir Edward Eric Pochin

Sir Edward Eric Pochin (1909 – 1990), was born in Sale, United Kingdom on September 22, 1909. Pochin was universally and affectionately known as Bill since his student days to his retirement. After graduating with honours from Cambridge University with several studentships and prizes, he went into clinical research with the Medical Research Council, becoming the Director of Department of Clinical Research at the University College Hospital Medical School in 1946 and served until 1974. He was an authority on Endocrinology, especially on the thyroid gland and achieved a substantial reputation in Radiological Protection. He had an amazing ability of mathematical reasoning and data handling, which enhanced his theoretical research and publications. He provided valuable advice in the period following the reactor fire at Windscale Works in 1957 and later, in 1970; became a founding Board Member of the British National Radiological Protection Board and remained a consultant to the Director until his death.

Pochin's international interests lead to his membership in many international societies. In 1959, he became a member, and later Chairman of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). After his retirement he became an emeritus member until his death in 1990. In 1981, on the Commission’s recommendation, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Radiation Protection by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He was the representative of Her Majesty’s Government on the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Ionizing Radiation for 25 years following its inception. This UN committee reports directly to General Assembly, and this is where his latent diplomatic skills helped him in engaging actively with other professionals.

Over the years, Pochin developed an interest in Risk Assessment and Risk Management. He was a member of the Royal Society Study Group that prepared a report in 1983 titled Risk Assessment, and he published the book ‘Nuclear Radiation: Risks and Benefits’. This book is written for general reader who are interested to know the nature, uses and hazards of radiation. The book deals with different forms of ionizing radiation to which people are exposed from environment and medical uses. He served as an assessor on the 1977 Windscale Inquiry and later carried out a review of protection at the Atomic Weapon Research Establishment.

Pochin was a kind-hearted man and always willing to spend time explaining to junior colleagues how best to tackle a recalcitrant problem. However, he had little time for those who pretend. In addition to his scientific activities, he loved rock climbing which was reduced to hill and fell walking in later years. He enjoyed other people’s painting and sculpture, painting himself and, in particular, drawing the countryside with accuracy and understanding. His sketches combine artistry with precision. His association with International Commission on Radiological Protection spans over 4 decades and his contribution to radiological protection will always be remembered.

REFERENCES:

Radiat Res (1990) 122 (2): 218. (https://doi.org/10.2307/3577610)