HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | MAY/JUNE 2025 46 SORBY AWARD This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Henry Clifton Sorby Award, presented annually by ASM’s Inter- national Metallographic Society (IMS). Its namesake is widely considered the father of metallography and the modern-day microscope. A two-day symposium, occurring on October 20 and 21, will feature cameo appearances and technical presentations from many past Sorby winners. The special symposium is open to all IMAT 2025 attendees. Dr. Sorby as Metallography Pioneer Henry Clifton Sorby, born on May 10, 1826, in a country house east of Sheffield, England, was the only child of Henry and Amelia Sorby. After his father died in 1853, Sorby and his mother moved to Broomfield about a mile west of Sheffield. Sorby remained in this house after his mother’s death in 1873. He died there on March 9, 1908, in his 82nd year. At the age of 20, Sorby published his first paper on agricultural chemistry. Within the year, Sorby became a geologist. In 1848, a chance meeting with a Yorkshire naturalist, W.C. Williamson, introduced him to a method of making thin slices of hard substances with a view to examining them through a microscope with the aid of transmitted light. Early in 1862, Sorby began to examine meteorites as part of his geological research. He then began his work on iron and steel in an effort to shed light on the origin of meteoric iron. Sorby described his entry into the field of metallography as a natural development from geology through the examination of meteorites. He combined a spectroscope with his own instrument, the microscope, to conduct quantitative analyses of his specimens. In his later years, Sorby often ventured out on his yacht, The Glimpse, to gather mud cores to examine changes in deposits over time. Sorby’s active scientific career spanned 62 years during which time he pub- lished over 150 papers[1]. SORBY AWARD CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Award Guidelines The Henry Clifton Sorby Award was established in 1975 to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of metallography and the first award was presented by IMS in 1976. The recipient is an individual, internationally recognized for contributions made throughout his or her career to the broad fields of metallography and materials science. Each year, the Sorby Award Selection Committee chooses an awardee from a group of nominated individuals. The awardee is invited to present a keynote lecture at the IMS/ASM annual meeting and a commemorative walnut plaque is presented at the ASM Awards Banquet. Henry Sorby at 25 years old. Sorby on his yacht The Glimpse. Copyright © PictureSheffield.com. Dr. Henry Clifton Sorby later in his career. Copyright © PictureSheffield.com. Sorby Awardees Reflect on its Meaning Previous Sorby recipients share what the award has meant to them. “For me, Sorby founded metallography. Without what we know and have today, he figured out the structure of pearlite.” – Harry Bhadeshia, Sorby Awardee 2022 “I received an overwhelming number of congratulatory messages, which not only highlighted the success but also provided an opportunity to reconnect with contacts that had been lost over time and reunite with long-lost friends. The award was also positive for the evaluation of my Institution, both from the standpoint of productivity and merit.” – Luiz Henrique de Almeida, Sorby Awardee 2024 “It is always a true honor to be recognized by your peers.” – David K. Matlock, Sorby Awardee 2015 “Previous recipients of the Sorby Award were extremely distinguished scientists. It was a great honor for me to receive the Sorby Award, to join this group of previous Sorby awardees, and for my small footsteps to follow the giant footsteps of Henry Clifton Sorby.” – Colin Humphreys, Sorby Awardee 2017
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