11 Facts About Joan Curran

Joan Curran devised a method of releasing chaff, a radar countermeasure technique credited with reducing losses among Allied bomber crews.

Joan Curran worked on the development of the proximity fuse and the electromagnetic isotope separation process for the atomic bomb.

Joan Curran was educated at Swansea Girls' High School, and in 1934 won an open scholarship to Newnham College, Cambridge.

Joan Curran gained an honours degree in physics, which was not awarded because it was before women were allowed Cambridge degrees.

Joan Curran tried various types of radar reflectors, including wires and sheets, before settling on strips of tin foil 1 to 2 centimetres wide and 25 centimetres long that could be scattered from bombers, thus disrupting the enemy's radar.

Later, when Joan Curran was a member of the Greater Glasgow Health Board and the Scottish Special Housing Association, the needs of the disabled were always at the forefront of her mind, and she did much to promote their welfare.

Joan Curran took a close interest in the work of the Council for Access for the Disabled and helped improve the range of facilities, especially for disabled university students.

Joan Curran returned to Glasgow in 1959 as principal of the Royal College of Science and Technology.

Joan Curran was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Strathclyde in 1987.

Joan Curran promoted a special relationship with the Technical University of Lodz, and devoted care and attention to the children's hospital of that city.

Joan Curran died on 10 February 1999, and was cremated at the Daldowie Crematorium.