Michael W. Friedlander was born in Cape Town, South Africa on November 15, 1928. He attended the University of Cape Town where he earned both his bachelor’s and master's degrees in Physics and Applied Mathematics with honors, and then served as an assistant lecturer at the university for two years. Friedlander then attended the University of Bristol in 1952, where he would achieve his PhD in Physics. While working under Nobel Prize winner Cecil F. Powell, Friedlander focused his studies on particle physics and nuclear science.

On August 1, 1956, Friedlander accepted an Associate Professor position at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Here he focused his efforts toward reproducing the Cosmic Ray Laboratory and his research into infrared and gamma ray astronomy, which he had been involved with at the University of Bristol. His work led to the discovery of the Beta Decay of the Kanon and the first measurement of the mass of the lambda-zero hyperon. By 1967, he had earned full professorship at Washington University and became heavily involved with its Physics Department, Faculty Senate, Arts and Sciences Department, as well as its student body.

Friedlander would continue to remain highly involved with Washington University even while serving as president of the St. Louis branch of the American Association of University Professors and Vice-President of the national A.A.U.P. He chaired the University’s Library Services Committee, oversaw the building of the Physics Library, and scientific research conducted at the Crow Observatory. Additionally, Friedlander oversaw research into Cosmic Rays and conducted experimental balloon flights in isolated places in the United States, Canada, and central South Africa. He became involved in the St. Louis “Baby Tooth Survey” performed by the Committee for Nuclear Information (C.N.I.) of which he served as an executive member, concluding that children close to nuclear testing sites were testing positived for radioactive particles. This test would come to lead to the passing of the above-ground Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963. Friedlander continued his efforts as a physicist, educator, and public activist throughout the rest of his career.

On April 29, 2021 Friedlander passed away at the age of 92.

For more information about Professor Michael Friedlander visit his son, David Friedlander's web page.

Michael W. Friedlander: A Memorial Tribute Website