Hans Freeman
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Hans Freeman AM, FAA |
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| Born | Hans Charles Freeman 26 May 1929  Breslau, Germany |
| Died | 9 November 2008 (aged 79) Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality |
Australian
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| Alma mater | University of Sydney (BSc, MSc, PhD) |
| Notable students | Peter Colman |
| Known for | Protein crystallography |
| Notable awards |
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| Spouse | Edith Freeman (née Siou), married 1966 |
| Children |
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Hans Charles Freeman AM FAA (26 May 1929 – 9 November 2008) was a German-born Australian bioinorganic chemist, protein crystallographer, and Professor of Inorganic Chemistry who spent most of his career at the University of Sydney. His best known contributions to chemistry were his work explaining the unusual structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic properties of blue copper proteins, particularly . He also introduced protein crystallography to Australia and was a strong advocate for programs to ensure Australian scientists have good access to "big science" facilities. Freeman has received numerous honours, including being elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA) and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) by the Australian Government. He was a charismatic lecturer who voluntarily continued teaching well into his formal retirement and imbued his students with a love of science.
Hans Charles Freeman was born in Breslau in Germany in 1929, the first and only son of Karl and Lotte Freeman. In 1938, following a tip-off from a Nazi party member, Karl decided to relocate his Jewish family to Australia. Karl brought his knowledge of detergents (a novelty in Australia at the time) to his new homeland, applying it to the problem of cleaning blood-stained blankets that would otherwise be wasted. After the war, he founded K. H. Freeman Pty Ltd, a detergent and soap manufacturing company; Hans spent many weekends working in the factory, gaining a practical insight into chemistry.
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