A tribute by José Luis Cortina, Nalan Kabay and Basu Saha
Professor Emeritus Michael “Mike” Cox will be remembered for his extraordinary five-decade contribution to the advancement of solvent extraction and ion-exchange science and technology. Through the development of novel concepts and inventive processes, he helped shape these fields and earned the admiration and respect of industrial practitioners and academic colleagues worldwide.
Mike recently passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of scientific excellence, innovation, mentorship, and enduring impact on the global research community.
Mike began his academic journey as an inorganic chemist, earning his PhD from University College London (UCL). In 1962, he joined the University of Hertfordshire - then Hatfield Polytechnic - marking the beginning of a distinguished and enduring academic association that would continue throughout his remarkable career.
His early expertise in the coordination chemistry of metals evolved into a research career in separation science, where he combined fundamental scientific insight with a strong commitment to industrial and environmental applications.
Recognising the growing importance of resource recovery and sustainability long before these became global priorities, Mike was at the forefront of developing superior techniques for recovering valuable metals from solid wastes and industrial effluents through liquid–liquid extraction.
His original research on the unique properties of volatile metal chelates provided the scientific foundation for novel processes to extract non-ferrous metals from low-grade ores. These contributions not only expanded the field of separation science but also helped shape more sustainable approaches to metal recovery, leaving a lasting impact on both industry and academia.
A defining moment in Mike’s career came in 1969 during a sabbatical at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Warren Spring Laboratory in Stevenage. There, in collaboration with Dr Douglas Flett, he undertook novel studies on metal extraction using commercial chelating reagents and the sophisticated AKUFVE equipment developed by Jan Rydberg. This experience proved transformative, accelerating a research trajectory that would place Mike among the world’s leading authorities in separation science.
Over his long and distinguished career at Hatfield, Mike continually developed the frontiers of liquid–liquid extraction, making seminal contributions to the development and application of liquid membranes and establishing the innovative use of supported liquid extractants within the pores of adsorbent materials.
His work combined scientific rigour with practical relevance, influencing both industrial practice and academic research worldwide. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and international impact, he was awarded the prestigious Kurnakov Memorial Medal by the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1992 - one of many honours that reflected the global esteem in which he was held.
Mike’s research had a profound international impact, inspiring new directions in separation science through the many European and international visiting scientists who trained in his laboratories. He played a pivotal role in transferring knowledge and technology to countries developing their industrial and research capabilities, extending his influence far beyond the United Kingdom.
From 1977 onwards, Mike broadened his research interests to include adsorption and ion-exchange technologies, with a particular focus on potable water treatment, including the removal of nitrate ions and toxic trace metals. His leadership in the field was further recognised through his appointment as Chairman of the Organising Committees for IEX2008 and IEX2012.
In later years, he became a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, pioneering the development of low-cost adsorbents from agricultural waste and leading major EU-funded networks dedicated to industrial effluent treatment and the beneficial utilisation of combustion residues. Through these efforts, Mike combined scientific excellence with a deep commitment to addressing some of society’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Beyond his extensive research, Mike was a pillar of the international separation science community and a passionate advocate for his discipline.
He devoted many years of distinguished service to SCI, holding numerous leadership positions, including membership of the SCI Council, Chairman of the Technical Development Committee, and both Secretary and Chairman of the Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange Group. He also served as Editor of the Chemical Technology section of the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology. In recognition of these outstanding contributions, SCI awarded him its prestigious Lampitt Medal in 2003.
Mike’s influence extended across the global scientific community. He served as Secretary of both the International Committee for Solvent Extraction (1993–2004) and the International Committee for Ion Exchange, helping to shape the direction of these fields and leading the organisation of major international conferences, including the landmark ISEC93 symposium. Equally committed to education, he developed advanced postgraduate programmes that successfully bridged academic excellence and industrial practice. His exceptional contributions to research, education, and professional service were recognised by a University Fellowship in 2008 and the title of Professor Emeritus.
Mike’s exceptional contributions were celebrated throughout his career, culminating in a special 2011 tribute issue of Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange entitled “Recent Developments in Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange: A Tribute to the Career Contributions of Prof Michael Cox.” That same year, at the International Conference on Solvent Extraction (ISEC) in Santiago, Chile, he received the prestigious Carl Hanson Award - the highest international honour in separation science, jointly awarded by SCI and DECHEMA to the world’s leading researchers in the field. The medal was presented by Professor Geoffrey Stevens, Secretary-General of the International Committee for Solvent Extraction, in recognition of Mike’s outstanding and enduring impact on the discipline.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Mike was admired for his generosity, humility, and unwavering support of colleagues and students. A gifted scientist, enthusiastic collaborator, and trusted friend to researchers across the globe, he inspired generations through both his scholarship and his character. His contributions transformed the field of separation science, and his legacy will continue to influence and inspire for many years to come. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing, working with, and learning from him.
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