Ernest Solvay
was a Belgian chemist who owned the patent for the ammonia-soda process
used to produce sodium carbonate. He founded the chemicals company Solvay SA
and operated the first soda manufacturing facility in 1865 in Couillet,
Belgium.
Solvay was
convinced that science and industry are essential elements of the total well
being of the society. In 1878, Solvay was the first to establish a pension fund
for the workers at Solvay. In 1897, Solvay implemented an 8-hour workday. In
1913, he started paying paid
vacations. These are among the firsts Solvay implemented before they became
a worldwide practice up to the present time.
Because he
believed in social responsibility, Solvay established a few scientific and
charitable foundations. Among these institutions included the Institute of
Physics in 1895, Institute of Sociology in 1901, and the School of Business in
Brussels in 1903. Up to this time, the School of Business still bears the name
of Solvay.
Solvay’s passion
for science led him to establish the Council of Physics and attracted some of
the most prominent chemists and physicists. In 2011, the Council celebrated its
100th anniversary. Some of the most brilliant scientists have
converged in Brussels for the biennale gathering.
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