Professor Michael Lynch

Michael Lynch was a teacher and researcher in the Department from 1965 until 1995. His research interests centered on the characterization of data structures implicit in records of information, both in relation to databases of text and of chemical structures, and on applying these data structures for the development of algorithms which might then lead to useful applications. Among the applications resulting from his work are text compression, as well as methods for searching databases of chemical substances for substructures, the identification of changes due to chemical reactions, and the design of improved chemical patent information systems. Much of the research was funded by the information industry, and has been influential in the design of present-day systems.

He produced more than 140 research publications and several textbooks, and travelled widely to teach and report on research activities. He supervised 12 PhD students.

Before joining the Department in Sheffield, Michael Lynch held a research post with Chemical Abstracts Service, a Division of the American Chemical Society, where he became Head of the Basic Research Department.

Email address: m.lynch@sheffield.ac.uk