Theodore L.
Brown, an American scientist and author, died on March 24, 2026. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 15, 1928, he was known for research, teaching, and writing in physical inorganic chemistry, as well as for his work as a university administrator and philosopher of science.
Brown was a professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate college from 1980 to 1986. He also was the founding director emeritus of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. His textbooks on general chemistry and science communication were published in multiple languages and used in multiple countries.
Theodore Lawrence Brown (October 15, 1928 – March 24, 2026) was an American scientist known for research, teaching, and writing in the field of physical inorganic chemistry, a university administrator, and a philosopher of science. In addition to his research publications, Brown has written textbooks on general chemistry and science communication which have been published in multiple languages and used in multiple countries. He was a professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has also held the administrative positions of vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate college (1980–1986). He was the founding director emeritus of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. He died at home on March 24, 2026, after a brief illness.