In Memoriam - Marty Cowie

The Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta is sad to announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Martin “Marty” Cowie of Edmonton on March 29, 2025, at the age of 78.  

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University, Marty began a lifelong affiliation with our Department and the University of Alberta, first as a graduate student, then faculty member, and finally Professor Emeritus. Marty earned his PhD in Chemistry in 1973 from our Department under the supervision of Professor Michael J. Bennett, where his focus was on the characterization of organometallic and coordination complexes through X-ray crystallography; a rapidly emerging and game changing field for the elucidation of the structure and bonding of inorganic compounds. After a post-doctoral stint, financed by a NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship, with Prof. James A. Ibers at Northwestern University, Marty returned to the Department of Chemistry to launch his own independent research career in 1976. Although crystallography remained a major focus, Marty quickly realized that he had to move beyond only solving crystal structures for a successful academic career. With the motto, “Two is better than One”, he quickly established a creative and productive research program to study the synthesis and reaction chemistry of homo- and heterobimetallic compounds; a favorite ligand system to hold the metals in close proximity were bridging diphosphines. A major impetus was the prospect of metal-metal cooperativity which could lead to chemistry that differs appreciably from compounds containing only one metal centre. Impressive successes quickly followed, with the modeling of proposed intermediates in catalytic processes such Fischer-Tropsch, hydrogenation and hydroformylation, CO and CO₂ activation, and activation of extremely strong C-F bonds. His impressive and highly cited body of research work was disseminated in over 140 mostly substantive full-paper publications in top tier chemistry journals. Marty was a very popular and engaging speaker at national and international conferences. Not surprisingly, he quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Full Professor in 1987.

Marty’s impact on research, teaching, and service within the University of Alberta was recognized through receipt of two of our institute’s prestigious awards for combined contributions: the McCalla Professorship (1999) and the Killam Annual Professorship (2000). As noted in the terms of reference, “The McCalla Professors are outstanding academics who have made (and continue to make) significant contributions to the integration of teaching and research, and educational leadership.” Similarly, Killam Annual Professorships are “granted to faculty members based on the quality of their scholarly activities such as teaching, research, publications, creative activities, presented papers, supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, and contributions to the community outside the university.” Marty’s research achievements on the national and international stage were recognized in 2003 when he received the Canadian Society of Chemistry’s Alcan Award (now Rio Tinto Award) which is “presented to a scientist who has made a distinguished contribution to the fields of inorganic chemistry or electrochemistry while working in Canada.”

Marty led by example, and in 2001 he took on the challenging role of Department Chair serving until 2006. The timing could not have been ‘better’, the Department faced a major outside review of its graduate program and the then Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) insisted on implementing new guidelines to monitor graduate students’ progress through their program. Although Chemistry faculty are never eager to accept new rules, Marty’s ‘persuasion’ carried the day. The new regimen was implemented, the graduate program kept its top ranking and the financial benefits coming with it.

After a career of accomplishments, including a long list of former students and post-doctoral researchers who moved on to their own successful careers, Marty retired in 2009 and after a short post-retirement position, stepped away from his official duties in 2011. However, he was often seen in the Department after cycling in to (or return from) the gym. A gifted and funny raconteur Marty was always ready with a humorous story. He was an excellent colleague and friend who contributed greatly to the strengths of our Department, and he will be sorely missed.

Obituary is available here.

The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from April 14 - 17, 2025 in remembrance of Dr. Martin Cowie, see here.