Dr. Frederick H. Todd was a true giant in the industry – a public servant to two nations, a leading scholar, and a dedicated teacher. Dr. Todd joined SNAME in 1948 and authored more than 100 technical papers during his illustrious career. Dr. Todd also authored a vital chapter of Principles of Naval Architecture, a fundamental text that remains in print.
Dr. Todd received numerous awards and recognition for his work and service. His excellence in scholarship was recognized by SNAME by his twice being awarded The ABS Captain Joseph H. Linnard Prize for the best paper contributed to the Annual Meeting (1951 and 1957). His multiple contributions were further recognized by SNAME’s awarding to Dr. Todd The Dr. Kenneth S. M. Davidson Medal for Outstanding Scientific Accomplishment in 1967, his election to the membership grade of Fellow in 1967, and his being named as an Honorary Member for Life in 1968. Other honors earned by Dr. Todd include the Gibbs Brothers Medal awarded by the United States National Academy of Sciences, the Gold Medal of the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders, and premiums from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.
Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne UK in 1903, Dr. Todd earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture in 1925 and a PhD in 1931 from Kings College, Durham University in England. He began his career with the Armstrong Wentworth Shipyard and completed his education through Scholarships won while an apprentice there. Upon completion of his studies he joined the staff of the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington where he engaged in research on all aspects of ship design and hydrodynamics and served as a Professor of Naval Architecture at Durham University. In 1948 he became the Chief Naval Architect and Technical Director of the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at the United States Navy’s David Taylor Model Basin. Dr. Taylor also served as Superintendent of the NPL new ship hydrodynamics laboratory at Feltham in the United Kingdom. In addition to serving two governments, Dr. Todd was a leader in the organization of vital industry conferences, including the International Towing Tank Conference, through which he influenced the work at most of the world’s towing tanks.
Dr. Todd died on 20 August 1992.
The Frederick H. Todd Scholarship is part of the SNAME Graduate Scholarships Program, and open to applicants worldwide who are members in good standing of SNAME looking to pursue advanced studies in approved universities. Awards are made for one year of study leading to a Master’s Degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering or in other fields directly related to the maritime industry. Applicants must not receive their Master's Degree prior to 1 September of the academic year for which the scholarship applies.
One scholarship for one year of study may be awarded annually.
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