The Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia has announced a four-year, $3 million grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to raise awareness of the contributions of Dr. Arnold O. Beckman as a scientist-entrepreneur and philanthropist.

The Arnold O. Beckman Legacy Project aims to increase public understanding of Beckman's legacy through a program of original historical research, digitization of archival materials, and the development of video and web-based programming. Beckman's invention of the pH meter was key to the launch of the so-called "Instrumentation Revolution" in chemistry, the life sciences, and related fields, which in turn provided researchers with tools that have significantly increased the scope and pace of research. Beckman also was a pioneer in the computer industry and established the first silicon electronics (transistor) lab in what became Silicon Valley.

"Dr. Beckman's legacy touches billions of lives around the world, yet its significant social impact is little appreciated," said CHF president and CEO Carsten Reinhardt. "As an organization committed to the history of science and technology, CHF is delighted to have this opportunity to chronicle Dr. Beckman's critical contributions to modern society, both through his direct actions and indirectly through the work supported by his philanthropy. Our public-history and digital-media experts, along with our museum team and historians, will ensure that we engage with scientific and technical communities as well as a broad public audience."