Alan Robertson (geneticist)

Alan Robertson
Alan Robertson
Born(1920-02-21)21 February 1920
Died25 April 1989(1989-04-25) (aged 69)
CitizenshipBritish
EducationLiverpool Institute High School for Boys
Alma materUniversity of Cambridge (BA)
Awards
Scientific career
FieldsPopulation genetics
InstitutionsUniversity of Edinburgh
Doctoral students

Alan Robertson (21 February 1920 – 25 April 1989) was an English population geneticist. Originally a chemist, he was recruited after the Second World War to work on animal genetics on behalf of the British government, and continued in this sphere until his retirement in 1985. He was a major influence in the widespread adoption of artificial insemination of cattle.

In addition to his work on agricultural genetics, Robertson undertook extensive studies of other branches of genetics, developing an influential secondary theorem of natural selection. He acquired an international reputation, receiving state and academic honours from Europe, America and Asia.