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Robert James Uffen was born in Toronto in 1923. He graduated from Danforth Technical College in 1940 and the following year enlisted in the Canadian Infantry Corps, transferring to the Royal Canadian Artillery in 1942 with the rank of Sergeant. Following the end of World War II in 1945, he entered the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.Sc (Engineering Science) in 1949. One year later he received his M.A. (Geo. Physics) from the same institution, and in 1952 was granted his Ph. D (Physics) from the University of Western Ontario. He then became a post-doctoral fellow at U.C.L.A. (1953-1954), where he worked with colleagues and students of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Beginning in 1953, he joined the Faculty of the University of Western Ontario, where he remained until 1966. During his years at U.W.O. he was Principal, University College of Arts and Science (1961-1966), and Dean of the College of Science (1965-1966). Dr. Uffen then left academe for the civil service when he was appointed Chairman of the Defence Research Board, a position he held from 1967 to 1969.He then accepted appointment to be Chief Science Adviser to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office, under Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, a post he held from 1969 to 1971. In 1971, he accepted the positions of Dean, Faculty of Applied Science, Queen's University (a post held until 1980), and Professor of Geophysics (until his retirement in 1989). Dr. Uffen was also extensively involved in activities outside the university as a member of numerous Boards and Commissions and holds, or has held memberships and offices in a number of societies.