A PIONEERING university professor and World War II nuclear scientist has died aged 92.

Richard Singer taught physical metallurgy at Swansea University for more than three decades, during which he developed a revolutionary new metal making process.

During his school years, the young Professor Singer soon showed his academic prowess and was later accepted into Birmingham University one year early, aged 17.

Following a first class honours degree, he began working for ICI Metals in 1938 as a research scientist.

His talents were soon noticed and during World War II he was seconded to the top-secret Tube Alloys Project — the code-name for the British nuclear weapon programme.

He was also offered a place on the USA's atomic programme, the Manhattan Project, but decided to remain in the UK to look after his widowed mother.

Once the war was over, he returned to Birmingham University where he would complete his PhD.

And in 1957, aged 39, Professor Singer was appointed as the professor of physical metallurgy at Swansea University — making him one of Britain's youngest-ever professors. He and wife Elizabeth, who he married in 1958, set up home in Derwen Fawr, Sketty and had two children — Julian and Claire.

As well as lecturing , Professor Singer also played a key role in industry. His expertise was sought by big firms, such as Alcan, Aurora Steel and the Ford Motor Company, after he developed a metal making process known as spray forming — which speeded up steel-making and made metals more rigid.

Leave your Lasting Tribute to Richard Singer

He worked at the university until the age of 70, and continued his research work for a further five years.

After his retirement, Professor Singer wrote two science fiction novels, including Stranger Than Friction was published in 1999.

His daughter Claire, aged 49, said her father also had a strong love of the Welsh countryside. "He especially loved Gower and Clyne Country Park," she said.

At the age of 90, he managed to achieve the feat of having set foot on every continent on earth following his visit to his son in Houston.

He died at home on January 28, five days after his 92nd birthday. He is survived by wife Elizabeth, his two children and three grandchildren, and through his scientific writings and research.

His funeral service takes place in Margam Crematorium at noon on Monday. His family have asked donations to be made to the NSPCC.

ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk