Person
Briggs, Michael Harvey (1935 - 1986)
- Born
- 20 August 1935
United Kingdom - Died
- 1986
Spain - Occupation
- Biochemist
Summary
Professor Michael Briggs was an authority on the contraceptive pill, specifically blood chemistry changes that might predict long-term risks. He held numerous international positions as an academic and in industrial research, was advisor to the WHO and a prolific writer, authoring many books, some with his wife Maxine. In January 1973 he arrived in Melbourne from the UK to be Director of Biochemistry at the Alfred Hospital. In 1975 he moved to Geelong to be Head of the School of Applied Sciences at the Gordon Institute of Technology, undoubtedly aware that the Institute was to be absorbed into the new Deakin University. In 1976 he was appointed Dean of the School of Sciences at Deakin. [From the "The Briggs Affair Part 1"] In 1983 he was accused of research fraud, which he initially contested and then finally admitted in 1986 and died shortly after in Spain of liver failure.
Details
Chronology
- 1973 - 1975
- Career position - Director of Biochemisty, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne
- 1975 - 1976
- Career position - Head, School of Applied Sciences, Gordon Institute of Technology, Geelong
- 1976 - 1983
- Career position - Dean, School of Sciences, Deakin University
- October 1982
- Event - Research integrity concerns about Briggs work placed before Vice Chancellor Fred Jevons
- November 1983
- Event - A complaint is lodged by Dr Jim Rossiter, Head of the Deakin University Ethics Committee, against two research papers published by Professor Michael Briggs, in conjunction with his wife, Maxine, in 1979 and 1980. The papers concern the effects of an oral contraceptive pill. The university initiates a Preliminary Committee of Inquiry.
- September 1984
- Event - In an invocation of the Visitor system of University appeal, Michael Briggs petitions the Governor of Victoria, Rear-Admiral Sir Brian Murray, in relation to the Preliminary Committee of Inquiry.
- February 1985
- Event - Sir Brian Murray rules against Deakin University, upholding Michael Briggs' petition and criticising the Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Professor Fred R. Jevons, for failing to exercise his discretion in referring the matter to a preliminary inquiry.
- June 1985
- Event - A new inquiry is initiated by three prominent Victorian medical specialists who allege gross misconduct against Michael Briggs. The complainants are Dr Bryan Hudson, Professor Henry Burger and Jim Rossiter. Their concerns are published in a letter to the medical journal, Contraception.
- October 1985
- Event - Michael Briggs resigns from Deakin University and the inquiry proceedings cease. By this time Briggs has left Australia, and is believed to be living in the south of Spain.
- October 1986
- Event - Michael Briggs confesses scientific fraud to journalist, Brian Deer. His statement is subsequently published in The Sunday Times.
- December 1986
- Event - Newspapers report that Michael Briggs has died in Spain.
Related entries
Archival resources
State Library of Victoria, Australian Manuscripts Collection
Published resources
Journal Articles
- Catrice, Antony [Deakin University Archivist], 'The Briggs Affair Part 3: Fallout', The Deakin Library blog (2022), https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/article/the-briggs-affair-part-3-fallout/. Details
- Catrice, Antony [Deakin University Archivist], 'The Briggs Affair Part 2: The push for a University inquiry', The Deakin Library blog (2022), https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/article/the-briggs-affair-part-2-the-push-for-a-university-inquiry/. Details
- Catrice, Antony [Deakin University Archivist], 'The Briggs Affair Part 1: An academic scandal', The Deakin Library blog (2022), https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/article/the-briggs-affair-part-1/. Details
- Webb, Geoffrey P., 'Michael Briggs 1935-1986. Faked data on the safety of oral contraceptive preparations taken by millions of women', Dr Geoff [blog]: Serving up the tasty truth . . without all the junk (2017), https://drgeoffnutrition.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/michael-briggs-1935-1986-faked-data-on-the-safety-of-oral-contraceptive-preparations-taken-by-millions-of-women/comment-page-1/. Details
Resources
- Smith, Ailie, and McCarthy, Ann, Guide to the Records of Dr Jan Sapp Regarding the Briggs Affair, Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre, 2007, http://www.austehc.unimelb.edu.au/guides/sapp/index.htm. Details
Gavan McCarthy
Created: 18 August 2025