Centenaries of Australian Science

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This project is an initiative of the Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre and the Australian Institute of Political Science, Tall Poppies Program.

Dame Jean Macnamara

Jean Macnamara was a pioneering and inspirational scientist. Her commitment to finding better treatments to cope with poliomyelitis and prevent its onset became legandary. Her dedication to improving Australian society also led to her playing a prominent role in the utilisation of myxomatosis to curb the rural rabbit palgue of the 1950s.

Events in 1999 celebrating the centenary of her birth:

• Beechworth Civic Reception - Tuesday, 13 April 1999. A Civic Reception was held by the Indigo Shire Council as part of the Tall Poppy Program. Speakers included: Professor Kerin O'Dea, Professor Judith Whitworth, Councillors Don Chambers and Jenny Dale, and Dr John Best. A bronze plaque was presented to the Mayor of Shire to be placed at the home where Jean Macnamara was born.
• Tall Poppies Dinner - 27 May 1999. At the Palladium Ballroom, Crown Entertainment Centre, Melbourne and organised by the Australian Institute of Political Science, celebrating the centenaries of the birth of Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet, Dame Jean Macnamara and Sir Ian Clunies Ross.

Take a look at her Encyclopedia of Australian Science entry to find out more about her life and contribution to Australian science and the general community, as well as links to other resources, available both online and offline.

© University of Melbourne eScholarship Research Centre, 2010
First published by the Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre, 4 August 1999
This project was established with funds from SmithKline Beecham
Prepared by: Robin M. Stephens
Updated by: Ailie Smith
http://www.austehc.unimelb.edu.au/exhibitions/cent/1999Macn.html