Centenaries of Australian Science

Sir Ian William Wark

Ian Wark (8 May 1899 - 20 April 1985) undertook fundamental research that had a major impact on the mining industry in Australia, and indeed around the world. He became a leading figure in CSIRO and had very clear ideas on the purposes of scientific research and its relationship to the wider community.

Events in 1999 celebrating the centenary of his birth:

Wark Medal Presentation and Commemorative Lecture - 25 August 1999. The Australian Academy of Science 1998-99 Wark medalist was Professor Tom Healy, Director of the Advanced Mineral Products Special Research Centre, University of Melbourne. The ceremony was held in Melbourne and featured Tom Healy's address "Industrial chemistry, university research and fishing". Further details on the work that led to his award can be found at www.science.org.au/academy/media/wark99.htm.
A report on the ceremony can be found in the Australian Academy of Science Newsletter, September-December 1999, p. 12, online at www.science.org.au/academy/newslett/aas45.pdf.
The Ian Wark Dinner - 9 December 1999. The Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia. For online information about the Institute visit www.iwri.unisa.edu.au/Default.htm.
Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre Launch - 9 December 1999. Held at the Ian Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne, this function launched an ugraded guide to Ian Wark's archival records. Addresses were delivered by the Victorian Minister for State and Regional Development, The Honorable John Brumby MP, and Professors John Swan and David Solomon.

Take a look at his Encyclopedia of Australian Science entry to find out more about his life and contribution to Australian science and the general community, as well as links to other resources, available both on the Web and in print.

Centenaries of Australian Science

Australian Science and Technology Heritage Centre

Sir Ian William Wark