Australia has a rich and vibrant scientific heritage that spans decades of innovation, exploration, and discovery.
From the groundbreaking research of our pioneering scientists to the cutting-edge discoveries of today's researchers, our nation's scientific legacy is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, and ingenuity.
The Academy’s Library and Archives hold significant histories of mid-century Australian science collections in the world, with many thousands of rare and unique items.
These intellectual treasures—often hidden behind locked doors—reveal the development of scientific thinking responsible for shaping our modern world.
Through meticulous digitisation of archival materials and recording conversations with Australian scientists, we are preserving history whilst providing future generations with access to critical insights and discoveries.
With support from donors, we have digitised almost 30,000 items now freely accessible and capturing the exciting stories from the history of Australian science, research, and innovation.
We have recorded interviews with nearly 150 researchers and captured the remarkable stories of Australian scientists and their firsthand accounts of breakthroughs, challenges, and the evolution of scientific thought, enriching our understanding of Australia's scientific landscape.
There are still many fascinating and essential stories yet to be told.
Now in our 70th year, we want to bring many more of these stories and our collections to life.
Through preserving Australia's scientific legacy your donation will support:
Digitisation of the archives: to collect, manage and preserve items of scientific importance that hold intrinsic value in Australia’s history.
Recording conversations with Australian scientists: in these interviews, outstanding Australian scientists talk about their early life, development of interest in science, mentors, research work and other aspects of their careers.
This important work will strengthen our collection and help to ensure that our library and archives continues to be a trusted, extensive and distinguished source of scientific history in Australia.
We invite you to read some of our recently digitised material online including the incredible story of rare manuscripts and photographs that tell the story of early Australian Antarctic exploration and ‘Smallpox that was a monster’ through the esteemed work of Professor Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE FAA FRS.
Some of our collections are also made available through Trove, the National Library of Australia’s collection platform.
We hope you will consider a gift to support and preserve Australia’s scientific legacy and help us to bring more of our collections and conversations online, for everyone.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
