The creator of one of Australia’s best-remembered high school text books, Professor Harry Messel AC CBE, has been awarded one of the Australian Academy of Science’s highest honours, the Academy Medal.
The physicist and long-time science advocate has been awarded the Medal in recognition of his 'conspicuous and enduring service' to the cause of science in Australia.
'Professor Messel’s contribution to science in Australia has been extraordinary, from his famous ‘blue books’ which were once ubiquitous in Australian high schools, to establishing the Physics Foundation and creating the Harry Messel International Science School,' said President of the Academy Professor Suzanne Cory.
'His long list of scientific achievements is inspiring and makes him a very worthy recipient of the Academy Medal.'
Professor Messel was born in Canada and during his PhD worked with the world renowned theoretical physicist Erwin Shrodinger. In 1954, he helped to construct Australia's first university computer and in the early 1970s, his work on solar energy led to a number of exciting discoveries.
He was the Head of the School of Physics at the University of Sydney for 35 years until his retirement in 1987.
The Australian Academy of Science established the Academy Medal in 1990 to recognise outstanding contributions to science from those outside the Academy’s Fellowship. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Academy’s foundation and two Medals have been awarded in 2014 – to Professor Messel and Mr Simon McKeon.
Professor Messel and Mr McKeon will be awarded their Medals during Science at the Shine Dome, the Academy’s annual celebration of science and research, in May.
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