Fellows' biographical memoirs

Newton Barber was a distinguished botanist and geneticist who published widely across experimental cytology, taxonomy, genetics, ecology, forestry, biogeography, palaeobotany and mycology.

Professor Horace Waring FAA pioneered marsupial physiology research in Australia – establishing field stations, training generations of zoologists, and opening up adrenal, reproductive and ecological studies of native fauna.

Professor Howard Worner CBE FAA FTSE was a brilliant metallurgist, industry leader and respected advisor to government.

Professor Bryan Womersley was recognised internationally for his work on Australia's macroalgae, describing more than 320 new genera and species.

When the Australian fifty-dollar note was issued in 1972, it bore the heads of two scientists. On one side was Howard Florey, co-discoverer of penicillin. On the other side was Ian Clunies Ross. His reputation was due in part to concrete achievements, but also to the fact that, with a distinctive appearance, personality and style, he caught the imagination of many of those who met him or heard him speak.

A pioneering chemist and engineer, Professor Ian Ritchie AO transformed hydrometallurgy through leadership and research in electrochemistry and gold dissolution.

Ian McDougall was a renowned Earth scientist who gained worldwide distinction for his research in the fields of K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology.

Ian Thornton was a fine zoologist, an accomplished academic acknowledged internationally as an authority in his field, and an admired leader and mentor to his colleagues and to generations of students. He came to Australia in early 1968 as Foundation Professor of Zoology at La Trobe University, Melbourne, and remained associated with that department, latterly as Emeritus Professor, for the rest of his life.

Professor Irvine Watson CBE FAA was a world leader in studying and breeding rust resistance in wheat, and a major contributor to the Australian wheat industry.

Professor Jim Morrison was an expert in the construction of mass spectrometers who pioneered the use of computers with spectroscopic instruments.