Fellows' biographical memoirs

Professor Laurie Nichol was a biophysical chemist who specialised in using mathematical tools to understand protein interactions in biological systems. He later served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England and the Australian National University.

Dr Lloyd Evans AO FAA FRS was a leading plant scientist who made significant achievements in researching the regulation of flowering and crop production at CSIRO. His work had a major influence on agricultural research and policy.

Robert May was the leading theoretical ecologist of his generation whose mathematical analysis of the stability of ecological communities challenged orthodox views and spawned a new research agenda.

Lou Davies was a radiophysicist who pioneered the manufacture of transistors in Australia and gained international scientific acclaim for his pioneering research on semiconductor devices, bridging academic research and industry.

Marcello Costa was a leading researcher in neuroscience who played a key role in defining the roles of neuropeptides, in devising methods to characterise different classes of nerve cells, and in the quantitative analysis of intestinal motility.

With the death of Professor Sir Mark Oliphant, the first President of the Australian Academy of Science, Australia lost one of its most distinguished scientists. The Academy will remember and honour him for his leading role in its establishment, and for his continuing association with it until the last years of his long life.

Sir Maurice Mawby was a memorable figure in the Australian minerals industry – an Australian proud of his country and of what mining had done to make it strong. He was one of a handful of professional mining executives who set in motion the greatest upsurge in mineral exploration, discovery, and development ever seen in the country's history. Well known and highly regarded, he inspired international confidence in the people who worked with him.

Rudi Lemberg was a biochemist who made significant contributions to the study of biological pigments, especially porphyrins. He was a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

Max Day AO FAA was an ecologist whose pioneering research spanned entomology, virology, ecology and forestry. He served as the founding chief of CSIRO’s Division of Forest Research and worked on nationally significant challenges, such as deploying myxomatosis to control rabbits.

Professor Mervyn Paterson FAA was an engineer by training whose pioneering work in experimental geology – designing specialised instruments for studying rocks under high temperatures and pressures – furthered understanding of the Earth's crust and mantle.