John Carver has contributed significantly to the field of experimental nuclear physics through his work on photodisintegration, and is particularly eminent for his work in ultraviolet spectroscopy as applied to constituents of the upper atmosphere. With his group in Adelaide he was responsible for important work using rockets and satellites and is continuing with related work in Canberra. He has made valuable contributions to national and international science through active membership of numerous scientific committees and is now deputy chairman of the Australian Science and Technology Council. Professor Carver is Director of the Research School of Physical Sciences at the Australian National University.