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FIRST AWARD OF A NEW CHEMISTRY PRIZE HONOURING LEADING AUSTRALIAN SCIENTIST
8 December 1999

The Australian Academy of Science has announced a new award which recognises the achievements of one of Australia's most eminent chemists. The David Craig Medal and Lecture recognise the outstanding contribution to chemical research of Emeritus Professor David Craig AC, FAA, FRS, a former Dean of the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University and a former President of the Academy of Science.

The establishment of the award was announced at David Craig's 80th birthday dinner in Canberra on Wednesday 8 December (his birthday is on 23 December). The award will be made annually to an active researcher for contributions to chemistry of a high order. The research should have been carried out substantially in Australia.

Professor Craig has conducted research into theoretical chemical physics, molecular crystals and intermolecular forces. He has lectured and held fellowships at many universities in Britain, North America and Asia. As President of the Academy from 1990 to 1994, he vigorously promoted public awareness of science.

Noel Hush takes first prize

The winner of the inaugural David Craig Medal is Professor Noel Hush. Professor Hush was Foundation Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Sydney.

Professor Hush has made monumental advances in theoretical and physical chemistry. During the 1950s, in parallel with the Nobel Laureate, Rudi Marcus, from the California Institute of Technology, he developed what has become the standard theory for electron transfer in inorganic and biological compounds. This theory allows chemists to understand reactions and test ideas and has, among other things, offered considerable insight into the mechanisms of photosynthesis, the way plants use sunlight, air and water to make chemical energy.. The Hush-Marcus theory, as it is known, had a major influence on another Nobel Laureate, Henry Taube of Stanford University who acknowledged that his own research was underpinned by Hush's work.

The medal will be presented at the annual general meeting of the Academy in April 2000.