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MORE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST RESEARCHERS
14 August 2000

The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Brian Anderson, today welcomed the award of The Albert Einstein World Award of Science to Professor Frank Fenner, FAA, of the Australian National University.

'This award is made annually to one of the world's scientific researchers who has contributed outstandingly to public benefit. Only one award is made, and scientists from all fields of research and all countries are eligible.

'The fact that Frank Fenner has been selected confirms his standing as one of the greatest scientists Australia has produced.

'Frank Fenner is a doyen of animal virology. He led the successful campaign to eradicate smallpox throughout the world. Largely for that work he was also awarded another highly prestigious international award, the Japan Prize, in 1988.

'His other work for Australia includes his contribution to controlling the rabbit plague through the use of myxoma virus, and his leadership of the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies.

'Frank continues at 85 years of age to make exceptional contributions to Australian life. He is a major benefactor and has established several new projects through his personal generosity. He has written, and continues to write, major works on the history of science.

'Frank Fenner is an outstanding Australian and scientist. His colleagues in science share his pleasure in this latest recognition of what he has done'

Note: a transcript of interviews with Frank Fenner in 1992-3 is available at http://www.science.org.au/scientists/ff.htm.