Fellows' biographical memoirs

Angas Hurst was internationally renowned as a mathematical physicist, making seminal contributions to quantum field theory and statistical mechanical models.

Dr Bill Priestley AO FAA FRS founded and led CSIRO's atmospheric research division, pioneering discoveries in global-scale heat transport, convective turbulence, and the widely-used Priestley-Taylor evaporation formula

Charles Watson-Munro was a physicist best known for helping build the first nuclear reactors in Canada, the UK, and Australia, and for his later work as a professor of plasma physics at the University of Sydney.

Chris made an outstanding contribution to probability theory and its applications. He received considerable recognition, including Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science and of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, as well as Membership of the Order of Australia.

Christopher John Ash was born on 5 January 1945 at Gorleston, a seaside town adjoining Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. He was an only child. His father, Kenneth William Ash, was the middle of three brothers. The elder brother was a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force who worked on rocket research and the younger was a Captain in the Merchant Navy. Chris’s father was Borough Engineer at Redcar on the North Yorkshire coast. His mother was Joan Evelyn Hadley, who worked at a Quaker school.

Colin Russell Austin, English by birth, initially graduated in Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney in 1936. The Second World War limited his career options, but he was fortunate to be employed by the CSIRO Division of Animal Health in Sydney. In 1954 he was invited to join the staff of the Medical Research Council’s laboratory in Mill Hill, London to study fertilization and early embryonic development in rats and rabbits.

Dr Colin Ward FAA FTSE led the quest to determine the insulin receptor's structure, alongside major contributions to influenza sequencing, plant virus taxonomy and veterinary vaccines.

David Cooper was an internationally renowned immunologist and HIV clinician who spearheaded Australia’s world-leading HIV response.

Dr David Martyn FAA FRS was a physicist, wartime radar chief and Foundation Fellow at the Australian Academy of Science. His research contributions transformed our understanding of the ionosphere and upper atmosphere.