Sir Ian Clunies Ross was a gifted communicator, outstanding advocate
of Australian science and education, and an internationalist who stimulated
Australia's involvement in the Asia-Pacific region. Early Life
Ian Clunies Ross was born in Bathurst, New South Wales on 22 February
1899. In 1903 his family moved to Sydney and later settled in the
outer suburb of Ashfield, where Ian developed a keen interest in the
local fauna.
Following his schooling, Clunies Ross graduated
with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from the University of
Sydney in 1921. Subsequently, he worked as a research fellow at the
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical
Research in Melbourne before returning to work as a lecturer in
the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Sydney.
Clunies Ross's area of research was
parasitology, and his early research focused on two of the most
severe problems of the pastoral industry, the liver fluke and the
hydatid parasite. Science Administration
Clunies Ross was primarily concerned with the
application of science, and showed special strength in exploring the
interconnections between disparate phenomena. One of his greatest
strengths was as an administrator who generated confidence in science.
Clunies Ross served as Chair of the CSIR (now Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation) from 1949 until his death in 1959. During the time
of his chairmanship, the CSIRO dominated Australian science. International Affairs and Education
Ian Clunies Ross's interests soon expanded to
encompass the links between applied science and the pastoral industry,
to the nexus between science and society, and to Australia's place
in international affairs.
Using his experience of science and industry,
Clunies Ross sought to build a richer, more diverse and better educated
society that would enjoy a closer involvement with other countries.
He served as a member of Australia's Delegation to the League of Nations
Assembly in 1938, and as President of the Australian Institute of
International Affairs from 1941—1945.
Sir Ian Clunies Ross died on 20 June 1959. During
his distinguished career he had received many honours, including a
knighthood, medals and honorary doctorates. When the Australian fifty
dollar note was issued in 1972 it bore portraits of two great Australian
scientists Howard Florey and Ian Clunies Ross.
In addition, the
Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award has been established
in honour of Sir Ian Clunies Ross. This Award honours outstanding
achievement by Australians who have shown commitment over a period
of time to successful innovations involving the application of science
and technology to the benefit of Australia. Links
Centenary Celebrations 1999
As part of his centenary, a special
insert on Ian Clunies Ross appeared in the CSIRO's
Helix
magazine — you can order a copy of this insert
by contacting the AIPS.
