25 Famous Australian Scientists and their Contributions

The development of Australian science in pre-war era was dependent on the individual achievements of a few famous scientists. Several of the famous Australian scientists went abroad for better facilities, better payoffs and more recognition.

Throughout the last two decades, this situation has drastically changed. Appealing rewards have been given to Australian scientists, and research facilities have been greatly improved. What’s more, the great reputation of Australian scientific work is pulling in many foreign scientifics as well.

Today’s article talks about the most famous Australian scientists and inventors throughout history and their extraordinary contributions.

Elizabeth Blackburn

Biological researcher who helped discover an enzyme called telomerase.

Isobel Bennett

Marine biologist and prolific author; also known for helping William John Dakin with his book Australian Seashores.

Dorothy Hill

Geologist and researcher; best known for being the first female professor at an Australian university.

William Lawrence Bragg and William Henry Bragg

Father and son who successfully constructed the first X-ray spectroscope, revolutionizing the study of X-ray crystallography.

Frank Macfarlane Burnet

Virologist highly regarded for his contributions to immunology.

Graeme Clark

Doctor and researcher who helped develop the Bionic Ear.

Ian Clunies Ross

Highly influential scientist who is also known as the “architect of Australia’s scientific boom”.

Peter C. Doherty

Veterinary surgeon known for his research in the field of medicine.

John Eccles

Neurophysiologist who won the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on the synapse; the junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle.

Frank Fenner

Virologist known for his work on the prevention of smallpox and the rabbit plague by introducing the Myxoma virus.

Fred Hollows

Ophthalmologist known for his extraordinary work that helped in restoring eyesight of thousands of people.

Bernard Katz

Biophysicist and Nobel laureate known for his work on nerve biochemistry.

Priscilla Kincaid-Smith

Physician noted for her research work in nephrology.

Douglas Mawson

Geologist and explorer who led the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Mark Oliphant

Physicist noted for his work that led to the first public demonstration of nuclear fusion.

Henry Harris

Professor and researcher noted for his work on cancer and human genetics.

David Karoly

Researcher known for his work on climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion.

Bruce Edward Hobbs

Structural geologist and a research fellow at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

Basil Hetzel

Nutritionist and researcher known for his work on combating iodine deficiency.

Alf Howard

Researcher and explorer who is the last surviving participants of the expedition to Antarctica in 1929-1931.

John R. Philip

Soil physicist highly regarded for his research work on the movement of water, energy and gases.

Albert Pugsley

Agricultural scientist and highly influential wheat breeder.

John O. Limb

Engineer and researcher who helped develop digital video communications.

W. A. S. Butement

Defence scientist best known for his extraordinary contributions in the development of radar in England during World War II.