Faculty celebrates 120 years of scientific inquiry, education and impact
The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Science celebrated the 120th anniversary of its establishment in style and sunshine on Thursday, 19 October 2023.
About 300 people – staff, graduate students, alumni, supporters and other friends of the faculty –enjoyed speeches, refreshments and music in the beautiful surroundings of the University of Melbourne’s historic System Garden on the Parkville campus.
The Dean of Science, Professor Moira O’Bryan, officially opened the afternoon event by acknowledging that science had been practised and taught in Australia long before the faculty was established in 1903.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are this country’s first scientists, with deep and enduring knowledge of the land, waters, and skies, accumulated from generation to generation for many thousands of years,” Professor O’Bryan said.
“Since its founding in 1853, the University of Melbourne has always taught science in various courses, but the first Bachelor of Science was not conferred until 1889. By 1900, there were still only 19 science graduates, three of them women. It was an admittedly slow start, and the establishment of a dedicated Faculty of Science was not a universally popular decision.
“On 29 July 1903, The Argus newspaper reported that one objector called it ‘unnecessary and inexpedient’. Thankfully, the University Council carried the vote 17 to 11,” Professor O’Bryan said.
Professor O'Bryan speaking in the System Garden
“By 1923, there were 251 students in the faculty. The numbers kept growing and began to include students from overseas. Today, our enrolment is about 15,000, spread across six campuses, seven schools, 43 research disciplines, and 50 courses.”
Professor O’Bryan only had time to name a few of the many scientists of international reputation and outstanding research impact who have graced the faculty over the past 120 years.
“Our fields of inquiry and invention range from astronomy to aquaculture, viruses to volcanoes, quantum computers to coral reefs, bionic eyes to better solar panels, and much, much more,” she said.
“We are working with communities, industries, and governments to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. We are developing novel processes and technology, and collecting and using data wisely, to enhance human lives, protect our natural environment, and increase social justice and resilience.
“The current breadth and depth of our research and teaching would boggle the minds of the faculty members and students of 120 years ago. But just as in 1903, we are nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators to carry on our legacy.”
Professor O’Bryan introduced Mikaeylah Davidson, a PhD candidate in the One Health Research Group, who spoke about her experience in the faculty, her passion for science in general – which emerged after she completed school – and her particular interest in investigating infectious diseases in wildlife that affect biodiversity, human health, and domestic animal health.
Mikaeylah Davidson addressing the crowd
At the conclusion of Ms Davidson’s speech, Professor O’Bryan thanked everyone for attending the event and led the crowd in a toast to the Faculty of Science.