Inspirational Community
Our research and professional staff along with our graduates have had an impact all over the world. From the invention of x-ray crystallography, penicillin and the Olympic torch to Australia’s first female Queen’s Counsel, Supreme Court judge, and state governor – they have made vital contributions.
History makers Some of our pioneering women Some of our ones to watch Celebrating some of our people
History makers
We were our state’s first university. The first to offer degrees in science and business. And the first to establish a conservatorium of music. Our people have embodied our spirit of history making.
Sir Howard Florey
Played a key role in the development of penicillin and is regarded by the Australian scientific and medical community as one of its greatest figures.
Professor Fay Gale
The first honours graduate in Geography and the University’s first female professor in 1978. In 1988 she was the first woman in a senior management position as Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Dr Andy Thomas AO
Spent a total of 6 months in space across four crewed missions over a 12-year period. Became the first Australian to walk in space in 2001.
Read more about our Nobel Laureates.
Some of our pioneering women
As the first University in Australia to admit women to all our degree courses on an equal basis to men, pioneering women are part of our DNA.
The first woman in Australia to graduate with a science degree, the first woman to graduate from the University of ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, and the University’s first science graduate (male or female).
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Dame Roma Mitchell AC
First female Queen’s Counsel, Supreme Court judge, and state governor. She was also the first female chancellor of an Australian university—ours—from 1983 to 1990.
The Hon. Julia Gillard AC
Australia’s 27th, and first female, Prime Minister (2010 – 2013) and Deputy Prime Minister (2007 – 2010). Now an Honorary Visiting Professor.