Worner's words captured for future generations

Oct 18, 2005

Professor Howard Worner has long been described as a true icon of materials science.

From the late 1930s and early 1940s when he was considered the leading world authority in scientific study of dental and surgical materials through to extensive investigation into iron smelting and casting, his work has been at the forefront of Australian and international development.

His role as one of Australia's great scientists was further recognised by the Australian Academy of Sciences this month when representative David Salt visited UOW to interview Professor Worner, aged 91, about his fascinating life and scientific achievements.

His interview was part of a series called 'Interviews with Australian scientists' which was developed in 1993 to record interviews with outstanding Australian scientists for this and future generations. The scientists talk about their early life, development of interest in science, mentors, research work, and other aspects of their careers.

Professor Worner donated a display of rare mineral and rock samples in 2003 and the collection, entitled the Howard Worner Collection, has since been recognised as the best mineral display of any Australian university or teaching institution.

The collection, on show in the main foyer of UOW's Sciences Building, consists of about 1,000 mineral, rock and fossil specimens and 18 medals and awards donated by Professor Worner. He has also given works of art to Creative Arts and donated prizes for students in Engineering, Environmental Science and Geosciences.

Professor Worner is also a recipient of a Centenary Medal issued by the Federal Government and was the first non-American to win the international steel industry's Benjamin F. Fairless Award in 2002.