History of the Fenner Conferences on the Environment

 

 

In April 1987 the Australian Academy of Science announced the establishment of a series of conferences on environmental and conservation issues. The conferences were made possible by the generous endowment of Professor Frank Fenner and his wife Mrs Bobbie Fenner. Each year applications are sought and processed by the Academy's Fenner Conferences on the Environment Selection Committee. Substantial seed funding is provided to the successful applicant.

Reflecting Professor Fenner's commitment to conservation in Australia, the Conferences were designed to bring together those with the relevant scientific, academic, administrative and policy expertise to consider current environmental and conservation issues and challenges in Australia. In originating the series, his concern was to ensure that the Conferences should not be narrowly scientific but should bring to bear a wide range of expertise and thereby contribute to the formation of policies which can alleviate some of the environmental problems that confront Australia.

Professor Fenner was Director of the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies at The Australian National University before his retirement, following a renowned and highly awarded career in medical research and public health policy. His contributions ranged from fundamental research in virology to leadership of the campaign which saw the eradication of smallpox. For this later work he received the Japan Prize, one of the most prestigious international awards in science. Professor Fenner was also one of the founding members of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Transcript of interview with Professor Frank Fenner.