P000750 revised AU-VU:EOAS Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation

All key entry types: Awards; Concepts; Corporate Bodies (Organisations); Cultural Artefacts; People; etc

These key entries are listed separately below with other indexes and lists.

 English AACR2 Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules Person created 1993-10-20 human Rosanne Walker; Ken McInnes updated 2026-04-22 human https://www.eoas.info/biogs/P000750b.htm person Robertson Rutherford Ness AC Kt FAA FRS AACR2 Robertson, Bob 29 September 1913 6 March 2001 Place of Birth Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Botanist Biologist University Administrator Sir Rutherford Robertson was Director of the School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University 1973-1978. Earlier he was Professor of Botany, University of Adelaide 1960-1969, and was President of ANZAAS in 1965 and of the Australian Academy of Science 1970-1974. He is commemorated by the Robertson Symposia and the Robertson Theatre at the Research School of Biological Sciences at the Australian National University. 1934 1934 Education - Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Sydney 1934 1934 Career position - Science Research Scholar, University of Sydney 1935 1936 Career position - Linnean Macleay Fellowship (Plant Physiology), for study at the University of Sydney 1936 1936 Award - 1851 Exhibition Overseas Scholarship 1939 1939 Education - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Cambridge, UK 1939 1946 Career position - Assistant Lecturer (later Lecturer) in Botany, University of Sydney 1946 1947 Career position - Senior Research Officer, CSIRO Division of Food Preservation and Transport 1949 1950 Career position - President, Linnean Society of New South Wales 1952 1955 Career position - Principal Research Officer, CSIRO Division of Food Preservation and Transport 1952 1955 Career position - Senior Principal Research Officer, CSIRO Division of Food Preservation and Transport 1954 1954 Career position - President, Section M (Botany), Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) 1954 1954 Career position - Honorary Secretary, Australian National Research Council 1954 2001 Award - Fellow, Australian Academy of Science (FAA) 1955 1955 Award - Clarke Medal, Royal Society of New South Wales 1955 1959 Career position - Chief Research Officer, CSIRO Division of Food Preservation and Transport 1958 1958 Career position - Secretary (Biological Sciences), Australian Academy of Science 1958 1959 Career position - Visiting Professor, University of California, U.S.A. 1959 1962 Career position - Member of the Executive, CSIRO 1960 1961 Career position - President, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists 1961 1961 Education - Doctor of Science (DSc), University of Sydney 1961 2001 Award - Fellow, The Royal Society, London (FRS) 1962 1962 Award - Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences 1962 1969 Career position - Professor of Botany, University of Adelaide 1963 1963 Award - Farrer Memorial Medal, Farrer Memorial Trust 1965 1965 Career position - President, Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science 1965 1969 Career position - Chairman, Australian Research Grants Committee 1968 1968 Award - ANZAAS Medal, Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science 8 Jun 1968 8 Jun 1968 Award - Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) - Services to education and scientific research 1969 1972 Career position - Master of University House, Australian National University, Canberra 1970 1970 Award - Mueller Medal, Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science 1970 1974 Career position - President, Australian Academy of Science 1971 1973 Career position - Chairman, Advisory Committee, Clive and Vera Ramaciotti Foundation 1 Jan 1972 1 Jan 1972 Award - Knight Bachelor (Kt) - Services to science and education 1973 1978 Career position - Director, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University 1975 1975 Award - Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture, Australian Academy of Science 1977 1981 Career position - Deputy Chairman, Australian Science and Technology Council 1 Aug 1977 1 Aug 1977 Award - Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal 1979 1979 Award - Doctor of Science (HonDSc), honoris causa, Australian National University 26 Jan 1980 26 Jan 1980 Award - Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) - for service to biological sciences 1984 1986 Career position - Pro-Chancellor, Australian National University 1987 1987 Award - Robertson Symposia established by the Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University 1992 1992 Award - Robertson Theatre opened at the Research School of Biological Sciences Ashby, Eric (1904 - 1992) Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) (1930 - )

President, Section M 1954; President 1965

 Australian Society of Plant Physiologists (1958 - c. 2000)

President 1960 - 1961

 1851 Exhibition Scholarship Awards, Australia (1891 - )

1851 Exhibition Overseas Scholarship: 1936

 Advisory Council - CSIRO, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (1950 - 1986)

Member 1960-1962

 Australian National Research Council (ANRC) (1919 - 1955)

Honorary Secretary 1954

 Farrer Memorial Medal (1936 - )

Awarded the Medal 1963

 Mueller Medal, Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (1904 - 2006)

Awarded the Medal 1970

 ANZAAS Medal, Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (1965 - )

Awarded the Medal 1968

 Clive and Vera Ramaciotti Foundation (1970 - )

Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee 1971 - 1973

 Linnean Macleay Fellowship (1905 - )

Awarded the Fellowship (Plant Physiology) 1935 - 1936

 Clarke Medal, Royal Society of New South Wales (1878 - )

Awarded the Medal 1955

 CSIR/O Division of Food Preservation and Transport, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (1940 - 1960)

Chief Research Officer 1955 - 1959

 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Commonwealth of Australia (1949 - )

Member of the Executive 1959 - 1962

 Australian Academy of Science (1954 - )

Fellow 1954 - 2001; President 1970 - 1974; Secretary (Biological Sciences) 1958

 The University of Adelaide (1874 - 2026)

Professor of Botany 1962 - 1969

 The University of Sydney (1850 - )

Assistant Lecturer (later Lecturer, School of Botany 1939 - 1946

 Australian National University (1946 - )

Director, Research School of Biological Sciences 1973 - 1978; Pro-Chancellor 1984 - 1986

 Australian Science and Technology Council (1977 - 1997)

Deputy Chairman 1977 - 1981

 Linnean Society of New South Wales (1874 - )

President 1949 -1950

 Rural Credits Fund (1960s - ?)

Chairman, Committee of Review, Rural Credits Development Fund 1970 - 1973

 Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture, Australian Academy of Science (1971 - )

Awarded the Medal 1975

Wikidata

VIAF - Virtual International Authority File

 Robertson, R N (19130929-20010306)

Trove

 'Robertson, Rutherford Ness (Bob)', in Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation, Centre for Transformative Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology Robertson, Rutherford Ness (Bob) Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Transformative Innovation Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation Resource Section: Robertson, Rutherford Ness - Ms 117 Robertson, Rutherford Ness - Ms 117 Australian Academy of Science 1994 Listing of Adolph Basser Library holdings Newspaper Article: Obituary: Rutherford Ness Robertson, AC, CMG Anderson, Brian Obituary: Rutherford Ness Robertson, AC, CMG 2001 The Age Resource: The Academy's Fellows [including profiles and other relevant links] Australian Academy of Science The Academy's Fellows [including profiles and other relevant links] Canberra Australian Academy of Science 2019 Journal Article: Rutherford Ness Robertson 1913-2001 Hatch, Marshall D.; Osmond, Barry (C. B.), and Wiskich, Joseph T. Rutherford Ness Robertson 1913-2001 2003 Historical Records of Australian Science 14 4 485-507 Resource Section: Sir Rutherford Ness (Bob) Robertson Ward, C. Sir Rutherford Ness (Bob) Robertson Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) 2011 CSIROpedia Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Journal Article: Obituary. Professor T.G.B. Osborn Robertson, R. N.; and White, N. H. Obituary. Professor T.G.B. Osborn 1973 Search 4 11/12 455 Journal Article: Obituary. L.G.M. Baas Becking Robertson, R. N. Obituary. L.G.M. Baas Becking 1963 Australian Journal of Science 26 1 15-16 Journal Article: Obituary: Theodore George Bentley Osborn, DSc, MA, FLS (2.10.1887 - 3.6.1973) Robertson, R. N.; and Eardley, C. M. Obituary: Theodore George Bentley Osborn, DSc, MA, FLS (2.10.1887 - 3.6.1973) 1973 Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 97 4 317-320 Journal Article: A dilettante Australian plant physiologist Robertson, Rutherford Ness (Bob) A dilettante Australian plant physiologist 1992 Annual review of plant physiology and plant molecular biology 43:1-24 43 1-24 Book: The Three Societies Lecture: Penal Settlement to High Technology and the Future Robertson, Rutherford The Three Societies Lecture: Penal Settlement to High Technology and the Future Edinburgh Royal Society of Edinburgh on behalf of the three societies 1989 Journal Article: Max Rudolf Lemberg Barrett, J.; Robertson, R. N. Max Rudolf Lemberg 1979 Records of the Australian Academy of Science 4 1 133-156 Journal Article: Frederick William George White 1905-1994 Minnett, H. C.; and Robertson, Rutherford Sir Frederick William George White 1905-1994 1996 Historical Records of Australian Science 11 2 239-258 Journal Article: Sir Frederick William George White, C.B.E., 26 May 1905 - 17 Aug 1994 Minnett, H. C.; and Robertson, Rutherford Ness Sir Frederick William George White, C.B.E., 26 May 1905 - 17 Aug 1994 1996 Biographical memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society 42 497-521 Journal Article: "A Society of Natural History. I hope they may succeed." - the first hundred years Robertson, R. N. "A Society of Natural History. I hope they may succeed." - the first hundred years 1974 Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 99 1 69-78 Resource: Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture Australian Academy of Science Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture Australian Academy of Science 2022 Journal Article: Sir Rutherford Ness Robertson 29 September 1913 - 5 March 2001: elected FRS 1961 Hatch, Marshall D., Osmond, Barry (C. B.) and Wiskich, Joseph T. Sir Rutherford Ness Robertson 29 September 1913 - 5 March 2001: elected FRS 1961 2003 Biographical memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society 49 399-413 Resource Section: Interview with Sir Rutherford Robertson (1913-2001), plant physiologist Blythe, Max Interview with Sir Rutherford Robertson (1913-2001), plant physiologist Australian Academy of Science 2002 Interviews with Australian scientists Journal Article: John Stewart Turner 1908-1991 Ashton, D. H.; Ducker, S. C. John Stewart Turner 1908-1991 1993 Historical Records of Australian Science 9 3 278-290 Journal Article: Robert Gordon Menzies (1894-1978) White, F. W.G. Robert Gordon Menzies (1894-1978) 1980 Historical Records of Australian Science 5 1 68-102 Resource: Farrer Memorial Trust Medal recipients and orations New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Farrer Memorial Trust Medal recipients and orations Sydney New South Wales Department of Primary Industries 2023 Rutherford Ness Robertson - Records National Library of Australia Oral History Collection Rutherford Ness Robertson - Records DeB 624 1920 - 1972 Oral history recording with Hazel de Berg 11 August 1972, c75 minutes, 25 page transcript [DeB 624]. 1 reel Audio Rutherford Ness Robertson - Records Adolph Basser Library, Australian Academy of Science Rutherford Ness Robertson - Records MS 117 1946 - 1987 A significant body of records arranged in the following series: CSIRO 1946-62; University of Adelaide 1962-71; Australian Academy of Science 1962-81; Australian Research Grants Scheme 1965-70; Australian Broadcasting Commission Science Advisory Committee 1969-75; Syme Committee 1972-73; 8th International Botanical Congress 1973-82; miscellaneous correspondence, reports, minutes, obituaries, etc.; Australian Science and Technology Council (ASTEC) 1979-82; Australian Marine Sciences and Technologies Advisory Committee (AMSTAC) 1978-81; Australian Academy of Science School Science Committee 1969-80; miscellaneous groups and committees including the Plant Sciences Foundation 1981-84, International Association of Plant Physiologists 1975-80, ANU 1978-86, Earthwatch 1980-85, University of Sydney 1982-85, Wool Harvesting Research Advisory Committee 1979-83; experimental notes 1940s-1971; lectures 1951-69; materials for the book 'The Lively Membranes' 1983; bound reports 1960-81; general correspondence 1979-85. Also includes: articles authored or co-authored by Robertson 1936-87; official scientific visits 1970-74; Australian National University revision of staffing formula in School of General Studies 1972; Advisory Committee on Science and Technology, Telescopes Enquiry 1972-73; Australian Science and Technology Council (ASTEC) 1972-81; US/Australia Science Agreement; articles and talks; congratulations. 4.5 m, 20 boxes Artwork Victoria Eugenics Society Wellcome Collection Victoria Eugenics Society SA/EUG/E.4 1940 - 1961 A set of 161 imaged pages. This file covers the link between the Eugenics Society of Victoria and the Eugenics Society (London) 1940-1961. The key correspondent is V.H. Wallace, Secretary of the Eugenics Society of Victoria from its foundation in 1936 until it was brought to a close in 1961. Latter documents refer to Frank Macfarlane Burnet, M.J.D. White and R.N. Robertson. 1 file Digitised paper records Australian National Research Council - Records Adolph Basser Library, Australian Academy of Science Australian National Research Council - Records MS 202 October 1948 - November 1951 Includes: minutes - executive committee, Melbourne, October 1948-November 1951 0.04 m Oral Collection Adolph Basser Library, Australian Academy of Science Oral Collection MS 057 1931 - 2003 Collection of audio and film recordings, in various formats. Includes recordings of Australian Academy of Science Annual General Meetings; recordings of lectures, symposiums and addresses; and recordings relating to Antarctica. 0.48 m, 3 boxes Audio, Film Australian Society of Plant Physiologists - Records Adolph Basser Library, Australian Academy of Science Australian Society of Plant Physiologists - Records MS 097 1958 - 1999 Constitution and directory of members, 1975-1996; programmes and abstracts of general meetings, 1958-1985; material relating to Goldacre Awards; material relating to J. G. Wood, Sir R. Robertson, and Professor L. May; correspondence and other papers. 0.99 m, 9 boxes