Four foundation professors shared more than four decades of memories at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Research School of Biological Sciences (RSBS) late last year.

Professors Frank Fenner, Ralph Slatyer, Denis Carr and Adrian Horridge were among the first faculty members and each recalled different stories from school’s formation in 1967.

More than 40 years ago, Frank recalled driving his Volkswagen Beetle from Cambridge to Birmingham through a snowstorm to visit Professor David Catcheside and argue his case for a new school of biological sciences at ANU. It was clearly worth the effort, as David became the founding Director of RSBS and his son attended the 40th anniversary celebration.

Ralph recalled the endless discussions and collegial intrigue that accompanied the decision of where the school should be located. “There was eventually recognition of the infrastructure benefits of a central location and the potential from our location in the heart of campus has been realised in abundance,” he said.

In addition to the foundation professors, former RSBS Director Professor Barry Osmond, current Director Professor John Gibson and Dean of the College of Science, Professor Tim Brown, mingled with current and former staff and students.

“Since its foundation, RSBS has created a large part of the stimulating and essential biological science work within ANU and Australia,” Tim said in closing the ceremony. “It’s a humbling experience to be in the company of the distinguished founders and share the school’s living history.”

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