Phillip Law facts for kids

Phillip Garth Law (born April 21, 1912 – died February 28, 2010) was a famous Australian scientist and explorer. He led the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) from 1949 to 1966.

Early Life and Education

Phillip Law was born in Tallangatta, Victoria, Australia. He was the second of six children. One of his younger sisters was the writer Wendy Law Suart.

After high school, Phillip taught physics and boxing at schools, including Melbourne High School. At the same time, he studied part-time at the University of Melbourne. He earned a science degree (MSc) in 1941. He was also the Melbourne University lightweight boxing champion. From 1943 to 1948, he taught physics at the university.

During the Second World War, he joined the RAAF. However, the university needed him to continue his important science work. He did visit New Guinea for four months on a science trip for the Australian Army.

Exploring Antarctica

Phillip Law first visited Antarctica in 1947–1948. He was a senior research officer with ANARE. He quickly became the director because he believed in good management. He made sure everyone on the expeditions had more than one job.

During his time as director, he helped set up three important bases in Antarctica: Mawson, Davis, and Casey. He also led expeditions that explored over 5,000 kilometres (3,100 mi) of coastline. They also explored about 1,000,000 square kilometres (390,000 sq mi) of land.

After he retired as director, he continued to be involved in Antarctic research. He led the Australian National Committee on Antarctic Research from 1966 to 1980. He was also the President of the Royal Society of Victoria from 1967 to 1968.

Phillip's wife, Nel Law, was a teacher, artist, and writer. She was the first Australian woman to visit Antarctica. She went to Mawson Station in 1961. Nel passed away in 1990.

Phillip Law passed away on February 28, 2010, at 97 years old. His ashes, along with his wife Nel's, were placed near Mawson Station in 2011.

Awards and Honours

Phillip Law received many important awards for his work:

• In 1961, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
• In 1975, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
• In 1995, he became a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This is a very high honour.
• In 1960, he won the Founder's Gold Medal from the Royal Geographical Society.
• In 1987, he received the James Cook Medal.
• In 1988, he won the Australian Geographic's Adventurer of the Year Award.
• In 2001, he was awarded the Centenary Medal.

See also

In Spanish: Phillip Law para niños