Ralph Slatyer facts for kids

Ralph Owen Slatyer (16 April 1929 – 26 July 2012) was a very important Australian scientist. He was an ecologist, which means he studied how living things interact with their environment. He also became the first ever Chief Scientist of Australia from 1989 to 1992, advising the government on science.

Slatyer was born in Perth, Western Australia in 1929. He went to Perth Modern School and Wesley College, Perth. Later, he studied at the University of Western Australia. He earned several degrees in agricultural science, which is the study of farming and food production.

Early Career and Research

Ralph Slatyer began his career in 1951 at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). This is a big Australian group that does scientific research. He worked in the Land Research division and became an Associate Chief there.

In 1967, he became a Professor of Biology at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. While at ANU, he also spent time in the United States. He was a visiting professor at Duke University and the University of California. He also received special fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation. In 1975, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a very respected science group.

Representing Australia at UNESCO

In 1977, the Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser asked Dr. Slatyer to be Australia's Ambassador to UNESCO. UNESCO is a part of the United Nations that works to promote education, science, and culture around the world. This was a very important job, representing Australia on a global stage.

Slatyer lived in Paris for four years while working at UNESCO. He helped Australia share its knowledge and ideas with other countries.

Leading Australian Science

After returning to Australia in 1982, Ralph Slatyer went back to teaching at ANU. Soon after, the government appointed him to lead the Australian Science and Technology Council (ASTEC). This group was like a "think tank" for science and technology.

During his five years as ASTEC's leader, Slatyer helped push for new rules that made it easier for businesses to invest in research. He also helped review how the CSIRO was working.

In 1989, Slatyer made history again. He became the first ever Chief Scientist of Australia. In this role, he advised the Prime Minister directly on important science and technology matters. He also played a big part in setting up Cooperative Research Centres in Australia. These centres help businesses and scientists work together on new ideas.

Awards and Recognition

Ralph Slatyer received many honors for his work. In 1982, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 1993, he was promoted to Companion of the Order of Australia. This was for his "service to science and technology and its application to industry development," meaning he helped science benefit Australian industries.

Ralph Slatyer Medal

The Ralph Slatyer Medal is an award given to scientists who do important work.

• 2017 Mark Westoby
• 2018 Professor Rana Munns
• 2019 Professor Geoff McFadden

See also

• Connell–Slatyer model of ecological succession