Public lecture by Emeritus Professor Chambers

Media Advisory
8 February 2008

Public lecture by Emeritus Professor Carrick Chambers
Finding and Funding: highlights in the career of an academic botanist

Emeritus Professor Carrick Chambers will touch on several areas of his botanical research and interests, some of which have resulted in unpredicted outcomes. He will address the life cycle of a plant/insect virus and its control, the complexity of fern taxonomy, the discovery of fossils now recognised as specimens of the Wollemi Pine, the application of ecological solutions to restoring productivity in rural countryside, the building of two new major botanic gardens and possibly other topics.

Emeritus Professor Carrick Chambers is an eminent botanist whose distinguished career began at Auckland University College. He was Professor of Botany at the University of Melbourne for 20 years and Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, for 10 years.

Under Carrick's directorship (1986–1996) the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and the National Herbarium of NSW flourished. The Herb Garden, Rose Garden and Fernery all opened during his tenure and two satellite gardens, Mount Tomah Botanic Garden and Mount Annan Botanic Garden, were established as part of the Australian Government's Bicentennial celebrations.

After graduating BSc at The University of Auckland, he was awarded MSc 1st Class Honours for his studies on the fern genus Blechnum. He maintains an active interest in this genus as a worldwide study and Blechnum chambersii was named in his honour.

In 1998 Carrick was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). He remains an Honorary Research Associate of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

This lecture is part of The University of Auckland Distinguished Alumni Series.

Event: Public Lecture: Highlights in the career of an academic botanist

Speaker: Emeritus Professor Carrick Chambers

Date: Monday 10 March 2008

Time: Refreshments from 6.15pm; lecture from 7.00pm

Venue: Lecture Theatre OGGB4, Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road

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