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Top 10 Interesting Facts about Harry Messel

School of Arts & Sciences Labs, University of Notre Dame Australia by Kgbo/

Messel was born in Canada to Ukrainian parents. He was born in Levine Siding in Manitoba and brought up in Rivers, Manitoba.

He was accepted into the Royal Military College of Canada. During the Second World War, he served as a paratrooper with the Canadian Forces.

He entered Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1946, enrolling in both Honours Engineering Physics and an Honours Degree in Mathematics.

Professor Messel is credited with the reinvigorating of the School of Physics upon his appointment as Head of the School in 1952.

To support its research Messel established the first university founded in the Commonwealth, the Nuclear Research Foundation, through which he raised enormous sums.

1. The astonishing Professor Messel contributed to science in Australia has been extraordinary

Professor Messel’s contribution to science in Australia has been extraordinary, from his famous blue books which were once ubiquitous in Australian high schools.

The creator of one of Australia’s best-remembered high school textbooks, Professor Harry Messel AC CBE, was awarded one of the Australian Academy of Science’s highest honors, the Academy Medal.

The physicist and long-time science advocate have been awarded the Medal in recognition of his conspicuous and enduring service to the cause of science in Australia.

Professor Messel and Mr. McKeon were awarded their Medals during Science at the Shine Dome, the Academy’s annual celebration of science and research.

2. The Famous Professor Harry supervised the building of the first computer

CSIRO ScienceImage by Unknown Arthur/

Professor Harry Messel wanted to take Physics teaching and research into the areas of Nuclear Physics and Cosmic Rays physics.

He appointed a significant group of lecturers and researchers led by Dr. John Blatt from the University of Illinois.

The computer was built in Sydney, and the component chassis assemblies and power supplies were done in the STC factory.

the frames and final assembly within the Basser Computing Laboratory, the machine was completed substantially ahead of time.

The computer calculated, in the space of that half hour, what would have otherwise taken them a year to do.

3. One of the greatest Modern conservation success stories of the saltwater crocodiles

crocodile by Rae Wallis/

One of the great modern conservation success stories has been the resurgence of the saltwater crocodile in Australia’s northern tropical waters.

Professor Harry Messel at the time Professor of Physics at Sydney University started a remarkable 17-year crocodile research program

This Programme helped save and better understand the estuarine crocodile, Crocodylus Porosus.

He started his research program into crocodiles in the early ’70s, as well as surveying all the rivers of the north, and there will never be another program like it.

Under a Whitlam government at the time, Prof Messel was heavily involved in formulating a national trade ban on crocodiles’ saltwater crocodile population was whittled down to around 4000.

At the time they had been hunted to near extinction with skins being exported. They became a protected species in 1974, largely to the awareness and education of Prof Messel.

4. The astonishing Professor Messel raised $130 million for the nuclear research foundation

Emeritus Professor Harry Messel​ was a visionary, a powerful intellect, one of his often-repeated quotes was A life lived in pursuit of excellence is a life well lived.

He raised $130 million for the foundation and was able to set up multiple research groups that are now internationally renowned in the School of Physics.

In 1954, Professor Messel established the Nuclear Research Foundation, which is now the Physics Foundation.

The foundation raises funds to develop and support research in the School of Physics. It was the first foundation of the British Commonwealth.

At the time, the Australian Government funded only the Australian National University for major research and there were no competitive grant schemes for other universities.

For over 50 years, the Foundation’s philanthropic work in supporting scientific research, education, and outreach.

5. The exquisite Professor Harry International physics school aims to honor excellence

The Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) is a fee-free residential educational event for selected secondary students for two weeks.

ISS aims to honor excellence in senior high school science students and to encourage them to consider careers in science.

The ISS offers presentations by internationally respected guest lecturers from Australia and overseas to 140 science students from 10 countries and Australia

The ISS is funded by the Messel Endowment and grants from various sources, Professor Messel is credited with the reinvigorating of the School of Physics

The lecture theatre was named after Professor Harry Messel, a remarkable man who was the Head of the School of Physics for 35 years, until his retirement in 1987.

6. The astonishing Excellent Order of the British Empire rewards civilians

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the British order of knighthood instituted in 1917 by King George V to reward both civilian and military wartime service.

Although currently the honor is bestowed for meritorious service to the government in peace as well as for gallantry in wartime.

This honor is given to people who have made a significant contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or the government over a long period.

The award, which was founded by George V in 1917, is limited to just 65 people each year. Those who receive it wear the initials CH after their name.

7. The astonishing Professor Messel was appointed Chancellor of the Bond University 

Bond University by Unknown Arthur

Professor Messel was appointed as Chancellor on 3 April 1992 and soon assumed executive responsibilities.

He faced the difficult task of maintaining the momentum of the University while dealing with significant financial challenges and tackled these issues head-on. 

Professor Messel was recruited to Bond from the University of Sydney, where he built an internationally-renowned School of Physics.

He enjoyed a stellar academic career in physics, science, and the environment, including fields as diverse as salt-water crocodiles and nuclear testing.  

He was perhaps best known for founding the International Science School, which still runs today after 50 years and has received international acclaim.

8. The famous Order of Australia is an honor that recognizes Australian citizens

The Order of Australia is an honor that recognizes Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service.

It was established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on the advice of the Australian Government.

The Queen of Australia is the sovereign head of the order, while the Governor-General of Australia is the principal companion or dame or knight and chancellor of the order.

9. The amazing Messel was born to Ukraine Parents he is one of six children

family By John Mark Smith/

Messel was born on March 3, 1922, one of six children to Ukrainian parents in Levine Siding, Manitoba in Canada, and grew up in Rivers, Manitoba.

He was a brilliant student from the beginning and had degrees from Queen’s University, Ontario, and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies.

Messel was married to Patrica Pegram, a nurse from Sussex, England whom he met in Dublin. They had three daughters, Naomi, Wendy, and Iona

10. Legendary Scientist Harry Messel died at the age of 93 

Legendary scientist Harry Messel, a University of Sydney physics professor who also guided Bond University through its early difficult years, died at the age of 93