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
ends