Engineering a better world starts right here on the Chemical Engineering Lawn. It is a space where innovative ideas take root. This lawn represents the starting point for many chemical engineering journeys.
The Chemical Engineering Lawn sits adjacent to the Chemical Engineering building. It is a reminder of the department’s rich history at the University of Melbourne. The Faculty of Engineering established the chemical engineering course in 1951. This was in response to the post-World War II needs of a thriving chemical industry. The course began with cooperation from Melbourne Technical College. Now it is RMIT.
Initially, there was no dedicated university chemical engineering staff. Resources were very limited. In 1957, the course gained recognition from the Institution of Chemical Engineers in London. It was one of the first in Australia to do so. 1959 marked a turning point. Owen Potter accepted the position of Reader. It was the first University staff position in chemical engineering.
However, by 1963, the course faced a crisis. Both Dr. Potter and Dr. John Agnew resigned. There were concerns that the program would fold. The student society and parents campaigned hard to retain the course. The issue was even raised in Federal Parliament.
The Chemical Engineering Lawn has seen its share of turmoil. But it has also seen resilience. In 1964, new teaching staff were appointed including Dr. David Wood. In 1965, Professor Stanley Siemon became the inaugural Chair. Construction of the Chemical Engineering building began in 1967. It opened in 1969. The future of chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne was now secure.
Today, the Department of Chemical Engineering is one of the strongest in Australia. Its research has broadened from coal and chemicals to biochemical and biomedical engineering. The department offers several Masters of Engineering degrees. These include Chemical, Chemical with Business, Biochemical, and Materials. There is also an undergraduate major within the Bachelor of Science.
The department’s laboratories are located across four locations. These include a renovated main building, a research building, two floors in the Chemistry building, and space within the Bio21 Institute. The Chemical Engineering Lawn remains a central point.
Many notable alumni have passed through the Chemical Engineering program. Professor Robin Batterham was the former Chief Scientist of Australia. Alison Coutts was the first female graduate and is now Executive Chairman of Nusep Holdings. Dr. Charles Day is the CEO of Innovation and Science Australia. Professor Cameron Hepburn teaches Environmental Economics at Oxford and LSE. Andrew Michelmore is the Executive Director and CEO of MMG Limited. Doug Rathbone was the CEO and Managing Director at Nufarm Limited. Dr. John Schubert is the Chairman of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Andrew Smith is the Country Chair of Shell in Australia.
Chemical engineers are problem solvers. They use their knowledge to meet society’s technological needs. The Department of Chemical Engineering is known for its impactful research. It is also known for its high-quality teaching, industry connections, and graduate outcomes.
The Chemical Engineering Lawn embodies this spirit of innovation. It is a space for students and researchers to gather. Here, they exchange ideas and collaborate on projects. The lawn is a place where the future of chemical engineering is being shaped. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of this place. Consider the impact that chemical engineers have on the world. Their journey often begins right here on the Chemical Engineering Lawn.