A chemistry leader moulded by wartime experience

Publication date
Monday, 6 Jul 2015
Body
craig.jpg

The ANU community is mourning the death of Foundation Professor of the ANU Research School of Chemistry (RSC), theoretical quantum chemist Professor David Craig, at age 94.

Professor Craig was one of the driving forces behind the establishment and growth of the Research School from his arrival at ANU in 1967 and for the rest of his career, said RSC Acting Director Professor Chris Easton.

"He was one of Australia's most accomplished academics and a truly great man.

"As a founding father, he was instrumental in creating this Research School and building its national and international reputation. He will be sorely missed," said Professor Easton.

Sydney-born David Craig studied his bachelor and masters degrees at University of Sydney, and then joined the Australian Infantry Force in 1942, eventually leading his own unit in World War Two combat as part of the 61st Battalion.

"These wartime experiences gave him the confidence to lead and the unflappable temperament that he showed throughout the rest of his life," said friend and colleague at RSC, Professor Richard Welberry.

After the war Professor Craig completed a PhD at University College London, before returning in 1952 as a professor to University of Sydney at age 31, one of the youngest professors in the University's history.

After another stint at University College London, Professor Craig was lured back to Australia as RSC's Foundation Professor of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, where he stayed for the rest of his career.

"He enjoyed his long retirement as an Emeritus Fellow in the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at ANU," said Professor Welberry.

"He had intense pride in the institution he did so much to create."

Professor Craig's pioneering research covered electronic theory of aromatic molecules, molecular quantum electrodynamics, theory of the spectra of molecular crystals and theory of vibronic Interactions.

Professor Craig was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1968, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 1969, Officer of the Order of Australia in 1985; Centenary Medal, 2001. He was President of the Australian Academy of Science 1990-1994 and awarded the H.G. Smith Memorial Medal of the RACI in 1972.