Sir Rupert Myers

A materials scientist, academic and distinguished university administrator, Emeritus Professor Sir Rupert Myers was in 1948 one of the first two people to be awarded a PhD from an Australian university. As UNSW’s second Vice-Chancellor, he was instrumental in establishing the University’s character and presence in the academic world.

After developing processes for producing uranium powder and converting plutonium compounds into metal as a metallurgist in England, Sir Rupert joined UNSW in 1952 as the Foundation Chair of Metallurgy. In 1961 he became Pro Vice-Chancellor and then in 1969 he became Vice-Chancellor, continuing in that role until 1981.

Sir Rupert’s formidable leadership paired with his warmth and down-to-earth nature garnered him deep respect from colleagues and students alike. As CEO and roving diplomat, he was recognised as the “essential consolidator”.

He was instrumental in establishing UNSW’s partnership with the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, an achievement which gave him immense personal and professional satisfaction.

He was responsible for establishing the Faculty of Law, and the decision to locate Australia’s first national school of business administration, the AGSM, here at UNSW.

By 1976, just 27 years into the university’s relatively young life and mid-way through Sir Rupert’s tenure, UNSW became Australia’s largest university with more than 18,000 students.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Rupert held numerous appointments and had been director or chairman of more than 20 boards and foundations, and president, councillor or member on at least another 12 occasions.

Among his honours, Sir Rupert was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1981. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 1995 Australia Day Honours for his efforts in promoting innovation and commerce in the fields of science technology and engineering.