History
The Australian National University was established by an Act of the Federal Parliament in 1946. Its founding mission was to be of enduring significance in the post-war life of the nation, to support the development of national unity and identity, to improve Australia's understanding of itself and its neighbours, and to contribute to economic development and social cohesion.
Its mandate was to undertake 'postgraduate research and study both generally and in relation to subjects of national importance'. This national mission gives ANU a distinctive relationship with the Australian Federal Government.
ANU was founded around four initial research institutes in physics, medicine, social sciences and Pacific studies and was the country's only full-time research university. Since then there have been many progressive additions to the University's range of activities, including offerings for undergraduate students since 1960.
» heritage of ANU buildings and grounds
» ANU history at University Archives
Scholars & leaders
From its inception, ANU was built around a group of Australian scholars who had already achieved international distinction, including Sir Mark Oliphant, a leader in radar development and nuclear physics; Sir Howard Florey, discoverer of penicillin; eminent historian, Sir Keith Hancock; and renowned economist, Herbert 'Nugget' Coombs.
The first Vice-Chancellor, Sir Douglass Copland, described ANU as the "great intellectual adventure" and this spirit of discovery is reflected in the University's motto, "Naturam primum cognoscere rerum" or "first to learn the nature of things".
Continuing to build the University's reputation as a centre of excellence in both teaching and research were a range of new academic leaders. Professor Manning Clark, renowned as the nation's most respected and famous historian, was head of the History Department from 1960 to 1971. Professor Frank Fenner played a leading role in the eradication of smallpox and led the team that pioneered the use of myxamatosis in the control of rabbits. World-renowned mathematician, Professor Hanna Neumann inspired mathematicians, teachers and students in Australia, and became the University’s first female professor.
Prime Minister Ben Chifley lays a foundation stone for The John Curtin School of Medical Research at the University. Photo: J. Lazern, Australian Official Photograph
Publications
- The Making of the Australian National University 1946-1996 by S G Foster and Margaret M Varghese
- The history of physics at ANU
- History of the Humanities Research Centre
- The first fifty years - history of the John Curtin School of Medical Research
- History of the Edith and Joy London Foundation
Published histories are available at the University Archives in hard copy.
Publications such as the Annual Reports, calendars and faculty handbooks are also useful sources which
can be consulted at the University Archives.
