The Australian Antarctic Division’s former Chief Scientist, Professor Patrick (Pat) Quilty AM, has been awarded the prestigious Phillip Law Medal during midwinter celebrations in Hobart.

Professor Quilty led the Division’s science program for more than 18 years from 1980–1999.

He first visited Antarctica in 1965 as a field palaeontologist and spent many summer seasons working on the continent and on marine science voyages.

For four years, Professor Quilty was vice-president of the peak international Antarctic science body, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).

He is currently an Honorary Research Professor at the University of Tasmania, School of Earth Sciences and Institute of Antarctic and Marine Sciences.

The Phillip Law Medal, convened by the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) Club, recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Antarctic affairs and the Antarctic community.

Dr Law was the founding Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, a position in which he served from 1949 until 1966. He was a major influence in Antarctic affairs as a leader, explorer and administrator.