The former Head of Polar Medicine at the Australian Antarctic Division, Dr Desmond Lugg, was awarded the prestigious Phillip Law Medal during midwinter celebrations in Hobart in June this year.
The award, 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 Lugg joined the Australian Antarctic Division as a Medical Officer at Davis station in 1962–64, before returning to head the Polar Medicine unit for 33 years, from 1968 to 2001. During this time he also led two summer parties in the Prince Charles Mountains in the 1970s, and an International Biomedical Expedition to Antarctica in 1980–81.
Dr Lugg left the Australian Antarctic Division in June 2001 to take up a prestigious position with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he worked for six years (Australian Antarctic Magazine 2: 2001).
Dr Lugg was awarded the Polar Medal in 1969, made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1984, and was awarded a Centenary Medal and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2006. He is the author of a formidable array of scientific papers and is currently working on a history of Australian Antarctic medical practice.
ANARE Club