Memorial Lectures

The Barnett Memorial Lecture: to honour Associate Professor J.L. (John) Barnett (1949–2009), BSc (Zool)(Hons)(Sheffield), PhD (Monash).

John’s main area of expertise was stress physiology and its application to the study of domestic animal welfare. His research over 30 years provided a timely balance on discussions within science and the livestock industries on welfare methodology and interpretations and the impact of his research continues to improve animal welfare methodology.  John’s research on pigs and poultry made a critical contribution to our understanding of the welfare risks associated with confinement housing, highlighting the major risks of confinement that arise from spatial and social restriction.  He worked extensively with the livestock industries in developing welfare components of livestock industry QA programs and in assisting to achieve improvements in awareness and practices to safeguard animal welfare standards.  His outstanding scientific efforts have been highly acclaimed nationally and internationally by both science and the livestock industries.

The Harry Stobbs Memorial Lecture:  in recognition of Harry Stobbs pioneering research on pasture/animal interactions and his efforts to improve communication between farmers and scientists.

Harry believed that the benefits of research were realised only when the results had been communicated to both fellow scientists and practising farmers. During his career he published more than 50 scientific papers and 9 reviews and wrote 5 chapters in books on agricultural science.

The McClymont Memorial Lecture: to honour Professor G.L. (Bill) McClymont, AO, BVSc(Syd), PhD(Cantab), DRurSc (UNE, Honoris Causa), FAIAS, FASAP.

Gordon Lee (Bill) McClymont, AO (8 May 1920 – 6 May 2000), was an Australian agricultural scientist, ecologist, and educationist. The originator of the term “sustainable agriculture”, McClymont is known for his multidisciplinary approach to farm ecology. McClymont was the foundation chair of the Faculty of Rural Science at the University of New England, the first degree program of its kind to integrate animal husbandry, veterinary science, agronomy, and other disciplines into the field of livestock and agricultural production. In recognition of his work and contributions to his field, he was honoured in 1978 as an Officer in the Order of Australia.

The Underwood Lecture: in honour of Professor E.J. (Eric) Underwood, AO, CBE, BSc(Agric)(Hons)(WA), PhD(Cantab), Hon. DRurSc(UNE), Hon. DSc(Wis), Hon. DSc(Agric)(WA), Hon. DSc(Melb), FRS, FAA, FFA, FAIAS, FASAP, Hon. FACVS. Agricultural Scientist 1905 to 1980.

Eric Underwood was Professor of Agriculture, University of Western Australia 1946-1970. He also served on the executive of the CSIRO 1966-1975. Much of his research was in the field of sheep nutrition and the causes of disease in stock, particularly in relation to soil deficiencies. With colleagues he identified the need to add trace elements such as cobalt to the diet of animals, and for programs for pasture improvement, including widespread planting of subterranean clover. His expertise was sought by the FAO on a number of occasions.