From the First Fleet to the Harbour Bridge: Sydney's astronomical beginnings - A talk by Professor Richard de Grijs
The voyage of the First Fleet from Britain to "Botany Bay" was more than a convenient way to rid Britain of its convicts. Join us as historical detectives on the trail of William Dawes, astronomer, engineer, surveyor and ordnance officer - from his arrival in 1788 until the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.
Richard de Grijs is an acclaimed academic and prolific public speaker. Born and raised in the Netherlands, his successful career in astrophysics has allowed him to enjoy vibrant research environments at the University of Virginia (USA), the Universities of Cambridge and Sheffield (UK) and Peking University (China). Richard joined Macquarie University in 2018 as Associate Dean (International) and Professor of Astrophysics. He received the 2012 Selby Award for excellence in science from the Australian Academy of Science, a 2017 Erskine Award from the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) and a 2017 Jan Michalski Award from the Michalski Foundation (Switzerland). He is a volunteer guide, consultant and speaker for the Australian National Maritime Museum. Richard has recently been exploring New South Wales convict histories, for which he was awarded the 2022 Blacktown Mayoral History Prize.
