David Zeidler
Encyclopedia
Sir David Ronald Zeidler AC
, CBE
(18 March 1918 - 12 March 1998) was an Australian chemist and industrialist.
Zeidler was born in Melbourne
, he attended the Scotch College, Melbourne
and continued his education at the University of Melbourne
graduating with a Master of Science. When he completed his studies Zeidler was employed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 1942 to 1952. He worked in the Division of Industrial Chemistry and became leader of the chemical engineering section. During this period he also traveled to the United States where undertook postgraduate research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
.
In 1952 he left the CSIR to work as a research manager of the chemical manufacturer Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand Limited (ICIANZ). He progressed though the management ranks of the company and became Executive Director in 1963 and finally served as Chairman and Managing Director at ICI Australia from 1973 to 1980. During Zeidler's time at the company he was actively involved in developing the companies capacity for research. He was also involved more widely in promoting research and encouraged cooperation between industry, research organisations and universities.
He was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to industry, science and education in 1971, a Knight Bachelor
in 1979, and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1990.
Following his retirement he served on company boards for large chemical companies and banks. He was President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
and joined the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science
by special election in 1985. ATSE awards a travel scholarship in his name, Zeidler Street in the Canberra suburb Gungahlin
is also named in his honour.
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
, CBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(18 March 1918 - 12 March 1998) was an Australian chemist and industrialist.
Zeidler was born in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, he attended the Scotch College, Melbourne
Scotch College, Melbourne
Scotch College, Melbourne is an independent, Presbyterian, day and boarding school for boys, located in Hawthorn, an inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia....
and continued his education at the University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1853, it is the second oldest university in Australia and the oldest in Victoria...
graduating with a Master of Science. When he completed his studies Zeidler was employed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 1942 to 1952. He worked in the Division of Industrial Chemistry and became leader of the chemical engineering section. During this period he also traveled to the United States where undertook postgraduate research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
.
In 1952 he left the CSIR to work as a research manager of the chemical manufacturer Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand Limited (ICIANZ). He progressed though the management ranks of the company and became Executive Director in 1963 and finally served as Chairman and Managing Director at ICI Australia from 1973 to 1980. During Zeidler's time at the company he was actively involved in developing the companies capacity for research. He was also involved more widely in promoting research and encouraged cooperation between industry, research organisations and universities.
He was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to industry, science and education in 1971, a Knight Bachelor
Knight Bachelor
The rank of Knight Bachelor is a part of the British honours system. It is the most basic rank of a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not as a member of one of the organised Orders of Chivalry...
in 1979, and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1990.
Following his retirement he served on company boards for large chemical companies and banks. He was President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering is an independent non-government organization dedicated to the promotion in Australia of scientific and engineering knowledge to practical purposes. Professor Robin Batterham is the current President of ATSE....
and joined the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science
Australian Academy of Science
The Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by a group of distinguished Australians, including Australian Fellows of the Royal Society of London. The first president was Sir Mark Oliphant. The Academy is modelled after the Royal Society and operates under a Royal Charter; as such it is...
by special election in 1985. ATSE awards a travel scholarship in his name, Zeidler Street in the Canberra suburb Gungahlin
Gungahlin, Australian Capital Territory
Gungahlin is a suburb in the Canberra, Australia district with the same name; Gungahlin. The postcode is 2912. Gungahlin is the name for the entire district, and also the town centre, but it is also the name of the suburb which Gungahlin Town Centre is in....
is also named in his honour.