Sir David (Albert Cherbury) Rivett KCMG FRS (1885- 1961) was a scientist who graduated with first-class honours in chemistry from the University of Melbourne and who played an influential role within Australia's scientific community. He was appointed professor of chemistry at Melbourne University in 1924, and three years later became chief executive of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO), a position he held for 18 years. Rivett advocated scientific self-reliance for Australia and is perhaps best known for the eradication of prickly pear through the introduction of Cactoblastis cactorum.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Dr Ray Marginson AM 2001
© Andor and Michael Meszaros
Dr Ray Marginson AM (8 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
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