Analytical Chemistry in Australia

Abstract

Analytical chemistry in Australia is alive, but its current development can be likened to that of a young and vigorous infant who needs assured supplies of food, a favourable environment and some sound guidance for growth and eventual maturity. That analytical chemistry exists in Australia and is healthy, has occurred despite the existence of most of the 19 universities in Australia! Sweden, with a population of 8.5 million, has 10 chairs in analytical chemistry in 5 main universities and analytical chemistry has been an acknowledged branch of chemistry at Swedish universities since 1960¹. Australia, with a population of 13.5 million and reasonably comparable standard of living and industrial development, has only one chair in analytical chemistry (at The University of New South Wales) in its 19 universities. However, 4 of the remaining universities (Newcastle, La Trobe, Tasmania and Queensland) have a strong interest in analytical chemistry, which is somewhat difficult to discern by the incorporation of analytical chemistry in either general chemistry or inorganic chemistry departments.