Don George Building (ES)

Don George Building (ES)

Emeritus Professor Donald William George AO 

1926 - 2014

This building honours Emeritus Professor Donald (Don) George AO, a distinguished engineer, scientist and the second Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle. Serving from 1975 to 1986, Professor George played a pivotal role in shaping the University during its formative years.

Professor George’s career spanned industry, academia and university leadership. An alumnus of the University of Sydney, Professor George completed degrees in Science and Engineering and was awarded his doctorate for research in plasma physics. He commenced his academic career in 1949 as a lecturer in Electrical Engineering at the Newcastle Technical College, before moving to the NSW University of Technology in Broken Hill. His career included roles with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Commission at Harwell, with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation at Lucas Heights in New South Wales, and the University of Sydney, where he rose to be appointed to the PN Russell Chair of Mechanical Engineering in 1968.

Professor George made significant contributions to nuclear energy, direct energy conversion and solar energy. He held numerous national and international advisory roles, including Chairman of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission between 1976 and 1983 and Vice-Chairman of the Asian Institute of Technology between 1982 and 1998. He was a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Australia, Fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. His achievements were recognised with appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1979 and the award of the Centenary Medal in 2001.

As second Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor George is remembered for fostering the early development of the Wollotuka Institute, for his strong support of our enabling programs and for his instrumental role in establishing the University’s medical school, which was ahead of its time in its innovative approaches to medical education and clinical studies. His leadership helped define the University’s enduring commitment to equity, innovation and community impact.