Kalgoorlie Miner (WA : 1895 - 1954), Wednesday 18 October 1950, page 5


High Degree Awarded

FIRST PH.D. OF W.A. UNIVERSITY

Perth, Oct. 17.— The first degree of doctor of philosophy to be awarded by the University of Western Australia has been gained by Mr. Warwick Bottomley, a graduate of the University of Sydney;' -for his research on the chemlatrv of native plants in- this state

This was announced at a University senate meeting last night by Professor E. J. Underwood, who Is chairman of a committee set up by the professiorial board to make the awards. The doctorate was first established in 1946 for science, and it has now been extended to all faculties except education, arts and law. The degree is awarded essentially for higher research work and there are not adequate library facilities in this State for such work, to be undertaken in these three faculties. Mr. Bottomley, who is aged 26, came to Western Australia in 1945 ; and was employed at the University as chemist by the drug panel of the Department of Industrial Development. During his stay at the .University he undertook the work for his Ph.D. thesis. He is now employed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and is engaged on plant research at the Canberra laboratory.