Harry Messel

Harry Messel, , (3 March 1922 – 8 July 2015) was a Canadian-born Australian physicist and educator.

Life and work Messel was born in Canada to Ukrainian parents. He was born in Levine Siding in Manitoba, and brought up in Rivers, Manitoba. He was accepted into the Royal Military College of Canada. During the Second World War he served as a paratrooper with the Canadian Forces.

Messel was also Chancellor and CEO of Bond University 1992–1997.

In 1958 Professor Messel started the International Science School (ISS), which aims to encourage scientifically capable and interested students in their final two years of school to extend their knowledge and apply it to achieve progress. He frequently stated his discontent when sportsmen were praised and hailed whereas the next generation of scientists to change and run the world were given little to no encouragement. Since its inception, over 4,000 scholars have attended the ISS. The program runs once every two years with close to 150 students from up to 10 countries staying at the Women's College for two weeks, attending lectures and participating in activities around the University of Sydney.

Honours Messel was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1979 New Year's Honours list; and a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the 2006 Australia Day Honours 2006 for his service to Australian science and to education as an outstanding educator raising awareness of the importance of the study of science and in particular physics, for instrumental contributions to improving science teaching in schools, and for conservation advocacy relating to endangered crocodile and alligator species.

In 2014, Messel, along with Simon McKeon, was awarded the Australian Academy of Science's Academy Medal, which recognises scientific contributions other than research. The award to Messel was made "in recognition of his conspicuous and enduring service to the cause of science in Australia".

Personal life Messel was married to Patrica Pegram, a nurse from Sussex, England whom he met in Dublin. They had three daughters, Naomi, Wendy and Iona.