Sir David Attenborough signs his way into Australian history

Sir David Attenborough, acclaimed broadcaster and distinguished naturalist, will today formalise his election as a Corresponding Member of the Australian Academy of Science.

Sir David was elected as a Corresponding Member of the Academy in 2007 for his pioneering contributions to environmental research, science education and communication. However, his extensive commitments have until now prevented him from taking the final step of signing the Academy’s Charter Book.

Election as a Corresponding Member of the Academy recognises eminent scientists residing overseas who have developed important links with Australian science and scientists.

For 60 years, since joining the BBC in 1952, Sir David Attenborough has revolutionised science communication. He has authored books and written, presented and produced many highly acclaimed and globally distributed natural history documentaries.

“Australian fauna and flora feature prominently in many of his documentaries; for example, his Life of Mammals was made in collaboration with research scientists in Australia,” said Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory.

“We are delighted that Sir David Attenborough will sign the Charter Book, which holds the signatures of every Fellow and Corresponding Member of the Academy.”

The Charter Book was a gift to the academy from the UK Royal Society when the Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by Royal Charter.

The Academy Fellowship currently comprises 26 Corresponding Members and 453 Fellows.