Howard Florey

Howard Florey's development of penicillin for clinical use ushered in the wonderful new era of antibiotics and changed the course of human history. 

Florey was born, raised and educated in Adelaide, at Kyre School (now Scotch College) and St Peter's College before graduating from Adelaide University Medical School in 1921. His hard work and natural talents earned him bursaries to fund his education and a Rhodes Scholarship took him overseas to pursue his destiny. 

Florey's host of honours and achievements included a Nobel Prize award, presidency of the Royal Society and the inaugural Chancellorship of the Australian National University, which he helped to establish at the request of the Australian Government. "It is hard for us nowadays to imagine the world before antibiotics. Death from infection was commonplace and surgical procedures were fraught with danger." 

Continuing the Florey tradition, The University of Adelaide's Medical School has research personnel of the highest calibre engaged on projects of major international standard and importance. Sadly, however, traditional funding sources are coming under threat and there is a growing critical need for new donation support to maintain work. 

The Florey Medical Research Foundation has been established to help meet this challenge. People can help by becoming regular supporters of annual medical research projects and/or making a bequest commitment in their Wills. 

A wonderful way to preserve forever a donor's name, or that of a loved one, is to make a specific named bequest to the Florey Medical Research Foundation for nominated medical research of any kind. The Foundation can help with preparation of a Will and meets the costs required for its preparation. 

Business and corporate support is important to us and we welcome enquires about general sponsorships as well as cause-related marketing, linking Florey's name and success with suitable product or service promotions. 

Information and brochures are available from the the Florey office in the Medical School, Frome Road, or by telephoning 8303 5211.