Background The Walter Howchin Medal is awarded annually to a researcher in the early stage of their career that is distinguished by their significant published research work within the earth sciences in South Australia. The medal also commemorates the pioneering contribution of Walter Howchin (1845-1937) who worked for more than 50 years in South Australia documenting the State’s geology in more than 80 papers and teaching at the University of Adelaide. Walter Howchin’s contribution is remarkable given that he first arrived in South Australia at the age of 37 in such a sick condition that he was carried from the ship. And after a slow recovery, he lived a full and active life as a geologist until his death in 1937 at the age of 92 years.
At 57 years, Howchin gained his first permanent geological appointment as Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. He was later appointed Professor of Geology and Palaeontology in 1918 before his retirement in 1920 at the age of 75. Howchin’s geological contribution provides the foundation for much of the geological knowledge of our State. His research led to the first stratigraphic subdivision of the Adelaide Geosyncline succession. On an international scale, he recognised the late Precambrian glaciation and did more than anyone to publicise its international significance. In 1918, he published “The Geology of South Australia” which remained a University reference text for more than 30 years. Today Howchin is an unsung hero of South Australian geology and the Howchin Medal seeks to highlight his achievements.
2022 - Marissa Betts Marissa Betts (L), with Adrienne Brotodewo (M) and Diana Zivak (R)
2021 - Ashleigh Hood Ashleigh Hood accepting her medal online
2020 - Morgan Blades Alan Collins (L), Morgan Blades (M) and John Foden (R)
2018 - Laura Morrisey Anthony Reid (L) accepting for Laura Morrisey
2017 - Stijn Glorie Alan Collins accepting for Stijn Glorei with Anna Petts
2016 - Tom Raimondo Tom Raimondo (R) and Barry Cooper (L)
2016 - Claire Wade Claire Wade (R) and Barry Cooper (L)
2015 - Rian Dutch Rian Dutch with Anna Petts
2014 - Katherine Howard Katherine Howard (L), Anna Petts (M) and Richard Hillis (R)
2013 - Ros King Ros King and Kevin Wills
2012 - Caroline Tiddy Caroline Tiddy and Kevin Wills
2011 - Simon Holford Simon Holford (L) and Len Altman (R)
2010 - Narelle Neumann Narelle Neumann (L) and Caroline Tiddy (R)
2009 - Anthony Reid Anthony Reid (L) and Patrick Lyons (R)
2008 - Justin Payne Justin Payne (R) and Ian Clark (R)
2007 - Ben Wade Ben Wade (L) and Nick Direen (R)
2006 - Christopher Clark (L-R) Maude McBriar, Ian Clark, Derek Carter and Graham Taylor
2005 - Nick Direen Nick Direen (R) and Graham Taylor (L)