Walter Howchin Medal

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.

Walter Howchin Medallists

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)