Barbara Kidman

Dr Barbara Kidman was the first woman to graduate from the University of Adelaide in Honours Physics (First Class) (1949) and the joint first woman PhD in Physics (1956). She later worked at the University as a computer programmer and was the first woman lecturer in Computing Science (1970).

Dr Kidman’s intellectual gifts were encouraged by her family and a series of secondary teachers. Significantly, she was allowed to study and matriculate in the traditionally male dominated science stream. In the mid-1940s she gained a scholarship to enter the University of Adelaide and in 1948 was conferred the degree of Bachelor of Science. The following year she became the University’s first woman graduate in Honours Physics, earning a first class degree.[1]

With her husband, the noted mathematician Renfrey Potts, she spent the early-mid 1950s at some of the world’s leading universities, including undertaking research at Oxford. Following her return to Adelaide she continued her doctoral work and subsequently became, with fellow researcher Barbara Possingham, the joint first woman to be awarded a Ph.D. in Physics.[2] Dr Kidman returned to work in the mid-1960s as a programmer in the pioneering field of computing science and in 1970 was appointed the first woman lecturer in computing science. She continued lecturing and designing courses at all levels throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.[3]

Following her retirement Dr Kidman’s substantial engagement with the University continued in many capacities: as a published historian of science, in setting up the Science Chapter of the Alumni Association, and in conducting heritage tours of the institution. In 2012 the Barbara Kidman Women’s Fellowship Scheme was established to support female academics, and on the 50^th anniversary of the award of her Ph.D. the Physics Institute unveiled a plaque to commemorate her achievement. Dr Kidman was a founding member of the University’s Archives Volunteer Group, which works to preserve and make accessible the University’s recorded history.

Dr Barbara Kidman passed away 14 March 2022.