Vignette 34: Nobel prize laureates

The University’s longstanding academic excellence and research record has cultivated some of the most brilliant minds in the world, including many Nobel Laureates.

Established in 1901, the Nobel Prize is awarded to those who have significantly contributed to humanity. There are 15 Australians, including five alumni of the University, who have won Nobel Prizes throughout history.

Sir William Henry Bragg OM KBE FRS KCMG and Sir William Lawrence Bragg CH OBE MC FRS received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915 together, uniquely as father and son.

Lord Howard Walter Florey OM FRS FRCP, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 for his pioneering work in mass-producing penicillin, which saved over 80 million lives globally. 

Novelist John M Coetzee, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature FRSL, Order of Mapungubwe OMG, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003.

John Robin Warren AC proved that Helicobacter pylori causes stomach ulcers, winning the Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine in 2005.

The University prides itself on cultivating future Nobel Prize winners who make remarkable contributions to humanity.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Nurturing excellence. p.52