Vignette 28: From pastoralist to patron

The Honourable John Howard Angas (1823–1904) significantly transformed South Australia through his multifaceted roles as a pastoralist, politician, and philanthropist. In 1878, among his many charitable gifts, Angus gave £4,000 to establish the University’s first donated scholarship: the Angas Engineering Scholarship. Then, in 1884, he gave £6,000 to create the Angas Chair of Chemistry.

The Angas Engineering Scholarship and the Angas Chair of Chemistry were established to promote scientific training and research in South Australia. Indeed, their existence has contributed to a long history of academic achievement at the University. Today, our School of Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences is internationally regarded, with distinguished academic staff whose contributions have meaningfully enriched the scientific landscape.

The inaugural Angas Chair of Chemistry was Professor EH Rennie in 1885. In 2024 this position is held by Professor Stephen Lincoln who plays a vital role in the school’s research and teaching initiatives and has an impressive track record in molecular science, publishing over 300 scientific papers.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Giving with impact.  p.43