Robert Culver

A Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Engineering graduate, Robert (Bob) Culver was first appointed to the University’s Department of Civil Engineering in 1947 as a Research Assistant.  In 1948 he progressed to Demonstrator and by 1949, Lecturer in Civil Engineering.  In 1954 he was appointed Senior Lecturer and in 1966, Reader in Civil Engineering.  He had a distinguished career, retiring in 1991 after more than forty years of service to the University, his profession, Federal and State Governments and the community.  

An expert in hydraulic and coastal engineering, he contributed to the establishment of the campus’ Hydraulic and Structures Laboratories and improved the facilities for gathering/handling data generated during research and testing experiments.  He served on the University Council, had a long involvement with the Careers Advisory Board and the Student Services Committee, and contributed to the Grounds, Buildings and Accommodation Committee; Computing Committee; Engineering Services Management Group; Committee of the Elder Conservatorium, Alumni Association; Sports Association and 5UV radio station. 

Culver's research in understanding the coastal zone enabled him to prepare a report for the South Australian Government, dubbed the Culver Report, which led to the introduction of the Coast Protection Act 1972. Between 1972 and 1989, Culver served as a member of the board that administered this Act. 

In the community, he served on the Institution of Engineers Australia’s Federal Council and its Board of Examiners, and was also the Chairman of the Board of the College of Civil Engineering.  He became a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 1987, and in 1991 was made a member of the Order of Australia for his services to Engineering. 

In 1969 Culver became the Founding Chairman of the Hydrological Society of South Australia. 

In the 1970s and 1980s he was elected to University Council for the University of Adelaide. In 1992, Culver was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University. 

The Institution of Engineers Australia recognised his achievements, awarding Culver the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal in 1994 and naming him an Honorary Fellow (HonFIEAust) in 2000.