Bragg Laboratories

The Bragg Laboratories were named in honour of Sir Henry William Bragg, Professor of Mathematics and Physics between 1885 and 1908 and his son, Sir Lawrence Bragg, a former student of the University.  They were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1915 for their research in the field of X-ray crystallography.  William Bragg was to receive numerous other honours in his life including the Rumford and Copley Medals awarded by the Royal Society.  He was its President from 1935 to 1940.

The laboratories were built in 1962 with funding provided through the Australian Universities Commission in commemoration of the centenary of Sir Williams Braggs’ birth.  It is a three-storied building constructed of brick and steel and contains a lecture theatre, laboratories and a central atrium.  They were specifically designed for first-year students practical work.  Of minor note is the fact that it is the only University building to be completed on time and within budget.  

Taken from University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.7