Jordan Laboratories

Denis Oswald Jordan was appointed Assistant Lecturer in Physical Chemistry in 1940, becoming Professor of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry in 1954, a position he held until his retirement in 1979. His research into fundamental properties of DNA and related polymers was honoured with his election to the Australian Academy of Sciences in 1970, enhancing the position of chemistry not only in Australia but also throughout the world.

Aside from chairing most of the University committees at one time or another he was also a member of Council for almost 10 years. His contribution in the field of chemistry and to the University at large (an association that lasted almost 40 years) was commemorated with the naming of the new wing of the Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry.

The ‘Jordan Laboratories’ were officially named in his honour on 13 August 1981.

The six-storied building is constructed of grey brick in stark contrast to the red brick so prevalent amongst University buildings to this date. It was financed through a 1961 grant from the Australian Universities Commission and completed in 1962.

Taken from University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.22