Leader in maths, physics dies

Obituary

Professor Charles Angas Hurst FAA was born on 22 September 1923 in Adelaide. He was educated at the University of Melbourne (BSc 1948) and subsequently at Cambridge University (PhD 1952).

In 1952-1956 he was appointed Senior Lecturer in the Mathematics Department at the University of Melbourne, and in 1957 accepted the position of Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematical Physics at the University of Adelaide. He held the position of Professor (1964-1988) until his retirement in 1988. He was appointed Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences in 1972.

Professor Hurst was a distinguished Australian scientist who was an international leader in research and a major contributor to the scientific community.

He served his country in World War II, played an extensive and distinguished part in the management of the University of Adelaide and contributed actively to his local community.

With his co-Professor in Adelaide (Prof. H.S. Green), Professor Hurst was responsible for the establishment of mathematical physics within Australia as a research field of international distinction.

His research contributions have been recognised by the international community through many visiting positions at leading institutions. He was a fine ambassador for his country and for Australian science.

During his research career he produced 90 publications, including two books.

Professor Hurst's commitment extended beyond the disciplines of Physics and Mathematical Physics. He served the Australian scientific community generally as a Member of the Council of the Academy of Science from 1983-1986 and as Vice-President 1984-1985. He was always interested in fostering links across disciplines and did so particularly with mathematics as a founding member (1956) of the Australian Mathematical Society.

In addition to his role as a Professor and Head of Department within the University, Professor Hurst again provided leadership in ways that went well beyond the demands of his position. He chaired the senior Committee of the University, the Education Committee, from 1973-1976 and served as a member of the University Council from 1975-1978.

The Council of the University appointed him acting Vice-Chancellor in 1985, an indication of the high esteem in which he was held within the University. He was then appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) from 1986-1988 and was responsible for a number of influential reports.

He was a member of the University of Adelaide (student) Union House Committee from 1964-1967, a member of the Union Council from 1964-1973 and Chaired the Union Planning Committee from 1965-1973.

He was concerned with the welfare of postgraduate students and was one of the prime movers for establishing the first Graduate College of the University of Adelaide, Kathleen Lumley College. He served on its Council from the inception in 1971 until 1974.

Since the 1960s Professor Hurst also volunteered his time and energy to support many community causes.

In the Australia Day Honours list 2003, Professor Hurst was awarded Member (AM) in the General Division "for service to science, particularly in the field of mathematical physics as an educator, researcher and administrator."

Contributed by Max Lohe