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Robyn Williams

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This article is about the Australian science journalist. For the Australian cricketer, see Robyn Williams (cricketer).
For other people with similar names, see Robin Williams (disambiguation).

Robyn Williams
AO
Born (1944-01-30) 30 January 1944 (age 80)
Occupation(s)Science journalist, broadcaster

Robyn Williams AO FAA (born 30 January 1944) is an Australian science journalist and broadcaster who has hosted the Science Show on ABC Radio National since 1975, and created Ockham's Razor in 1984.

Background

Williams was born on 30 January 1944[1][2] in Wales[3] or High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.[2][a] His father was a coalminer.[3]

He graduated from the University of London with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. During this period he was active in university acting and was hired as an extra in BBC series The Goodies, Monty Python's Flying Circus and Doctor Who.[3]

Professional life

Williams emigrated to Australia and joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Science Unit in 1972 where, after several years in background production and interviewing for the Insight program, he hosted Innovations in early 1974,[4] Investigations (2-hour format) from 6 November 1974. [5] In 1975 he began hosting The Science Show, a one-hour science-based radio interview show.[3]

Ockham's Razor followed in 1984, with Williams introducing a leading scientist or personality who then expounds from a prepared text on a topic of their choice, with a view to making a subject simple and accessible to the public, hence the title relating to the famous statement on parsimony by William of Ockham. In Conversation commenced in 1997, with Williams interviewing the personality.[3]

Other media work

  • Narrating Nature of Australia, a series for ABC TV;
  • Appearing in World Safari with David Attenborough;

At his instigation, the ABC and Australian Museum established the Eureka Awards for Excellence in Science Communication and Innovation.

Trade union activism

In 1977, Williams gave an impassioned speech to the ABC Staff Association against ABC management's quiescence in the face of budget cuts and political interference. He said that a UK proposal that the government appoint one third of BBC board members had been publicly opposed by BBC management but that the ABC chairman acted as if he headed an organisation rivalling the BBC. Following his speech the meeting voted unanimously that it had no confidence in the ABC chair, John Norgard.[6]

Other roles

  • Deputy Chair, Australian Science Media Centre, since 2012[7]
  • President, Australian Science Communicators, 1998–2001[7]
  • President, Australia and New Zealand Advancement of Science, 1992[7]

Publications

Williams has written many books, three of which were used in high school reading lists. His autobiography is And Now For Something Completely Different, a reference to an interview (on psychiatry) with Monty Python star John Cleese. His book, Future Perfect, focuses on cities, transport, communication, education and science.[9] He is the author of a dystopian novel 2007 (published in 2001) describing a rebellion of animals.[10]

Honours, awards and recognition

Australian honours

  • 1988: Honorary Member of the Order of Australia (AM), 26 January, "For service to science, particularly in the fields of media and education"[11]
  • 2001: Centenary Medal, 1 January, "For outstanding service in science communication"[12]
  • 2020: Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 26 January, "For distinguished service to science as a journalist, radio presenter and author, and to education"[7]

Other recognition

Personal life

Williams is in a long-term relationship with Jonica Newby,[3] a former presenter on ABC Television's Catalyst science journalism program. Williams underwent chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in 2014 and 2015; at one point he was hospitalised for five weeks but continued to make The Science Show from his hospital bed.[16]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Sources vary as to place of birth; the Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation says Buckinghamshire[1], and Encyclopedia.com says High Wycombe, Bucks.[2] Using 2022 ABC source for now.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Williams, Robyn". Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation. Swinburne University of Technology. 25 May 2001. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "Williams, Robyn 1944-". Encyclopedia.com. 30 January 1944. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Johnson, Natasha (29 May 2022). "Robyn Williams, host of ABC RN's The Science Show, on 50 years of broadcasting and the day Norman Swan saved his life". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Prof Lovejoy lives", The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday, 30 September 1974: 14.
  5. ^ "Anyone can talk science", The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday, 28 October 1974: 11.
  6. ^ Molomby, Tom (1991). Is there a moderate on the roof? ABC Years. Port Melbourne: William Heinemann Australia. pp. 97–100.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Mr Robyn Williams [H]: Officer of the Order of Australia". Australian Honours Search Facility. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australia). Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Robyn Williams". Voiceless. Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  9. ^ "Robyn Williams". Celebrity Speakers.
  10. ^ http://www.globalcollab.org/about/associates/richard-tanter/richard-papers/robyn-williams-2007-a-true-story-waiting-to-happen [dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Mr Robyn Williams [H]: Member of the Order of Australia". Australian Honours Search Facility. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australia). Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  12. ^ "Mr Robyn Williams: Centenary Medal". Australian Honours Search Facility. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australia). Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Past Winners & Finalists (Eureka Prizes)". Australian Museum.
  14. ^ Australian Honours Centenary Medal
  15. ^ Australian Honours AO
  16. ^ Newby, Jonica (15 May 2016). "Catalyst - Exercise and Cancer - Transcript". ABC Website. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
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