Professor Dorothy Hill AC CBE

Dorothy Hill was born on 10 September 1907 in Brisbane and was educated at Brisbane Girls' Grammar School.

She received a scholarship, which enabled her to attend the University of Queensland where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science in 1930. She went on to receive a PhD from Cambridge University and returned to the University of Queensland as a research fellow in 1937. During World War II, she served in the WRANS (1942-45). She returned to the University of Queensland after the war where she lectured, rising to Research Professor of Geology in 1959. This made her the first woman in Australia to receive a full professorship.

Dorothy was Secretary of the Great Barrier Reef Committee for nine years, conducting extensive studies of the reef. Her geological research led to significant oil discoveries.

She became president of the Professorial Board at the University of Queensland in 1971, the first woman to hold such a position in any university in Australia. She was also the first woman President of the Australian Academy of Science in 1970. In 1973 she was appointed Emeritus Professor of Geology at the University of Queensland. Dorothy is also an A grade pilot and a member of many scientific societies. She has won numerous prizes and accolades including being appointed CBE in 1971 and winning the 1983 ANZAAS medal.

Dorothy passed away on 23 April 1997 in Brisbane.