Frank White Memorial Lecture

On 28 September, UQ alumni, staff, industry partners, and friends gathered at The University of Queensland's St Lucia Campus to honor the legacy of Professor Frank T.M. White, a pivotal figure in mineral science and engineering. This inaugural event celebrated academia, innovation, and White's enduring impact, with attendees enjoying an engaging lecture, canapés, and networking opportunities. Below is the video recording of the lecture, capturing the essence of the evening's reflections and discussions.

About the lecture

During the mid-20th century, mineral science and engineering educator Professor Frank T.M. White played an influential role in his field, respected for his knowledge, experience, and advocacy, including related issues such as its health, safety and social impacts. He looked at mining and metallurgy though a wider lens than was common during his time, embracing the need to promote diversity and sustainability. The address traced his contributions, from Australia’s goldfields, to the Fiji department of mines, to mining rehabilitation in post-War Malaya, then as Founding Professor of mining and metallurgical engineering at UQ. While he went on from UQ to rejuvenate mining engineering and applied geophysics at McGill University, it was at UQ where “his heart and soul” found greatest expression, especially the UQ Experimental Mine, which became the platform for JKMRC, and in his inspirational role in establishing International House. Applying his father's life as a framework, UQ alum Dr Franklin White addressed the challenges of a first mover, issues of specialization and the role of generalists, the essence of leadership, human development and environmental concerns, the stigma surrounding extractive industries, and the compelling need to respond. 

Keynote speaker: Dr Franklin White

Author of “Miner with a Heart of Gold”, Franklin White grew up talking geology, mining, metallurgy, and educational development over the dining room table. During his medical and public health studies in Australia, Canada and the UK, he worked summers in industry-related posts, and has followed the field with a special interest in its historical development. A significant portion of his career has addressed environmental and occupational health, including epidemiological investigations and as a grantee with the US National Institutes of Health and other agencies. Now an Adjunct Professor with Dalhousie University, he has held two endowed chairs, several senior operational posts, and for a recent 15-year period ran his own international consulting firm. He is recipient of a Breakthrough Award for Creativity from the Academy for Educational Development, and a Medal of Honor from the World Health Organization regional office for the Americas

RSVP via the registration link at the top of the page by 20 September to secure your place at this landmark event. Don't miss this chance to honor a visionary trailblazer and explore the future through the lens of the past.