Summary

Certificate presented to Dr Phillip Law by the American Geophysical Union and the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics in recognition of the contribution of Dr Law and ANARE to the International Geophysical Year 1957. This is part of Museum Victoria's collection of artefacts from the post-war era of scientific exploration of Antarctica.

Phillip Law was the first Director of the Antarctic Division of the Commonwealth Department of External Affairs, now the Australian Antarctic Division of the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage. Under Dr Law's Directorship Australia established a permanent presence in Antarctica.

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) from June 1957 to December 1958 was a significant event in the history of Antarctic research. Twelve new nations made presence in Antarctica and the summer population was around 5000. Despite the political tensions of the era there was significant scientific exchange and cooperation including between the USA and the USSR. The IGY also emphasized to issue of territorial sovereignty within Antarctica and this led to the development of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.

Physical Description

Printed paper certificate with gold paper seal on lower left hand side, and black and white emblems from the International Union of Geodesy, and International Geophysical Year in upper right and left hand sides. Text throughout. Two signatures along the bottom and Phillip G. Law printed in bold black in centre of certificate. Gold ornate border design around edge of paper.

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