Bob Frater interviewed by Peter Pockley [sound recording]
- Bib ID:
- 4351694
- Format:
- Audio
- Author:
- Frater, Robert (Robert Henry), interviewee
- Access Conditions:
- Written permission is required for reseach, personal copies and public use for 10 years from the date of the interview.
- Description:
-
- 2008
- 5 sound files (ca. 297 min.)
- Summary:
-
Bob Frater speaks about early career highlights; his early work in radio astronomy and electronics; comparison of approaches to academic and industrial research; the benefits of experience in industry in the post-war period; pioneers of radio astronomy in Australia; patents; teaching; international contacts; the importance of international experience; academic advancement; history of CSIRO; the future of Australian radio astronomy; closure of the Culgoora heliograph; developing the Australia Telescope and design; early data recording technology; refurbishment of Parkes; the Narrabri facility; updating technology in the design of the Australia Telescope; co-operation within CSIRO between Radiophysics and Computing Research; the opening of the Narrabri telescope; appointing the Director; the Advisory Committee; splitting the facility from CSIRO; the role of the Australia Telescope National Facility, the Anglo-Australian Observatory; the funding of the Telescope; industrial applications from CSIRO Radiophysics research; antennas for satellite communications; research teams; CSIRO collaborations with Australian industry; signal processing; protection of intellectual property and “open-source” research; benefits of scientific and industrial goal-setting; limited financial advantage of patents from Radiophysics research; his move to the Executive of CSIRO and its reorganisation, the disadvantages of separating the management role from research role.
Frater discusses his role as Deputy Chief Executive of CSIRO; leaving CSIRO, returning to industry; the role at Resmed and its growth; research and development in Australian industry; issues with venture capital; need for judgment and leadership in research; requirements to turn potential to reality; importance of the right people with the right experience; setting up Radiata - commercialising wireless LAN; setting the IEEE standard; collaboration with Macquarie University; commercial success; Intellectual property litigation; advantages and disadvantages of different funding models for research; administrative impediments to successful research; perseverance and financial risk in research; identifying “system thinkers”; “Blue sky” research and applied research; the impact of the work of individuals; citations as a measure of importance; networks and career mobility; historical difference in culture between US and Australian Engineering graduates; managing the complexity of the Square Kilometre Array and it being a driver of new technology and a catalyst for science and industry co-operation; his early interest in amplifiers and loudspeakers; developing the treatment for tinnitus; his awards; the role of academics.
- Notes:
-
- Previously recorded on ORAL TRC 3203
- Recorded on March 12, 2008 at Sydney, N.S.W.
- Digital master available National Library of Australia;
- Index/Finding Aid Note:
- Timed summary (7 p.) and uncorrected transcript (typescript, 139 leaves)
- Subject:
- Occupation:
- Scientists
- Other authors/contributors:
- Pockley, Peter, 1935-2013, interviewer
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
Contact us for information about copying. For access conditions return to the record display above.
- Reason for copyright status:
- Until 2078 [Created/Published Date + 70 Years]
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Sound Recording
- Published status:
- Unpublished
- Creation date:
- 2008
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply. For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
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