Arthur Birch interviewed by Ann Moyal [sound recording]

Birch talks about his parents' background; education at Woollahra Superior Public School and Sydney Technical High School followed by Sydney University in 1933. He then details some of the difficulties he experienced at this time because of the Depression. Birch then discusses the winning of the 1851 Exhibition Scholarship; going to Oxford to do a Ph.D and other recipients of the Scholarship. He then talks about his article, 'Steroids, hormones and the Luftwaffe' in "Steroids", Aug. 1992. Birch then discusses his contributions to the development of the contraceptive pill. He then talks about his move to Cambridge, 1944-52 to work in the university chemical laboratory; position at Sydney University 1952-67 and his work on polyketide theory and biosynthesis. Birch then discusses his move to Manchester University to become professor of organic chemistry and the establishment of the Bio-chemistry Dept.

He then talks about his work as Foundation Professor of Organic Chemistry at ANU; Australian Academy of Science and its operations; Australian Institute of Marine Science; National Science and Technology Analysis Group; Federation of Australian Science and Technological Societies and being chairman of the Independent Inquiry into the CSIRO. Birch then discusses his influence on scientific policy in Peoples Republic of China; future of science and the role of women scientists and an overview of his professional life.