University of Adelaide: Wizards of Oz celebrates science heroes

A new book, chronicling the remarkable achievements of childhood friends and University of Adelaide alumni, Sir Mark Oliphant and Lord Howard Florey, is being launched at Elder Hall.

Brett Mason’s new book Wizards of Oz tells the story of how physicist Mark Oliphant and medical researcher Howard Florey initiated the three most significant scientific and industrial projects of the war; manufacturing penicillin, developing microwave radar, and building the atomic bomb.

The combination of these projects gave the Allies the edge and ultimate victory over Germany and Japan, making Oliphant and Florey the two most consequential Australians of the Second World War, and perhaps of all time.

Oliphant and Florey’s respective journeys in science and medicine began at the University of Adelaide, igniting their passion for education and research and setting them up for their professional accomplishments.

More than just a story of scientific discovery, Wizards of Oz tells a remarkable tale of secret missions, international intrigue, and triumph against all odds.

The book will be launched by Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, the Governor of South Australia.