January 11, 2022

Vale Professor Mike Gore AO

Questacon founder dedicated life to science education, literacy

Professor Mike Gore AO passed away earlier this week at the age of 87.

A renowned physicist and science communicator, Professor Gore founded the National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) in Canberra in 1988. The following year, in 1989, UOW Fellow Glen Moore started Science Space at UOW. The first exhibits at Wollongong’s Science Space were donated from the original Questacon, through Mr Moore's friendship with Professor Gore. 

Professor Gore work encouraged young scientists and school students all over Australia to imagine the possibilities and to see the fun in science.

Professor Patricia M. Davidson, UOW Vice-Chancellor, expressed her condolences on behalf of the UOW community to Professor Gore’s family for their loss. 

“Professor Gore’s work to make science accessible for all, particularly children, had a lasting and tangible impact on countless young minds, from the Illawarra and beyond,” Professor Davidson said.

“His greatest work was to spark curiosity, to make science fun, accessible, and interesting for all. The majority of school students and budding scientists in the region would have wonderful memories of the Science Centre, as it was known for many years. Professor Gore’s legacy will live on for generations to come.”

UOW’s Science Space first opened in 1989 as the 'Science Centre and Planetarium.' It was founded upon the principles of education, hands-on learning and accessibility.

In 2015, Professor Gore was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2015 Australia Day Honours, for his service to science on a national and international level, and for being a mentor to young scientists.

Since 1999, he was adjunct professor at ANU’s Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, which he founded.