Rodney Leonard (Rod) Jory AM, (born 26 November 1938), is an Australian physicist noted for establishing and running the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF/NSSS) and for his contributions to Australian teams which have competed at the International Physics Olympiad. He retired from the position of director of the NYSF in January 2005, and currently resides in Canberra, Australia.
Born and bred in Adelaide, after beginning his high schooling at Woodville High School (1951), Professor Jory then attended Prince Alfred College (1952–1955). His university education began at the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Science degree with honours (1956–1960). This was followed with a PhD from The Australian National University (1960–1964).
His PhD was completed under the guidance of Professor L. G. H. Huxley and Dr R. W. Crompton, initially at the University of Adelaide and then transferring to the Australian National University. The research focussed on the drift velocities and diffusion coefficients of electrons in nitrogen, hydrogen and helium.
Professor Jory has taught at a number of Australian and overseas universities, most extensively at The Australian National University and the University of Canberra. His career history is as follows:
1964, technical assistant, Research School of Physical Sciences, Australian National University1965, senior demonstrator, Department of Physics, Australian National University1965–1966, research associate, Florida State University1967–1968, lecturer, University of Liverpool1969, lecturer, University of New England1970–1973, senior lecturer, Canberra College of Advanced Education1974–1984, registrar, Canberra College of Advanced Education1985–1989, principal lecturer, Canberra College of Advanced Education1989–?, visiting fellow, Australian National University1990–?, associate professor, University of Canberra2006, visiting lecturer, University of Sussex2007, visiting lecturer, University of Vienna2008, professor University of British ColumbiaIn Australia, Professor Jory is well known for his involvement with the National Science Summer School (which was renamed the National Youth Science Forum in 1996). He assumed the role of director at its inception, and stayed in that position for 21 years (1984–2005).
1990, Rotary District 9710 Vocational Excellence Medal for work as Director of the NSSS since 1984.1992, Rotary International Certificate of Appreciation and Commendation for exemplary service to the Programs of Rotary.1997, Member of the Order of Australia (AM).1997, Australian Institute of Physics Award for Outstanding Service to Physics in Australia1999, finalist in The Michael Daley Eureka Prize for the Promotion of Science, awarded by the Australian Museum.Fellow of the Australian Institute of PhysicsACT Justice of the PeaceFlying Officer, (RAAF), retiredExecutive member, Australian Soccer Federation, various years, 1960–1979Jory, R.; Crompton, R. W. (1962). "On the Swarm Method for Determining the Ratio of Electron Drift Velocity to Diffusion Coefficient". Aust. J. Phys. 15: 451. Jory, R.; Rees, J. A. (1964). "The Diffusion of Electrons in Dry, Carbon Dioxide Free Air". Aust. J. Phys. 17: 307. Jory, Rodney (June 1965). The motion of electrons in crossed electric and magnetic fields. Canberra: Australian National University. Jory, R. (1965). "Transport Coefficients for Low Energy Electrons in Crossed Electric and Magnetic Fields". Aust. J. Phys. 18: 237. Jory, R.; Rees, J. A. & Crompton, R. W. (1965). "The Diffusion and Attachment of Electrons in Water Vapour". Aust. J. Phys. 18: 541. CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)Jory, R. & Crompton, R. W. (1965). "The Momentum-Transfer Cross Section for Low Energy Electrons in Helium". Proc. 4th International Conference on Physics of Electronic and Atomic Collisions. Quebec. Jory, R.; Crompton, R. W. & Elford, M. T. (1967). "The Momentum Transfer Cross Section for Electrons in Helium". Aust. J. Phys. 20: 369. CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)Press articles
The Australian National University media release 28 January 1997Rotary Down Under issue No 447 December 2003 January 2004
