Scholarship to continue Royal research passions

A generous donation will ensure the history of the Royal Society – the oldest scientific academy in the world - continues to be explored through the Mark Govier PhD Scholarship at Flinders University.

Mark Govier has always been driven by a passion for knowledge and exploration.

“At university I studied Mathematics, History, and Politics, but rather than pursuing an academic career, I spent many years in a range of government roles,” says Mark whose impressive career includes positions at Sydney’s Long Bay Prison, the Crown Prosecution Service, Treasury, and the Home Office in London.

Mark’s love of exploration has led him to travel to over 100 hundred countries, including unique destinations such as Transnistria, Tajikistan, and the Tibet Autonomous Region. 

While working in London, he became fascinated by the Royal Society of London, the world’s oldest institution of science - established in 1662 to promote science and its benefits.

He says, “I was inspired by a biography of Isaac Newton, who served as the Royal Society’s President from 1703 to 1727.”

Thanks to the open access of the Society’s archives, and with the assistance of its library staff, Mark began researching the historic science institution – discovering the organisation's darker side including its heavy involvement in the 17th century slave trade. 

Sir Isaac Newton