In May 1951, Eleanor Clara Gyarfas made history when she became the first woman to receive a new degree offered by the University: the PhD. As the University celebrates 75 years since that milestone, Eleanor's story of community and commitment to education remains just as relevant as ever.
Born Eleonora Clara Gyarfas in Budapest, Hungary, in 1924, Eleanor trained as a chemist at Budapest University, where she was the first person to investigate the complex compounds of osmium, a rare metal used in pacemakers and fingerprint detection.
She emigrated to Australia in 1948, where she spent her early years at the University of Sydney as a research assistant, a teaching fellow, and a temporary lecturer.
Just a year earlier, the University's Professorial Board had approved the establishment of a two-year PhD program, with formal regulations published in the 1949 Calendar Supplement. By 1950, 20 students had enrolled in the new program, among them Eleanor, who would undertake a PhD in Chemistry.
The first of many
That early PhD program became the blueprint for what was to come for countless future students.
When Eleanor's degree was awarded by the University on 2 May 1951, her achievement was reported in The Sydney Morning Herald the following day as a significant milestone for the University.
Just four days earlier, University of Sydney lecturer William Henry Wittrick had also received his PhD. He had completed a reduced one-year program, having likely been credited for research completed while serving as a staff member.
A life of exploration
While Sydney was the setting for Eleanor's landmark achievement, it was a new adventure overseas that ultimately saw her establish permanent roots.
Eleanor moved to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Illinois, where she joined the research group of celebrated American chemist John C. Bailar. It was there, among his team, that she met her future husband and fellow researcher, Chui Fan Liu (1930-2001).
Eleanor spent the next 50 years operating her own technical translation business until her death in Massachusetts in 2016 at the age of 91.
She left behind a legacy of boundless energy and enthusiasm in all that she pursued. Her dedication to science was matched by a strong passion for photography, gardening, and business. As a committed friend, mother, and grandmother, Eleanor is remembered for her unwavering commitment to education and her generous spirit.
Hero image: University of Sydney Archives REF-00048480