Royal Patron
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is ATSE's Royal Patron.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO has taken on the role of Royal Patron for the Academy.
The Duke of Edinburgh is following in the legacy of his father the late Prince Philip, Royal Fellow of ATSE from 1977 until his death in 2021. He is a strong supporter of science, technology and engineering, and their ability to improve lives.
History of Royal Patronage
HRH the late Prince Philip was a Royal Fellow of our Academy from 1977 until his passing in 2021. He was inducted soon after our inauguration. A long-time advocate for the role of engineering, his support was highly valued by the Fellowship.
Prince Philip met with ATSE Fellows on multiple occasions and on one occasion in the 1980s debated on an Australian stage the merits and scope of technological sciences, with Foundation President Sir Ian McLennan FTSE. He was kept abreast of ATSE events and major works regularly over the years.
Prince Philip was also Patron of the Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Foundation which administered the Clunies Ross Technology Innovation Award. ATSE was a founding member of the Foundation and since the Foundation ceased operations, we have continued to manage the annual Clunies Ross Awards, now Australia’s premier award for technological innovation. HRH Prince Philip was engaged with respect to both the Foundation’s purpose and operations, and by celebrating and congratulating annual winners.
In 1996, ATSE had the privilege of providing photographs for display at HRH Prince Philip’s 75th Birthday Exhibition, in order to help recognise his contributions to science and technology around the Commonwealth.
