About Us

The Foundation of the College

Medical technology has been an established science for many years.  In 1967, a group of graduates in Medicine and Medical Sciences, under the Chairmanship of Noel Denovan, considered it appropriate, that, a body consisting of graduates in the biological sciences be formed to foster and disseminate knowledge at national and international forums.

The group, known as the founding members of the College :

• Mr Noel Denovan, Chief Medical Scientist, founder SDS Pathology
• Dr Manni Wilder, Chief MO, Vic Health
• Dr Archie Kalokarinas, Physician
• Dr Glenn Dettman, Pathologist
• Professor Howard Coates, Academic and Oncologist
• Professor Gus Nossal, Immunologist

After extensive enquiries both locally and abroad, the Australasian College of Biomedical Scientists was voted into existence.

This occurred on the 2nd November 1968 in the meeting rooms of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Melbourne.

A decision was made to follow the lead of other learned societies in designating all members of the College as “Fellows”, and, that such Fellows are entitled to the designation FACBS – Fellow of the Australasian College of BioMedical Scientists.

It was also decided to adopt a distinctive academic attire to be worn at all formal functions of the College – the distinctive feature of this attire being a green and white College stole worn over a black academic gown.

A College Crest as reproduced on the front of the Constitution was also adopted. The Crest consists of a shield with a book of learning at the head and the words ‘Industria Ditat’ meaning ‘Industry Enriches’ above a green field with a gold staff and serpent. The green field is the colour associated with medical technology, while the staff and serpent are the symbol of the medical and para-medical sciences. The motto under the crest reads ‘Studiis et rebus honestis’ meaning ‘By Study and Honourable Pursuit’.

On November 1975 at the AGM of the College held in Sydney, the Constitution was amended to enable the change of name to Australasian College of Biomedical Scientists.