Philip Baxter

Who was Philip Baxter?

Sir John Philip Baxter, KBE, better known as Philip Baxter, was a British chemical engineer. He was the second director of the University of New South Wales from 1953, continuing as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955. Under his administration, the University grew from its technical college roots into the 'fastest growing and most rapidly diversifying tertiary institution in Australia'. Philip Baxter College is named in his honour.

Baxter was born in Wales, but grew up in England, attending the University of London at 16. He joined Imperial Chemical Industries as a chemical engineer, and later provided James Chadwick with samples of uranium hexafluoride for nuclear research. He was recruited to the then-New South Wales University of Technology as a professor of chemical engineering, arriving in Sydney on board the Orcades in January 1950.

Baxter was one of the most prolific public advocates of nuclear power for Australia.