2019 Investigator Lecture - Dr Richard Harris SC OAM

Flinders University presents an exclusive insight into the rescue that shook the world, and the man whose name has become synonymous with professionalism and bravery.
Dr Richard Harris SC OAM (BMBS ’89), 2019 joint Australian of the Year, interviewed by special guest Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM for The Investigator Lecture on Tuesday 27 August at the Adelaide Town Hall.
Flinders graduate Dr Richard Harris is a world-renowned specialist anaesthetist, who played a vital role in the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from within the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Thailand in July 2018.
In an intimate one-on-one interview with popular science communicator, “Dr Karl” Kruszelnicki, Dr Harris reflects on his career, his passion for underwater exploration and the combination of events that led to his participation in the Thai cave rescue. This amazing effort saw Dr Harris and his dive partner (Dr Craig Challen) named 2019 joint Australian of the Year, and awarded Australia’s second highest civilian bravery award, the Star of Courage.
Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Dr Harris’ story firsthand, and uncover the details of his incredible journey from Flinders medical student to Australian hero.
- Dr Richard Harris -
Dr Harris graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 1989 and in 2018 was awarded a Flinders University Distinguished Alumni Award for his outstanding service to the international community through his specialist response role during the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand. Dr Harris will be formally presented with this award by the University at the 2019 Investigator Lecture.
- Dr Karl Kruszelnicki -
Dr Karl is a qualified scientist, doctor and engineer whose fun-loving personality has led him to become a well-known author and science communicator who has written 44 books with more on the way. Dr Karl has won a number of prestigious and unique awards throughout his career including Australian Apple Master (2000), Ig Nobel (2002), Australian Father of the Year (2003) and, for service to the community through promoting greater understanding and knowledge of the application of science to daily living as an author and science commentator on radio and television, received a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006.