The Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced that one of Australia's finest scientists, the late Professor Frank Fenner, would be honoured with a State Memorial Service.
The service will commemorate Professor Fenner's life and his remarkable contribution to global public health and environmental science.
Professor Fenner's long and distinguished career involved groundbreaking work on the impact of malaria on his fellow servicemen and women during World War II, research into tuberculosis, the eradication of smallpox and the control of Australia's rabbit population.
The Prime Minister said the service will provide Australians with the opportunity to pay their respects to this remarkable Australian whose work touched the lives of so many people around the world.
Professor Fenner's State Memorial Service will be held at 4.00 pm on Friday 17 December 2010 at Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University.
Information about the service will be published in major newspapers next week including a contact number for those who wish to attend the service.
Professor Fenner passed away peacefully on 22 November 2010 at the age of 95.