Welcome

The National Centre of Biography was established in June 2008 in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University to act as a centre of activity for all those writing and reading biography in Australia and beyond. 

Our aim is to develop a community of scholars, writers, students, and readers of biography.  As well as producing the Australian Dictionary of Biography, we will be organising conferences and seminars, publishing new work, enrolling PhD students and hosting biography fellows. 

We invite you to be part of our biographical endeavour.

News and Events

Between the Past and the Future: The Australian Dictionary of Biography
13th November 2009

The National Centre of Biography is holding a symposium, 'Between the Past and the Future: The Australian Dictionary of Biography' on 1 December 2009 to celebrate the ADB's 50th birthday. Speakers include Ann Moyal (the ADB's first employee), Jim Davidson (biographer of the ADB's founder, Sir Keith Hancock), John Calvert (biographer of the ADB's first General Editor, Douglas Pike), Gerry Walsh (ADB's most prolific author) and ADB stalwarts Geoff Bolton, Chris Cunneen and John Poynter.

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Symposium on gender, politics and biography
21st October 2009

Join some of Australia's most eminent political commentators, activists and biographers to discuss gender in the political environment. Speakers include: Susan Ryan, Laurie Oakes, Jacqueline Kent, Marilyn Lake, Andrew Leigh, Marian Sawer, Sarah Maddison, Michael Richards and Joy McCann.

Venue: Old Parliament House, 9 November 2009, 10am-5pm
Cost: $35 (Includes buffet lunch supplied by Ginger Catering)
Inquiries: (02) 6125 2676 or...

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National Biography Award Lecture
21st October 2009

Raimond Gaita, Professor of Moral Philosophy at King's College, London, will discuss 'Truth' as Applied to Biography and Autobiography' at the National Biography Award Lecture to be held at the State Library of New South Wales on 2 November at 5.30 pm. Raimond will discuss the issues surrounding biographical story and truth, and explore the question of why this relationship constantly stimulates interest in biography and autobiography.

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