Robert Scopes

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This profile was written in 2015 Term 2.

Robert is another in our band of volunteers who not only joined our U3A very early in its creation, but has involved himself in almost every aspect of the organisation since then.

Robert was born in South London. His secondary education took place at St. Dunstan’s College, Catford, South London, where he studied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in his final year. Robert’s tertiary education took place at Cambridge University, where he completed a BA and PhD. Since graduating he has worked in the following institutions:

  • Agricultural Research Council, UK, at both Cambridge and Bristol.(1961-64; 1967-72)
  • CSIRO, at North Ryde, Sydney.(1964-67)
  • La Trobe University.(1972-1999) He was appointed Professor of Biochemistry in 1992.

Robert retired from La Trobe University in 1999. During his working life he had published over 150 scientific papers. In 1983 Robert published the 1st edition of Protein Purification: Principles and Practice (Springer Advanced Texts in Chemistry); the 3rd edition (1993) is still selling well. It has been translated into both Russian and Japanese.

His marriage to Eve in 1965 led to the birth of their two daughters, Jocelyn in 1966 and Clare in 1967. Both are graduates of La Trobe.

Robert joined our U3A in 2009, the year we started our own courses in Hurstbridge. He has tutored each year since then in many science related subjects. He has also contributed regularly to the Music Tutti course and assisted his wife Eve in the organisation of many social functions such as concerts and quiz nights. Robert has also curated an art exhibition at Bridges. His participation in courses such as Economics, Literature and Art History and the Discussion Group is indicative of his broad range of interests. In addition to his many contributions to Nillumbik U3A classes, Robert has served on our Committee for four years and was Treasurer for three of those.

In his spare time, listening to classical music and painting in acrylics and oils remain Robert’s passions.