The Australian Congress of 1923 was a determining moment for
the Pacific Science Association. In contrast to the Australian meeting of the
British Association for the Advancement of Science, held in 1914, this first postwar
Congress signaled the emergence of a new scientific nationalism i.n Australia
and the advent of a new scientific relationship between Australia and Its
great and powerful friend across the Pacific. At the same time, the success of
the Congress gave the infant Pan-Pacific movement much-needed visibility
and support and led directly to the permanent establishment of the Pacific
Science Association and to its continuing presence in international scientific
affairs
