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Dr Paul Wild (17 May 1923 – 10 May 2008) was a mathematician, physicist and the Chairman of CSIRO for seven years.

In 1947 he joined the Department of Radiophysics at the then CSIR. Thus began a story of scientific discovery about the universe through the radio ‘eyes’ of the new breed of electronic astronomers.

He became fascinated by the closest star to us – the Sun – and led the expanding team that built and operated the original solar radiospectrographs and later the Culgoora radioheliograph. In the late 1960’s and early ‘70’s the Culgoora group led the world in solar research attracting prominent solar physicists from around the world.

He was Chief of the Division of Radiophysics from 1971 until 1978 where he led the team that developed the Interscan aircraft landing system that was adopted in 1978 as the international standard.

In 1978 he was appointed Chairman of CSIRO, a position he held until 1985. He was then Chairman of the Very Fast Train Joint Venture from 1986-91.

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