Tobias was appointed Demonstrator in Histology and Instructor in Physiology at theUniversityofWitwatersrand, in 1945. He received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Histology and Physiology in 1946-1947, graduated in Medicine (MB, BCh) in 1950, and received his PhD in 1953. In 1967 he was awarded a DSc for his published work on hominid evolution.
He established the Institute for the Study of Man in Africa (ISMA) in 1956 to advance the study of human ancestry and evolution, heredity and genetic composition and bodily structure inAfrica. In 1959 he became Professor and Head of the Department of Anatomy, a position he held until 1993, after which he became Professor Emeritus and head of the research department attheSterkfonteinCaves.
Tobias was appointed Honorary Professor of Palaeo-anthropology at the Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research in 1977 and Honorary Professor in Zoology in 1981. He was the recipient of many awards and honours, including honorary degrees from the universities ofPennsylvania,Cambridge,California,Natal,Cape Town, Unisa, Durban-Westville, Western Ontario, Alta,Guelph, and theWitwatersrand.
Gauteng Tourism Authority spokesman Anthony Paton said Pillip Tobias died inJohannesburgat Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre on 7 June after a three-month illness.He was best known for his work with hominid fossils.
In a statement, Wits said “it is with great sadness that the University of the Witwatersrand,Johannesburgconfirms the passing of Professor Phillip Vallentine Tobias (born on 14 October 1925). A stalwart of the University and a world-renowned scientist, Professor Tobias passed away today, Thursday, 6 June 2012 inJohannesburgafter a long illness. We extend our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Professor Tobias, and those him knew him well.”
In loving memory of Professor Emeritus Phillip Tobias, 1925 – 2012. Celebrated by the21 Iconsproject
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