This Foundation was established in October 1995 by the generous benefaction of Mr George Hermon Slade AM. Its primary object is to "...advance and enhance the progress and harmony of mankind with the Earth through the study and application of Natural Sciences".

Believing that “…if there is a way better than another, it is the way of nature”, Mr Hermon Slade has sought to encourage the pursuit of excellence in scientific research, particularly on topics which are designed to improve the ways in which individuals and communities interact with their natural environments.

In seeking to achieve this ideal, the Foundation provides support, on a competitive basis, for three types of activity.

• The top priority is to encourage high quality research by scientists in Australian national or state institutions, and universities.
• Periodically, capital grants may be made to help finance equipment or facilities which are needed to encourage relevant studies by either scientists or the general community within Australia.
• Occasional support may also be given to such activities as training, publications or conferences.

The Foundation seeks to complement, rather than compete with, other funding bodies. Experience has shown that modest support can be particularly effective if used as “seed money” to initiate projects, which may subsequently expand and attract major funding from other sources. Foundation grants have also supported specific components of large projects financed primarily by other agencies.

The Foundation is managed by a Board of Trustees which has appointed a Research Committee to recommend to it the manner in which the income of the Trust fund might appropriately be applied in accordance with the aims of the Foundation.

Orchid images are taken from Flora Malesiana: Orchids of New Guinea Vols I & II'. World Biodiversity Database CD-ROM Series.