as the first chairman of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC) in September 1952 to carry out research into atomic energy and enable access to overseas technology and secure technical co-operation. Under his leadership the AAEC established the experimental nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, New South Wales. For his role he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Retiring from the government sector in 1956, he became chairman of Australian Electrical Industries Ltd and British Automotive Industries Pty Ltd, and a director of Commonwealth Industrial Gases Ltd, Custom Credit Corporation Ltd, Mount Isa Mines Ltd and the Trustees Executors & Agency Co. Ltd. Stevens died of a coronary occlusion on 20 May 1969 in Sydney and was cremated. He was survived by his wife. His only child, Duncan Stevens, was the captain of and was killed during the collision with on 10 February 1964. References External links Jack Stevens at Australian War Memorial Site Jack Stevens at www.generals.dk |- |- |- 1896 births 1969 deaths Australian Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Australian Companions of the Order of the Bath Australian generals Australian Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire Australian military personnel of World War I Australian Army personnel of World War II Australian public servants People from Daylesford, Victoria