At 57 years, Howchin gained his first permanent geological appointment as Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. He was later appointed Professor of Geology and Palaeontology in 1918 before his retirement in 1920 at the age of 75.
Howchin’s geological contribution provides the foundation for much of the geological knowledge of our State. His research led to the first stratigraphic subdivision of the Adelaide Geosyncline succession. On an international scale, he recognised the late Precambrian glaciation and did more than anyone to publicise its international significance. In 1918, he published “The Geology of South Australia” which remained a University reference text for more than 30 years.
Today Howchin is an unsung hero of South Australian geology and the Howchin Medal seeks to highlight his achievements.