Tom Rhymes was a talented PhD student who studied at the Research School of Physics and Engineering during the 1970s. Following a successful career in the United States, Tom returned from the Hewlett Packard Research laboratories in California to ANU to become Head of the Electronics Unit, then later the School's Facilities and Services Manager. Tom was an ardent supporter of the Technical Services throughout the School and fostered the philosophy of "can help, can do". Until his untimely death in 2000, Tom inspired those around him, challenging them to view their jobs not merely as "work" but also as fun.

To honour Tom's memory his friends and family have established the Tom Rhymes Technical Development Prize to assist one or more outstanding technical staff members to further the School's research through their career development. This includes support for attendance at conferences, workshops, tradeshows and training courses.

Supports the Tom Rhymes Technical Development Award