Perth academic aged 102 to stay on campus

A 102-year-old Perth man who is also Australia's oldest scientist will get to keep an office on campus after Edith Cowan University reversed a decision that would have forced him to work from home.

Dr David Goodall was told in August that he had been deemed a health risk due to him taking about 90 minutes and four to five public transport changes to travel to the university's northern suburban Joondalup campus.

The news gained international attention and debate about the treatment and value of older workers.

The university has now agreed to give him an office at their Mount Lawley campus, reducing his travel time.

David Goodall's career in ecology spans 70 years, and he is currently an honorary research associate in the Centre of Ecosystem Management.

Vice-Chancellor professor Steve Chapman said Dr Goodall's new location was adjacent to their campus support office, ensuring colleagues would be present throughout the day if Dr Goodall needed assistance.

"I am pleased we have found a solution that will ensure David can continue to be based at ECU," he said.

"ECU is seeking to renew David's honorary appointment this month as planned."