David Fraser was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia to study at the University of Sydney, graduating Bachelor of Veterinary Science with First Class Honours and the University Medal in 1962. He was a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Sydney, before becoming a postgraduate student in Clare College at the University of Cambridge. He undertook research in the University of Cambridge Dunn Nutritional Laboratory on vitamin D metabolism and graduated with a PhD in 1967. From 1967 to 1986 he was a member of the Scientific Staff of the Medical Research Council at the Dunn Nutritional Laboratory, with continuing research on the metabolism and function of vitamin D. In 1986 he returned to the University of Sydney as Professor of Animal Science. He was Head of the Department of Animal Science (1992-1994) and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science (1994-1998). He continues with research and teaching on the nutrition of domestic animals at the University of Sydney, with particular interest in vitamin D status and function.