[9] After completing his (then compulsory) National Service training he enrolled at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1960 with an Honours degree in surface chemistry.
[9] In 1973, he was appointed a member of the Food Standards Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
He had much to say on the balance of risk versus utility in various materials and substances; the way public opinion and political decision-making could be affected by media interpretation in the cases of asbestos[12] and 2,4,5-T.[13] "Whether your interest is swimming pools or sunscreen, pharmaceuticals or polymers, or simply a desire to put your chemistry into more familiar contexts, this book has much to offer... the wealth of detailed information is both interesting and enlightening.
[15] Selinger and his wife were active in the social life of Canberra's Jewish community — in the 2000s they organised a series of lectures entitled "Beyond the Pale" and a men's group "Grumps R Us".
[18] They had two sons, Adam Selinger (born c. 1970) and Michael Jorg Selinger (born 12 January 1973)[19] His younger brother Robert Selinger (born c. 1944)[20] was in 2020 awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community through Rotary International, and education — during his 50-year career he taught at, amongst others, Chatswood High School, Drummoyne Boys' High School and Ashfield Boys High School.