Newcastle academic elected to peak national body of scientists

Monday 26 March 2007

University of Newcastle Professor Scott Sloan has been elected to the Fellowship of the prestigious Australian Academy of Science, the peak body of scientists in Australia.

Professor Sloan is one of only four civil engineers Australia-wide in the Academy, which is made up of more than 400 of Australia's top scientists.

Fellows of the Academy are recognised for research which has had a profound impact on the world's scientific knowledge in a broad range of fields including medicine, biology, physics, mathematics and engineering.

Professor Sloan, a geotechnical engineer, has pioneered new numerical methods which enable engineers to predict the maximum load capacity of structures such as tunnels, dams, highways, offshore platforms and building foundations.

He said it was an honour to be elected to the Academy.

"The election procedure is extremely rigorous and the competition very fierce, with nominations sent around the world for references. It's really encouraging to see engineering research recognised alongside research in the basic sciences."

Professor Sloan's methods have delivered a new tool for engineers to tackle the problem of load capacity, and will lead to cheaper and safer design of civil infrastructure.

"Being able to estimate the load capacity accurately is crucial in many forms of infrastructure design, but is made more challenging because the behaviour of geomaterials is very complicated."

"The computer programs associated with my techniques are being commercialised by The University of Newcastle Research Associates (TUNRA) and will be marketed worldwide to geotechnical consultants, research institutes and universities."

Professor Sloan is an Australian Research Council Federation Fellow and has been recognised worldwide with numerous medals and appointments.

He is also Director of the University's Priority Research Centre (PRC) for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling, one of 10 PRCs formed to strategically focus resources into areas of existing and potential research strength.

"The PRC comprises 20 academic and postdoctoral researchers and 15 PhD students, and is currently hosting researchers from 10 different countries. It's a fantastic environment for undertaking advanced geotechnical research which has an impact on the world stage," Professor Sloan said.

For comment: Professor Scott Sloan on 02 4921 6059.