The geotechnical engineer responsible for creating groundbreaking new methods to design cheaper and safer civil infrastructure has been awarded the University's highest honour - the title of Laureate Professor.
Professor Scott Sloan pioneered new numerical methods that enable engineers to predict the maximum load capacity of structures such as tunnels, dams, highways, offshore platforms and building foundations.
An Australian Research Council Federation Fellow (one of only three in civil engineering), Professor Sloan is Director of the University's Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling.
He is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (also one of only three in civil engineering), and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. He is one of only 70 people to be elected to a Fellowship of both of these academies.
His latest honour - the title of Laureate Professor - is the most prestigious recognition the University can bestow on its researchers and is testimony to his international reputation for high impact, high quality research. He is the sixth Laureate Professor to be named by the University.
The title recognises Professor Sloan's outstanding credentials and contribution to research, his exemplary track record of publications and competitive grant funding, and his clear leadership at the University of Newcastle.
Professor Sloan said he was deeply honoured to receive such a high accolade from the University.
"It is extremely satisfying to have my contribution to the University recognised in this way," Professor Sloan said.
"Very few researchers work in isolation and my team is instrumental to the national and international success of the University in the field of geotechnical modelling."
The computer programs arising from Professor Sloan's techniques are currently being developed for market.
Laureate Professor Scott Sloan is available for interview today (Thursday 29 January 2009). Media contact: Laureate Professor Scott Sloan on 02 4921 6059.
