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Newcastle academic elected to peak national body of scientists

Monday 20 April 2009

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

Professor Carter is one of only four civil engineers Australia-wide in the Academy, which has a membership of about 400 of Australia's top scientists.

Fellows of the Academy are recognised for research that 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 Carter is Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University's Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment. He has dedicated more than 30 years to the field of geotechnical engineering, trying to understand the way the ground works through geology, mathematics and engineering.

"I have a fascination with trying to understand how the ground behaves mechanically," he said.

"I develop models to be used in engineering predictions of ground behaviour, for example, whether a hillside is stable or whether you risk a landslide, whether a building will settle too much or within acceptable limits."

Professor Carter provided expert opinion into the cause of the 1997 Thredbo landslide. His research has also investigated the design and stability of off-shore oil and gas rigs.

Professor Carter said it was an honour to be elected to the Academy.

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

This latest honour adds to a long list of awards and achievements for Professor Carter, including being elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and appointment as a Member in the Order of Australia.

For interviews: Professor John Carter on 02 4921 6025.