The University of Newcastle, Australia

University of Newcastle structural engineer Professor Rob Melchers has received the Australasian Corrosion Association's most prestigious award - the Corrosion Medal.

The award recognises outstanding scientific or technological work in the field of corrosion in Australasia. Professor Melchers, an Australian Research Council Professorial Fellow, is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking work into bacteria as the cause of steel infrastructure corrosion.

"Governments and industry are facing spiralling costs with the relentless deterioration of infrastructure due to corrosion," Professor Melchers said.

"Understanding the influence of bacteria will lead to greater accuracy in predicting the reliability and durability of infrastructure."