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Media Release

October 26 2005

UniSA names John Ralston Laureate Professor

Professor John RalstonProfessor John Ralston has been named UniSA’s first Laureate Professor, in recognition of his distinguished career achievements locally and internationally.

Endorsed by the UniSA Council in October, the new title allows a five-year appointment to the highest academic level, rewarding career excellence for the University’s brightest and best.

Laureate Professor Ralston is a physical chemist specialising in colloid and surface chemistry with complementary expertise in metallurgical engineering and technology. He has established a distinguished international reputation in three complementary research fields – the physical chemistry of the mineral flotation process, the surface chemistry of metal sulphides, and the static and dynamic wetting behaviour of simple and structured solid surfaces.

Earlier this year Professor Ralston was recognised by his peers, by being elected as a member of the Australian Academy of Science, the elite group of Australian scientists.

In 1994 Professor Ralston realised his vision for the creation of a premier research institute focussing on interfaces. Engaging in a multidisciplinary approach, across physical chemistry, physics, and engineering, UniSA’s Ian Wark Research Institute was established with a strong concentration on minerals and minerals processing.

Eleven years on, The Wark has expanded and diversified, serving the research needs of an array of national and international businesses in broad chemical, specialty manufacturing and environmental industries. The Wark blends fundamental and applied research in a vibrant and exciting mix.

In the year 2000 The Wark won Special Research Centre status and is now the Australian Research Council Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces. Two years later it was lauded in an ARC review as Australia’s leading centre of its kind and a leader in the field internationally.
The Wark followed this success with further and broader success when in 2003 it was named a National Centre for Nano and Biomaterials.

Laureate Professor Ralston has been at the helm of the Institute, guiding its development to a position where the multi million dollar research facility is now more than 75 per cent self-funded.

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