Dr William (Russ) Morrison AM

Honorary award citation

Dr Russ Morrison is a co-founder and a current Director of engineering consultancy, now known as BMT WBM. The organisation employs over 150 engineers worldwide and has a deserved reputation for excellence, innovation, and for applying cutting edge technology to many engineering disciplines.

During the early part of his career, he was responsible for pioneering measurement and troubleshooting techniques on large mining machinery, as well as for the development of novel technology for their repair and maintenance. Many of these contributions have been adopted by the mining industry in Australia and internationally.

Working across many industries throughout his career, he has led numerous innovative and challenging projects, from the development of flood modelling software, the design of hypersonic wind tunnels for testing scramjets, to robotic machines for improving productivity and safety in unloading coal trains.

More recently, he has developed and led a specialist group working on intelligent machines and automation systems, including collision avoidance systems for mining and port operations.

Morrison was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998 and received a Centenary Medal in 2000, both in recognition of his services to engineering. He was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and in 2004 was awarded the prestigious Engineers Australia A.G.M. Michell Medal for his contributions to mechanical engineering.

Awards

UQ Alumnus of the Year (created by Alumni Friends)
2015
Doctor of Engineering honoris causa
2014

Qualifications

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)
1962
Master of Engineering Science
1964
PhD
1969