Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna AM

An illustrious career thinking outside of the box means Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna is no stranger to awards and recognition, even on a global scale. 

His appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia for his innovative work in civil engineering – focusing on infrastructure development, ground improvement and transportation – reflects the impact he has had. 

“Based on my research outcomes for transport infrastructure, using innovative soil drainage and stabilisation concepts in conjunction with the recycling of industry waste, substantial impacts in terms of rejuvenating conventional industry practices and design procedures can be observed,” Professor Indraratna says. 

"My proposals have been appreciated and successfully trialled by industry in real-life applications, such as parts of the Port Kembla Outer Harbour reclamation near Wollongong, a section of Kangaroo Valley highway construction and a stretch of railway in Chullora technology precinct.

“The greatest part of enjoyment for me is when I see excited industry colleagues wanting to capture or trial our outcomes in real-life projects, so the ultimate satisfaction is to see that work adopted to influence change in current practices.” 

Director of the Transport Research Centre of the University of Technology Sydney, Professor Indraratna is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technical Sciences and Engineering, the Institution of Engineers Australia, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Geological Society of the United Kingdom. He also sits among the most highly cited researchers in his field globally.

The collaboration and work Professor Indraratna conducts with talented young professionals and PhD students is one of the most gratifying parts of his role, he says.

But recognition in the Order of Australia will stand out even within his decorated career.

“I felt very happy, honoured and privileged when I heard. It was a moment of extreme satisfaction in my career to be recognised in this way.”