A hydraulics-engineering professor at The University of Western Australia has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, joining a league of the nation’s leading innovators.

A world-renowned expert in fluid dynamics and flow, structure and seabed interactions, Professor Liang Cheng leads the Hydraulics Group in UWA’s School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering.

Professor Cheng is highly experienced at translating technology research into engineering practice and was responsible for new design guidelines that have transformed industry practice and enabled a significant reduction in the environmental footprint of offshore pipelines and cables.

His group is addressing a number of new technological challenges, such as those faced in the development of revolutionary Floating Liquefied Natural Gas facilities.

The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering is a fellowship of leading innovators formed to help Australians understand and use technology to solve complex problems.

It contributes robust and practical thinking to Australia’s big debates, applying excellence in science, technology and engineering to solve the big issues facing the nation.

Professor Cheng said he looked forward to joining Australia’s leading experts to advance research and explore sustainable solutions in applied science and technology.

“I feel extremely honoured to be elected and join a group of 900 Australian experts in engineering, applied science and technology,” Professor Cheng said. 

“I look forward to the opportunities offered by the fellowship to promote and advance Australian science, technology and engineering nationally and internationally.”

Professor Tim Sercombe, Head of UWA’s School of Engineering said Professor Cheng’s election highlighted the important role that UWA has in working with industry to help solve some of the nation’s major engineering problems.

“The election of Professor Cheng is testament to not only the quality of his research, but also to the positive industrial impact it has had,” Professor Sercombe said. 

“His election to the Fellowship is an honour for UWA and the School of Engineering.”