Robin Batterham (OB 55)

Robin Batterham attended BGS from 1950-1955 and completed a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne in 1965.  He then went onto receive a scholarship from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to undertake a post doctoral at the central research laboratories of ICI in the United Kingdom.  Robin then returned to Australia in 1970. And took up the position of chief scientist of the CSIRO’s Division of Mineral Engineering, and was later promoted to division chief.

As a chemical and mining engineer, he has known few equals in this country, and in 1999 was appointed Chief Scientist of Australia, a role which he undertook simultaneously to acting chief technologist for the multinational mining company Rio Tinto.  In May 2005, Robin stepped down as Chief Scientist and took on a full-time position at Rio Tinto.

From May 2004 to May 2005, Robin was President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, and since 1 January 2007, serves as President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).

 Robin Batterham, left, receiving his Hall of Fame Award from the Chairman of Council, Ian Paroissien