Professor Melrose is distinguished for his work on the theory of processes in nonthermal ionized gases, and their applications in astrophysics. His numerous contributions include the definitive work on the polarization of plasma emission in solar radio bursts and the cyclotron maser theory for certain planetary and solar radio emissions. His original work fundamental to physics has culminated in a theory which synthesizes quantum electrodynamics and the classical theory of magnetized plasmas. His interests have been expounded in a two-volume book 'Plasma Astrophysics' published in 1980 and more recently in a book 'Instabilities in Space and Laboratory Plasmas' currently in press.