Alexander Zelinsky is a remarkable scientist and engineer with a truly impressive record of achievement. This includes developing and leading a globally respected robotics research program at the Australian National University, developing and achieving highly successful commercialisation with a UK publicly listed company of revolutionary technology he developed for automobile safety, rebuilding the Information Science capabilities of CSIRO and, as Chief Defence Scientist, leading a total transformation of Australian Defence research, resulting in an unprecedented billion dollar research and innovation fund. His demonstrated skills in national research leadership have been of immense benefit to Australian science.