Professor John Ralston is an internationally recognised expert in colloid and surface chemistry and their application in metallurgical engineering and technology. His research is internationally recognised in the physical chemistry of mineral flotation processes, the surface chemistry of metal sulphides, and the static and dynamic wetting behaviour of simple and structured solid surfaces. In 1994 he established the Ian Wark Research Institute, which is now recognised worldwide for its fundamental research in interfaces, initially with a strong mineral focus. The Institute is an Australian national treasure that has now broadened its activities across many disciplines. Ralston excels in the application of his science to real world problems.