Professor Alan Roberts has been initiator and leader of Australia's rise to pre­emmience in bulk solids storage and handling and in powder mechanics. His own work on silos, chutes, augers, coal bins, hoppers, conveyors, friction and wear and the properties of granular materials has attracted numerous national and international awards. The research and consulting company he founded and directs has completed 450 significant consultancies for 250 Australian and overseas companies since 1981. As elected Dean of Engineering in the University of Newcastle since 1974 he has led the Faculty to world status. His quiet management skills are widely sought both within and beyond the University.