Following research training in solid-state physics, Colin Perrott made distinguished contributions to the development of hard facing materials and their application in the manufacturing and mining industries. He went on to lead a CSIRO laboratory concerned with this and related technologies for industry. In 1984 he joined Sola International Holdings as Group General Manager - Technical and has since played a major part in the planning and development of optical products for the vision industry. His present position as Group Vice President - Technical of Pilkington Visioncare gives him international responsibility for research and development in a major multinational corporation with a strong Australian component.