Professor White is internationally recognised for his research in water and land use and its application to environmental management. He has successfully developed and transferred products to end-users and information to the public. His work spans theoretical, experimental and field studies and is characterised by innovation and a drive to apply his insights to significant environmental problems. He is known internationally for his work on soil water flow and the technology that follows. He is Australia's leading authority on the management of acid sulphate soils and has served governments, industry and the community in that role.