Professor Young has made significant contributions to the international research community through his work in coastal and ocean engineering, oceanography and satellite remote sensing. His work has been applied to industry and has been used extensively by consultants, internationally. He has served in senior management roles in two major research intensive universities. In addition, he has served his profession through representation on committees of the Institution of Engineers Australia and the Council of Engineering Deans. In addition to his position at Adelaide University, he holds honorary Academic appointments at the University of NSW and the Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands.