Professor Liangchi Zhang has made outstanding contributions in the field of precision engineering from nanoscopic to macroscopic scales and from fundamentals to industrial applications. His work on nanomechanics and nano­materials, machining technology and engineering plasticity has influenced professional practices in the Australian manufacturing industry; and his papers are critically cited and followed by other leading researchers worldwide. He has provided significant leadership in the establishment of world-class research teams, innovation of breakthrough technologies for Australian industries, advancement of new postgraduate programs for engineering education, and dissemination of Australian technologies to the international community.