Dr Subramania RAMAKRISHNAN is an outstanding research leader who has made effective translations of technology through all steps of innovation, from invention to production. His R &D work places him as the leading developer of plasma technologies in Australia for a range of industrial applications, including plasma spraying, plasma cutting and waste treatment. One of his notable contributions has been the development of the PLASCON process for onsite treatment of toxic chemicals. The PLASCON system installed at Nufarm for the treatment of the by-products of 2,4-D manufacture is the first commercial plasma treatment plant in the world. He has also championed the development of world leading machine vision and automation technologies to substantially enhance the operations of Australian infrastructure companies, such as RTA-NSW, Telstra and Melbourne Water. He holds the position of Chief Research Scientist and is the Deputy Chief of CSIRO Division of Manufacturing Technology. His contribution to R&D and to the development of a technology park in the northern region of Melbourne has earned him the honour of appointment as Adjunct Professor in Electronic Engineering at La Trobe University. Dr Ramakrishnan's contribution is widely known in Australia and the technologies he has developed are sought after by overseas companies. Dr Ramakrishnan has demonstrated that blend of research ability and management skills which is essential for Australia to be a significant contributor to the industrial developments in the world.