Through his efforts in fostering research, training and education, and through his activity in professional bodies, Smith provides national leadership that has transformed mineral exploration geophysics in Australia from a primitive derivative craft to a profession with a major impact upon world practice and upon Australian mineral reserves. In particular, he has stimulated research in many institutions, greatly advancing the science and technology of exploration.
Smith is also a very effective spokesman for Australian geophysics overseas, enhancing our profile and giving a valuable commercial boost to the export activities of equipment manufacturers and contractors.