Person

Wright, John K. (1944 - )

Born
22 August 1944
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Occupation
Executive and Metallurgist

Summary

John Wright's actions as Chief of CSIRO Division of Coal and Energy Technology (later CSIRO Energy Technology) (1994-2002) changed the public perception and scientific focus of energy research in Australia, by engaging with the cutting edge of energy technology and re-locating the Division from a 60 year old laboratory to purpose-built new facility in Newcastle that demonstrated the future of energy. Wright is also known for his involvement in the development of the revolutionary direct smelting process known as Hismelt, while engaged as project leader at the National Energy Research Demonstration and Development Corporation (NERDDC) in the 1980s.

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Details

In 2008 Wright was awarded the CSIRO Medal for Lifetime Achievement for raising the profile of CSIRO's commitment to energy research and development and taking aleading role in the development of Australia's energy future.

Chronology

1966
Education - Bachelor of Science, University of New South Wales
1970
Education - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Extractive Metallurgy, University of New South Wales
1970 - 1973
Career position - Employed, Australian Mineral Development Laboratories (AMDEL), Adelaide
1973 - 1980
Career position - Leader of the iron ore processing group, CSIRO Division of Mineral Chemistry
1980 - 1983
Career position - Engineer, later Chief Process Engineer at Hatch Associates Metallurgical Consulting
1983 - 1986
Career position - Project Leader, National Energy Research Demonstration and Development Corporation (NERDDC)
1986 - 1994
Career position - Assistant Chief, CSIRO Division of Mineral Processing and Engineering (CMPE)
1994 - c. 1995
Career position - Chief of the Division of Coal and Energy Technology
c. 1995 - 2002
Career position - Chief, CSIRO Energy Technology
2002 - 2008
Career position - Foundation Director of the Director of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship Program
2007
Award - Schlumberger Gold Medal
2007
Award - CSIRO Partnership Award
2008
Award - CSIRO Medal for Lifetime Achievement
2008
Award - CSIRO Medal for Business Excellence
2009
Award - Excellence in community services award for the Fuels for Thought Forum, awarded by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Published resources

Books

  • Beale, Bob, Engineering a Legacy: Memories of the journey of CSIRO Chemical Engineering (Clayton, Victoria: CSIRO Minerals, 2005), 124 pp. pages 74, 88-89, 97, 107. Details

Resources

Resource Sections

See also

Rebecca Rigby

Created: 19 June 2012, Last modified: 5 March 2024

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