Professor Poulos has an impressive background in both academia and the profession. A large number of professionals and clients in Australia and overseas have come to use and admire Australian engineering as a result of his personal contribution. His work in pile foundation analysis and design has enabled the world’s geotechnical specialists to have a greater understanding of the way structures interact with the ground; one of the most challenging problems engineers face. His overall contribution to the engineering profession was recognized formally by the award of Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 and last year Professor Poulos was invited by the American Society of Civil Engineers to deliver the prestigious Terzaghi Lecture.