It is with heavy heart that the Royal Society of NSW records the sudden death of one of its Fellows, Emeritus Professor Christopher Fell AO FRSN FTSE, at the age of 82 on 8 December 2022.
In addition to being Chair of the NCRIS Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), and a member of the NSW Government Independent Planning Authority, Professor Fell was also active in technology and engineering in many professional networks. He was a former Dean of Engineering and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and International) at UNSW Sydney and is widely known for his pioneering research into the development of low-pressure membrane processes for water treatment and chemical handling.
Chris Fell was elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 1988 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales in 2015. He was recognised for his services to science and engineering through various Australian Honours, being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2003, awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001, and most recently made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2021 for distinguished service to science and engineering, particularly to nanotechnology research and fabrication, and to professional networks. He was a strong supporter of young researchers through his sponsorship of student research prizes.
The Society extends its sincere condolences to his family. We understand that a celebration of his well-lived life will be held in early 2023.