Dr John Marshall Burgess is distinguished for his outstanding individual achievements and his leadership in the applied sciences and technologies of iron and steelmaking.

He has also played an active role at the interface between industry, government, research and education.

His contributions to the technology of the iron-making blast furnace, and to the application of research findings to plant operations, are internationally recognised as of major importance.
These contributions and his outstanding research leadership have led to his present appointment as General Manager Research of BHP Co. Ltd.