Chris Davies obituary

My brother, Chris Davies, who has died aged 61 of cancer, was an academic metallurgist whose research helped to bring about a better understanding of why metals behave the way they do – and therefore how to control their properties during manufacturing.

Much of his research took place at Monash University in Australia, where he had moved from the UK in the early 1990s. In particular, his work on the behaviour of light metals and alloys fed into the development of lighter, stronger and more reliable materials used in the making of aircraft, vehicles and medical devices.

Chris’s studies also helped to support advances in 3D printing by providing insights into how companies can produce high-performance metal components more efficiently, with less waste and lower energy consumption.

Born in Cardiff, Chris was the son of Jack and his wife, Margaret (nee Powell), both teachers of English. He attended Cardiff high school and then gained a degree in engineering at Imperial College London, where he stayed on to do a PhD.

In 1992 he moved to Vancouver in Canada to do two years of postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia, before joining Monash in Melbourne in 1994 and remaining there until his death, initially in a teaching role but thereafter specialising mainly in research.

In addition, Chris held a number of leadership roles at Monash over the years, including as associate dean of research, deputy dean of external engagements and deputy dean of operations in the Faculty of Engineering. He was president of the Academic Board from 2016 to 2019, and in 2025 was named to the Monash Honour Roll, a mark of the esteem in which he was held for his integrity, humour and unwavering commitment.

Beyond his life in academia Chris loved reading, enjoyed print making, painting and drawing and appreciated music of all genres. He was an avid sports fan, having played club hockey in his younger days, and was a member of the Cardiff Nomads Angling Club.

He is survived by his second wife, Sam (nee Lipscombe), whom he married in 2011, a son, Calum, from his first marriage to Louise (nee Hehir), which ended in divorce, and his siblings, Graham and me.