Chair of the Engineers Australia Structural College, Karlie Collis, said Dr Taplin was recognised because of his impressive career that has spanned engineering, consulting and academia on a national and international level.

“The Structural College looks to award the John Connell medal to someone who has made a significant contribution to the structural engineering profession, and Dr Taplin is certainly an example of this,” Mrs Collis said.

“He has played a key role in the development of a number of structural engineering standards and continues to play an important role in educating the next generation of structural engineers. Both will leave a lasting legacy for the profession.”

AECOM Chief Executive for Australia and New Zealand, Lara Poloni, said the award was well-deserved for a lifetime of service and achievements.

“Dr Taplin is highly respected for his technical excellence at AECOM and throughout the wider engineering industry,” Ms Poloni said. 

“Through his extensive and distinguished career, in both government and private sectors – particularly in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of bridges – he has worked on some of Australia’s most iconic transport projects.

“In addition, Geoff is a wonderful role model and mentor and he has high ethical standards, attributes consistent with AECOM’s core values,” Ms Poloni said.