Vale Emeritus Professor John Sheridan
A pioneer in fluid mechanics and energy innovation
Professor John Sheridan, a distinguished figure in the field of fluid mechanics and a dedicated champion of sustainable energy research, has passed away. Over more than three decades, John's contributions transformed industries, improved safety, and helped Australia chase Olympic glory.
Before joining Monash University in the early 1990s, John spent ten years at CSIRO working on solar energy technologies, laying the foundation for a career deeply rooted in innovation and impact. At Monash, he quickly became a leading voice in fluid mechanics - the study of how liquids and gases move and interact with surfaces - specialising in understanding and manipulating the influence of air and water.
John’s work spanned an extraordinary range of applications. He led major research projects aimed at reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions, including a landmark ARC Linkage project with Linfox and Kenworth. This work focused on reducing drag in large transport vehicles through the use of active aerodynamic controls, such as oscillating flaps and air jets -innovations with the potential to significantly cut emissions across Australia's freight industry.
His expertise also reached the global high-speed rail sector. In collaboration with Central South University in China, John investigated the effects of desert winds on rail safety, helping to assess and mitigate the risk of crosswind-induced instability. This research led to further work with aerospace company Bombardier, where he and his students tackled the dangerous pressure waves created by fast-moving trains at stations.
A visionary in sports science, John played a key role in preparing Australia’s Olympic cyclists for the 2012 London Games. Partnering with the Australian Institute of Sport, his team used the Monash wind tunnel - the largest in the southern hemisphere - to optimise rider positioning and team configurations, giving athletes a crucial aerodynamic edge.
John was also a passionate advocate for renewable energy. Alongside Professor Hugh Blackburn, he investigated how the wake of one wind turbine affects others in clustered wind farms, and explored the performance of turbines placed near cliffs and escarpments - work that continues to shape the future of Australia’s wind energy infrastructure.
Beyond his research, John was a respected educator and leader. He was a longstanding member of the University, serving over 37 years with great dedication including Associate Dean (Research) for Engineering; Deputy and Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Head of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; President of Academic Board; and as a member of numerous University committees throughout the late 1990s and into the 2010s.
As Head of MAE in the early 2000s, he oversaw significant changes within the Department including the transformation of undergraduate laboratory spaces and the upgrading of research facilities for newly appointed academic staff. These efforts positioned the Department well for continued success in the years that followed.
Professor Sheridan’s legacy is one of curiosity, collaboration, and a tireless pursuit of solutions to some of the world’s most complex energy and environmental challenges. His work will continue to influence future generations of engineers and researchers.
He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, students, collaborators, and all who were inspired by his vision and dedication.
A memorial service to honour Professor Sheridan will be held at the Clayton campus Religious Centre at 2.30pm on Monday 4 August. An online condolence book is available to provide messages of support and well wishes to the Sheridan family.
