Emeritus Professor Laurence J Walsh AO received his undergraduate education in dentistry at the University of Queensland (UQ) and then undertook a PhD, followed by postdoctoral education at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests are in advanced technologies such as lasers and biomaterials. He was Professor of Dental Science and the research group leader for advanced materials and technologies in the UQ School of Dentistry from January 2000 until his retirement in December 2020. During his retirement, he remains active in hands-on research work and the supervision of research students.