# Chris Davies, metallurgist who shaped modern materials

> The Monash University researcher whose work on metals advanced aircraft, vehicles, medical devices and 3D printing has died aged 61.
- Title: Chris Davies, metallurgist who shaped modern materials
- Summary: The Monash University researcher whose work on metals advanced aircraft, vehicles, medical devices and 3D printing has died aged 61. Chris Davies, a…
- Keywords: chris davies, monash university, metallurgy, materials science, 3d printing, academic research, news, politics, Chris, Davies, metallurgist, shaped
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/science/2026/oct/15/chris-davies-obituary
- Author: Helen Davies
- Published: 2026-10-15T18:59:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chris davies, monash university, metallurgy, materials science, 3d printing, academic research, news, politics
## Metallurgist who shaped materials science
Chris Davies, an academic metallurgist at Monash University in Australia, has died aged 61 of cancer. His research helped control metal properties during manufacturing.
## Research that made aircraft lighter
Much of Davies's work at Monash, where he moved from the UK in the early nineteen nineties, focused on light metals and alloys. This fed into lighter, stronger materials for aircraft, vehicles and medical devices.
## Advanced three D printing efficiency
His studies also supported advances in three D printing by showing how companies can produce high-performance metal components more efficiently, with less waste and lower energy consumption.
## Leadership and lasting legacy
Born in Cardiff, Davies joined Monash in nineteen ninety-four and remained there until his death.
## Key takeaway

Chris Davies, a metallurgist at Monash University whose research improved materials for aircraft, vehicles and medical devices, has died of cancer aged 61.