{{Short description|Australian scientist}} {{Infobox person | name = Arnold Dix | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|3|8}} | birth_place = Monbulk, Victoria, Australia | alma_mater = Monash University | occupation = geologist, engineer, lawyer, scientist, author | spouse = Divina Dix | relatives = Helena Dix (sister)<br>Colin Dix (brother) | awards = Alan Neyland Australasian Tunnelling Society bi-annual award (2011)<br>NFPA Distinguished Committee Service Award (2022)<br>Monash University 2024 Science Alumni of the Year<ref name="Monash2024" /> | website = {{URL|https://arnolddix.com/}} }} '''Arnold Dix''' (born 8 March 1964) is a geologist, engineer, lawyer, scientist and author from Monbulk, Australia. He is a former president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA).<ref name="ITA">{{cite web |title=World Tunnel Congress 2022 – Prof. Arnold Dix elected ITA President |url=https://www.tunnel-online.info/en/artikel/world-tunnel-congress-2022-prof-arnold-dix-elected-ita-president-3851711.html |website=tunnel-online.info |date=2022 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref>
== Early life and education == Dix earned an honours Bachelor of Science from Monash University in 1986, and a bachelor of laws from Monash University in 1988.<ref name="Jones2023">{{cite web |title=PRESS RELEASE – Charismatic Australian elected President of influential global association |author=Penny Jones |date=1 February 2023 |url=https://tunnelling.com.au/news/charismatic-australian-elected-president-of-influential-global-association/ |website=Australian Tunnelling Society |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref name="ProfilePDF">{{cite web |title=Arnold Dix - Profile |url=https://arnolddix.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Arnold-Dix-Profile.pdf |format=PDF |publisher=ArnoldDix.com |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref>
== Career == Dix is a registered barrister at the High Court of Australia and a member of the Victorian bar.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Agarwal |first1=Mehak |title=Meet Professor Arnold Dix, the Australian expert who turned savior in Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/in-focus/story/meet-professor-arnold-dix-the-australian-expert-who-turned-savior-in-uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-operation-407582-2023-11-29 |website=Business Today |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=The Quint |title=Tunnel Expert Who Helped Rescue 41 Trapped Men in Uttarkashi: Who is Arnold Dix? |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/world/who-is-arnold-dix-the-tunnel-expert-rescuing-41trapped-men-in-uttarkashi#read-more |website=The Quint |date=22 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> He is a former counsel to White & Case legal firm<ref>{{cite news |last1=The Economic Times |title=Engineer, geologist, lawyer: The many hats worn by Arnold Dix, the man behind the miraculous Uttarkashi rescue |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/engineer-geologist-lawyer-the-many-hats-worn-by-arnold-dix-the-man-behind-the-miraculous-uttarakashi-rescue/articleshow/105599939.cms?from=mdr |website=The Economic Times |date=30 November 2023 |publisher=The Economic Times |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> and a former partner of law firms Maddock Lonie & Chisholm; and DLA Phillips Fox. Dix is Professor of Engineering at Tokyo City University.<ref>{{cite news |last1=The Hindu Bureau |title=Australia proud of professor assisting Silkyara rescue efforts: envoy |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/australia-proud-of-professor-assisting-silkyara-rescue-efforts-envoy/article67567025.ece |work=The Hindu |date=23 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> He is Professor of Engineering at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mitwpuofficial_mitwpu-arnolddix-futureofinfrastructure-activity-7389624599996559360-EF2L |title=MIT-WPU appoints Prof. Arnold Dix as Professor of Engineering |website=LinkedIn |date=2025 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> He is a former professor of engineering at Queensland University of Technology and at Western Sydney University.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abraham |first1=Bobins |title=Who Is Arnold Dix, The Australian Underground Expert Involved In Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue? |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/who-is-arnold-dix-the-australian-underground-expert-in-uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-621616.html |website=India times |date=24 November 2023 |access-date=7 September 2024}}</ref>
Dix is a former president of International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA), which is based in Geneva.<ref name="ITA" /> He is also the founder of The ALARP Group.<ref name="ALARP">{{cite web |title=The ALARP Group |url=https://alarpgroup.com |website=ALARP Group |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref>
In 2023, he was part of the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation of 41 workers in India who were trapped in Uttarkashi, India.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Clure |first1=Elias |title=Arnold Dix, the 'nerdy' Aussie farmer behind the Indian tunnel rescue that saved 41 people |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-13/arnold-dix-aussie-farmer-behind-indian-tunnel-rescue/103225332 |newspaper=ABC News |date=13 December 2023 |publisher=abc.net |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
Dix has also been involved in improving the safety of bulk milk truck tankers. In 2023, he was announced by the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) as the keynote speaker for Bulk Tanker Day.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia |title=The 'Tunnel Guy' Digs In For Bulk Tanker Day |url=https://hvia.asn.au/the-tunnel-guy-digs-in-for-bulk-tanker-day/#:~:text=Bulk%20Tanker%20Day%20is%20the,both%20organisations%20made%20in%202009. |website=Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia |date=29 April 2024 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
In 2020, Dix, together with Lord Robert Mair and Peter Vickery QC, established Underground Works Chambers.<ref name="uwchambers">{{cite web |title=Underground Works Chambers |url=https://uwchambers.com |website=Underground Works Chambers |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> The company offers technical and regulatory solutions for challenges related to underground spaces.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Times of India |title=How tunneling expert Arnold Dix played a crucial role in the successful rescue operation in Uttarkashi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/tunneling-expert-arnold-dix-played-a-crucial-role-in-the-successful-rescue-operation-in-uttarkashi/articleshow/105594131.cms |website=Times of India |date=29 November 2023 |publisher=Times of India |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
Dix is a member of the National Fire Protection Association standards committees for Road (NFPA 502) and Rail (NFPA 130) Tunnels safety.<ref>{{cite web |last1=National Fire Protection Association |title=Technical Committee on Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems (FKT-AAA) NFPA 130 First Draft Meeting (A2025) |url=https://docinfofiles.nfpa.org/files/AboutTheCodes/130/130_A2025_FKT_AAA_FDMinutes_10_23.pdf |website=National Fire Protection Association |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref> He also serves on PIARC for road Tunnel related matters.
In September 2025, the ITA, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), appointed Dix as inaugural chair of its nuclear waste disposal working group to support UN Member States in developing deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste.<ref>{{cite web |title=ITA and IAEA to explore GDF collaboration and development |url=https://tunnellingjournal.com/ita-and-iaea-to-explore-gdf-collaboration-and-development/ |website=Tunnelling Journal |date=16 October 2025 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tunnelling industry expands cooperation with IAEA on waste repositories |url=https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/tunnelling-industry-expands-cooperation-with-iaea-on-waste-repositories |website=World Nuclear News |date=2025 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref>
=== Uttarakhand tunnel rescue === {{Main|Uttarakhand tunnel rescue}} On 19 November 2023, Dix joined the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation.<ref name=":0" /> Upon arrival, Dix promised to evacuate all 41 workers safely. Dix played a leading role in the operation that saved 41 workers who were trapped nearly 200 ft below the surface. He worked together with five agencies ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL, who had encountered difficulties completing the rescue mission.<ref>{{cite web |last1=FP Explainers |title=Meet Arnold Dix, Aus expert roped in for Uttarkashi tunnel rescue |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-who-is-arnold-dix-the-australian-expert-roped-in-for-rescue-ops-13425122.html |website=Firstpost |date=24 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dhar |first1=Aniruddha |title='If national agencies hadn't cooperated...': Arnold Dix's 'perfect' remark on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/if-national-agencies-hadnt-cooperated-arnold-dixs-perfect-remark-on-uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-101701365452020.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
Dix suggested that the team use soft mining techniques, to avoid disturbing the mountain and causing another avalanche which would put the workers at further risk. Rescuers had been using large earth drilling machines which caused vibrations that made the tunnel more unsafe. The large drills also broke down from hitting metal obstacles from the collapsed tunnel, forcing the rescue operation to be paused frequently.<ref>{{cite web |last1=AP |title=Digging to rescue 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in India halted after machine breaks |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-uttarakhand-workers-trapped-tunnel-0e8a57c435281d97ac95e3613b98f5c8 |website=AP |date=25 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> Dix proposed much slower and gentle approaches that he considered safer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baruah |first1=Rishika |last2=Srinivasan |first2=Chandrashekar |title=This Article is From Nov 29, 2023 "Advised Rat-Hole Mining After...": Tunnelling Expert Details Rescue Op |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-arnold-dix-uttarakhand-tunnel-news-softly-softly-how-tunnelling-expert-arnold-dix-rescued-41-workers-4616893 |website=NDTV |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> The rescuers used a thin pipe to carry the trapped workers to safety. They finally excavated by hand to avoid disturbing the rock and causing further damage.<ref name="nakam">{{cite web |last1=Amalaraj |first1=Perkin |title=Australian tunnel expert revealed as mastermind behind miracle rescue of 41 Indian miners who were trapped underground for 17 days - as full details of claustrophobic escape emerge |url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/australian-tunnel-expert-revealed-as-mastermind-behind-miracle-rescue-of-41-indian-miners-who-were-trapped-underground-for-17-days-as-full-details-of-claustrophobic-escape-emerge/ar-AA1kHolT?ocid=mailmignout |website=Daily Mail |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
Dix displayed faith during the rescue by praying at a makeshift temple during the rescue, which gained attention on social media. During the rescue mission, Dix was seen praying at the temple of local deity Baba Bokh Naag ji.<ref>{{cite web |last1=HT News Desk |title='Miracle': Tunnelling expert Arnold Dix says he will visit temple because... |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/miracle-tunnelling-expert-arnold-dix-says-he-will-visit-temple-because-101701233050255.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=The Statesman |title='When science and technology meet faith': Tunneling expert Dix offers prayers at makeshift temple |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/when-science-and-technology-meet-faith-tunneling-expert-dix-offers-prayers-at-makeshift-temple-1503244985.html |website=The Statesman |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Abraham |first1=Bobins |title=Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Australian Expert Arnold Dix Offers Prayers Before Baba Bokhnaag After Successful Evacuation |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-australian-expert-arnold-dix-offers-prayers-before-baba-bokhnaag-622042.html |website=India Times |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref>
== Personal life == Dix has two siblings, Helena Dix and the late Colin Dix. He is married to Divina Dix. He has three children—Sam, Hannah and Edward—from his first marriage to Karen Beckmann. He has one stepchild, Trisha, from his current marriage.<ref name="sol">{{cite web |last1=Crowe |first1=Alex |date=26 January 2024 |title=From Victoria's troublemaker to India's hero |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/from-victoria-s-troublemaker-to-india-s-hero-20231221-p5et45.html |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=The Age}}</ref>
== Awards and honors == He was a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Australian of the Year competition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arnold Dix honoured as Victorian finalist for Australian of the Year |url=https://rangestrader.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2025-11-07/arnold-dix-honoured-as-victorian-finalist-for-australian-of-the-year/ |website=Ranges Trader Mail |date=7 November 2025 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref>
=== Awards === * In 2011, he was the recipient of the Alan Neyland Tunnelling Society award for tunnel fire safety excellence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=HT News Desk |title='Australian giving us master class': Here's why Mahindra lauds Uttarakhand rescuer Arnold Dix |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/australian-giving-us-master-class-here-s-why-mahindra-lauds-uttarakhand-rescuer-arnold-dix-101701171712283.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=28 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> * In 2022, Dix was honored with a Committee Service Award by the National Fire Protection Association of the United States of America for his contribution to road and rail tunnel fire safety.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dhar |first1=Aniruddha |title=Who is Arnold Dix, underground expert roped in for Uttarkashi tunnel rescue? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/who-is-arnold-dix-underground-expert-roped-in-for-uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-101700786290520.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=24 November 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> * In 2023, Dix received recognition from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his work in the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue.<ref>{{cite web |last1=ET Online |title=Arnold Dix, Uttarkashi tunnel rescuer honoured by Aussie PM; Albanese says '2 nations in his debt' |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/arnold-dix-uttarkashi-tunnel-rescuer-honoured-by-aussie-pm-albanese-says-2-nations-in-his-debt/videoshow/105840135.cms?from=mdr |website=Economic Times |date=8 December 2023 |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> * In 2024, Dix was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by Monash University.<ref name="Monash2024">{{cite web |title=2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards – Arnold Dix |url=https://www.monash.edu/alumni/community/distinguished-alumni-awards/2024/arnold-dix |website=Monash University |date=2024 |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref>
== Publications == * Dix, A. (2005). "Tunnel Fire Safety and the Law". In Beard, Alan; Carvel, Richard (eds.). ''The Handbook of Tunnel Fire Safety''. Thomas Telford. {{doi|10.1680/hotfs.31685.0020}} * Burns, Penelope; Stevens, Garry; Sandy, Kate; Dix, Arnold; et al. (2013). "Human behaviour during an evacuation scenario in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel". ''Australian Journal of Emergency Management''. {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/AJEM_Vol_28No1articleonly.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2011). ''The Fatal Burnley Tunnel Crashes Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Incident – 23 March 2007'' (Expert Report for Victorian Coroner). {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Dix-Report-Burnley-9.6.11.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2011). "Risk Analysis – from the Garden of Eden to its Seven most Deadly Sins". ''14th International Symposium on Aerodynamics and Ventilation of Tunnels (ISAVT 14)'', Dundee, Scotland. {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/seven_sins_final1.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2012). "Cable Certification – Crisis or Crossroads?". ''Tunnelling Journal'', Oct/Nov 2012. {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tunnelling-Journal-Cable-Certification-Crisis-or-Crossroads-Oct-Nov-2012-issue.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2013). "Emergency Cable Cert Withdrawal – 3M/UL". ''Tunnelling Journal''. {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tunnelling-Journal-Emergency-Cable-Cert-Withdrawal-3M-UL-Article-2-2013.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2016). "Doing the Best with the Resources Available: Tunnel Safety and Security in a Severely Resources Limited World". ''ISTSS Montreal 2016''. {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/A-Dix-Paper-ISTSS-Montreal-2016.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2019). "“Rock Beats Paper” – The Renaissance of Fairness in Ground Risk Allocation – the new ITA/FIDIC Emerald Book". ''Tunnelling Journal'', September 2019. {{URL|https://uwchambers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tunnelling-Journal-Rock-Beats-Paper-Emerald-Book-Sept-2019.pdf}} * Dix, A. (2020). "Regulatory Baseline Reporting: The Case for Quantifying Expected Regulatory Costs and Delays in a Baseline Report – Lessons in Crown Unfairness from Australia". ''International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)'', Volume 11, Issue 08, August 2020. {{doi|10.34218/IJCIET.11.8.2020.006}} {{URL|1=http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=11&IType=8}} * Dix, A. (2020). "Air Cleaning Technologies for Tunnels – Honesty is the Best Policy for Protecting Human Health". ''International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)'', Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2020. {{URL|1=http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=11&IType=1}} * Dix, A. (2020). "The Renaissance of Fairness in Ground Risk Allocation – The New ITA/FIDIC Emerald Book". ''International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)'', Volume 11, Issue 1, 2020. {{URL|1=http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=11&IType=1}} * Dix, Arnold (2025). ''The Promise: How an everyday hero made the impossible possible''. Australia, AU: Simon & Schuster Australia. {{ISBN|1761429167}}
== References == {{Reflist}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dix, Arnold}} Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:Australian mining engineers Category:21st-century Australian engineers Category:Australian barristers Category:21st-century Australian non-fiction writers Category:Australian male non-fiction writers Category:Writers from Victoria (state) Category:Monash University alumni Category:Academic staff of the Queensland University of Technology Category:Academic staff of Western Sydney University