Ian Frigaard is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, since 2000. He leads a research group that is focused on non-Newtonian fluid mechanics and understanding associated industrial processes. Areas of keen interest are centered around cementing of wells, preventing leakage and techniques for the eventual abandonment – issues related to GHG emission control and long-term environmental protection. He has worked on these topics for over 27 years, including earlier with SLB. The research work combines experimental, mathematical and computational approaches. He has been a member of the SPE for over 25 years and is a Fellow of the Society of Rheology. He is recipient of the Killam Research Prize (UBC), the Drilling Engineering Award (SPE), the Stanley Mason Award (CSoR) and the Fluid Mechanics Medal of the Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineers.