A 2006 ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow recognize the standards development contributions of Leslie R. Richardson, senior research scientist and group leader, Fire Research Group, Building Systems Dept. in Forintek Canada Corp.'s Eastern Laboratory. ASTM International Committee E05 on Fire Standards honored Richardson for his "leadership in the development and standardization of structural fire performance methods related to wood and in the development of people and procedures." The award is the highest Society recognition for individual participation in standards activities.

A former E05 chairman, Richardson has made significant contributions to standards development, to developing new leaders within the committee and to efficient operations. He has made these contributions over many years, having joined ASTM International in 1980 and served as chair of two different subcommittees.

At Forintek, Richardson has been the lead scientist for diverse projects, including investigations of fire safety, resistance, and performance in wood buildings; providing technical support and representation for various codes and standards committees; and investigating sound-transmission and noise insulation in multi-family wood frame dwellings. His recent research projects include analyzing fire loss statistics, determining sound transmission class and fire resistance ratings of floor and wall assemblies, identifying design and construction details that limit sound transmission, among others.

Author of numerous technical papers, Richardson is also affiliated with the American Forest and Paper Association, Canadian Advisory Committee for Technical Committee 92 on International Fire Standards of the International Organization for Standardization; Canadian Wood Council; National Fire Protection Association, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and Underwriters' Laboratories Canada Fire Test Committee.

Release #7454