Professor Sarath Kodagoda is a leading academic and researcher in robotics and mechatronics at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he serves as Acting Director of the UTS Robotics Institute. He specializes in sensor fusion, data processing, and machine learning, with a focus on robotic solutions for infrastructure inspection and assistive technologies. His work includes developing the Robotic Remote Lab teaching facilities and founding the iPipes lab for wastewater infrastructure research. Affiliations: UTS Robotics Institute, Faculty of Engineering & IT Leadership Roles: President of the Australian Robotics & Automation Association, Ambassador for NSW Smart Sensing Network His research interests span robotics, sensor networks, and infrastructure robotics, with notable contributions to pipeline inspection and tactile sensing. He has published over 170 papers, attracted $6M+ in grants, and supervised 12 PhD students now working at Amazon, Google, and ABB. Awards include the UTS Medal for Teaching & Research Integration and multiple national/international innovation awards. Recent work emphasizes robotic systems for wastewater infrastructure, assistive robotics for vision-impaired individuals, and advanced sensor technologies. His articles highlight innovations in tactile sensing skins, 3D object detection (e.g., CaLiJD, LMIINet), and pipeline defect detection (PIPE-CovNet+). Grants: Contracts with Amplitel, NBN Co Ltd, and ARC Linkage Projects Labs/Teams: UTS Robotics Institute, iPipes Lab
Professor Hong Hao is a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at Curtin University, affiliated with the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering and the Curtin Research Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring & Protection. His expertise spans Structural Dynamics, Earthquake Engineering, Blast and Impact Engineering, and Structural Health Monitoring. He holds prestigious roles like Fellow of ATSE, ISEAM, and ASCE, and has led organizations such as the International Association of Protective Structures and the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society. Education: BE (Tianjin University, 1982), MSc (UC Berkeley, 1985), PhD (UC Berkeley, 1989). Awards include the Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship and multiple Ko Medals. He has authored over 200 journal articles, with recent work focusing on blast-resistant materials, seismic fragility, and AI-driven structural health monitoring. His research emphasizes resilient infrastructure, including metaconcrete structures, corrosion-resistant materials, and sensor-based damage detection. Ongoing projects involve smart tunnel safety under BLEVE explosions and modular building systems.
Prof. Ivan Cole is an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University's School of Engineering, specializing in rapid materials discovery for corrosion protection, nanostructures, and additive manufacturing. His work integrates computational modeling with high-throughput experimentation, focusing on corrosion inhibitors, biocompatible surfaces, and additive manufacturing process optimization. With over 30 years of experience across academia and industry (including leadership roles at CSIRO and Centro-Svilluppo Materiali), he leads the Rapid Discovery & Fabrication Team (RDF) to advance these research areas. Research Interests: Corrosion science, microbially induced corrosion (MIC), additive manufacturing surfaces, nanostructure sensing, multiscale modeling, and green materials discovery. His team addresses challenges in corrosion protection, biomedical implants, and environmental remediation through innovative methodologies. Awards: 2019 Australian Corrosion Medal 2016 CSIRO Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 Best Paper in NACE Corrosion Supervision & Projects: Active in mentoring PhD/Master’s students across corrosion inhibition, additive manufacturing, and nanostructure design. Notable projects include developing quorum sensing inhibitors for biofilm control, in-situ monitoring for metal AM, and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors. Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Rapid Discovery & Fabrication Team and collaborates with industry partners to translate research into practical solutions for materials durability and sustainability.
Dr. Farhad Aslani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA), serving as Director of the Materials and Structures Innovation Group. He leads the $250M Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC and co-leads UWA's Engineering Materials Research Cluster. His research focuses on innovative construction materials, including self-sensing concrete, 3D-printed composites, and fire-resistant materials. He has secured over $20M in CRC funding and holds leadership roles in national/international conferences. Key awards include the 2024 Concrete Institute WA Rising Star Award and multiple citation milestones. His work aligns with sustainable development goals, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and infrastructure resilience. Education: PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (2014) Certificates in Leadership, Research Commercialization, Public Policy, and Project Management from Curtin University, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT, and UTS. Research Interests: Smart materials, sustainable concrete technologies, additive manufacturing, blast/fire resistance, and composites for infrastructure. His lab develops self-sensing concretes, lightweight engineered composites, and electromagnetic shielding materials. Grants & Projects: $4.3M ACM CRC project on composite repairs ARC grants for nanocomposite coatings and fire facilities Main Roads WA funding for timber bridge strengthening Expertise: Structural design, composite materials, and industrial collaborations (e.g., Woodside, Holcim). He advises on major projects like the Morley Ellenbrook Rail Line and Forrestfield Airport Link. Awards: 2024 Concrete Institute WA Rising Star Highly Cited Scholar (ScholarGPS, 2024) Most Cited Paper Awards (2018–2020)
Professor Bing-Jie (Bruce) Ni is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a full Professor at UNSW Sydney. He is an internationally recognised leader in environmental engineering, wastewater treatment, greenhouse-gas mitigation, microplastics fate, electrocatalysis and sustainable energy systems. Education PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei (2005–2009) Research Interests Professor Ni’s research integrates process engineering, microbial biotechnology, materials science and mathematical modelling to develop sustainable technologies for high-efficiency pollutant removal, minimal carbon footprint and maximal energy recovery from wastewater. He is a global pioneer in: Modelling and control of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emissions from wastewater systems, Micro- and nano-plastics ecotoxicity and mitigation in anaerobic digestion, Transforming sewage sludge into high-value liquid bio-energy (medium-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols), Designing cost-effective electrocatalysts from natural minerals for green hydrogen production and wastewater electrolysis. Research Output & Impact Over the last decade he has published 2 research books, 30 book chapters and >400 refereed journal papers , including 35 in Environmental Science & Technology and 85 in Water Research . His work has influenced global policy: the IPCC adopted his nitrous-oxide-emission model in 2019 to revise national greenhouse-gas inventories for the first time in 13 years. Awards & Recognition ARC Future Fellowship & ARC DECRA Fellowship Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science) Royal Society of Chemistry Highly Cited Researcher (2020–present) Mendeley Data Top 2 % Cited Researchers worldwide Listed among “Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers” (Engineers Australia, 2018) 50+ additional awards including Scopus Young Researcher Award, South Australian Water Awards, UQ Research Excellence Awards, and Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Awards. Research Funding & Leadership He has secured ≈ AUD $10 million in competitive funding (six major ARC grants plus >20 government, university and industry projects). He serves as: Lead Guest Editor, Water Research Editorial Advisory Board, Environmental Science & Technology Associate Editor for Journal of Cleaner Production , Environmental Chemistry Letters , Environmental Research , Journal of Environmental Management Editorial Board member for five additional high-impact journals. Teaching & Supervision At UTS he teaches Renewable Energy Technologies , Environmental and Sanitation Engineering , Process Dynamics and Control , and Water and Wastewater Treatment . He is available to supervise Masters and PhD students in environmental biotechnology, process modelling and sustainable energy systems. Laboratory & Commercial Translation He heads active research teams at both UNSW and UTS and is the inventor of >10 granted patents , some of which are currently being commercialised to deliver real-world impacts in greenhouse-gas-neutral wastewater treatment and renewable energy production.
Hongtao Zhu is an Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia, affiliated with the School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering. He holds a PhD from Northeastern University (China) and has held academic positions at UOW since 2002, progressing from Research Fellow (2002–2013) to Senior Lecturer/Lecturer (2013–2022) before becoming an Associate Professor in 2022. His research focuses on Contact Mechanics , Tribology , Advanced Manufacturing , and Computational Material Science . Notable contributions include studies on rail-wheel contact systems, high-entropy alloys, and friction reduction in manufacturing processes. He has authored/co-authored over 230 publications with an H-index of 38 (Scopus) and secured $2.2M in industry grants. Zhu leads the 'Wheel and Rail Contact System' research group, collaborating with major railway industries. He has supervised 22 PhD students (6 as principal supervisor) and currently oversees 5 PhD candidates. His professional roles include editorial board memberships for journals like Advances in Materials Science and Engineering and service as an assessor for funding bodies in Australia, Chile, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Key achievements include securing 5 ARC Discovery Projects, 3 ARC Linkage Projects, and industry collaborations with organizations like Sydney Trains and Comsteel. His work addresses critical challenges in rail infrastructure durability, material optimization, and sustainable manufacturing.
Dr. Miaoqiang Lyu is a Research Fellow at the School of Chemical Engineering , The University of Queensland . His work focuses on lead-free perovskites , flexible energy storage , and optoelectronic devices . Research Interests : Designing low-toxicity and stable semiconducting lead-free perovskites for solar energy conversion Developing flexible energy storage devices for Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors Advancing zinc batteries and aqueous electrolyte systems Photocatalytic hydrogen production and CO2 reduction Recent Article Trends : Focus on 2D/3D heterostructures, interstitial metal doping, and solvent-engineered interfaces Applications in indoor photovoltaics, artificial synaptic functions, and wearable electronics Lead-free perovskites for resistive memory and energy storage Scientific Awards : ARC DECRA Fellow Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow CRC for Polymers grant Supervision & Funding : Principal advisor for two PhD projects on lead-free perovskites and flexible batteries Current grants: Enabling low-toxicity perovskites for indoor photovoltaics (2026-2030), Printable zinc ion batteries (2025-2026) Labs & Collaborations : Affiliated with the Nanomaterials Centre at UQ Collaborations with Professor Lianzhou Wang , Professor Ian Gentle , and Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe
Cameron L. Bentley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Monash University (2015), focusing on electroanalysis in ionic liquids. After completing his doctorate, he worked at the University of Warwick (UK) through prestigious fellowships including Endeavour, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and Ramsay Memorial. In November 2020, he returned to Monash to lead an independent research group funded by a DECRA Fellowship. Affiliations: School of Chemistry (Monash University), Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group (former) Research Focus: Nanoscale electrochemistry, electrocatalyst design for renewable energy (water splitting, CO₂ reduction), and single nanoparticle electrochemistry. Bentley’s research innovatively combines scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with correlative microscopy/spectroscopy to study structure-activity relationships in electrochemical materials. Key projects include nanoscale imaging of water-splitting electrodes and developing platforms to probe individual nanoparticles for battery materials. Research Outputs: Over 77 publications since 2013, with recent focus on SECCM advancements, electrocatalyst optimization, and nanoscale reaction imaging. His work addresses pressing challenges in renewable energy storage and nanomaterials. Awards: A.M. Bond Medal (2023), Early Career Analytical Electrochemistry Prize (ISE Division 1, 2020) Grants: ARC DECRA Fellowship, CSIRO collaboration (2023–2027) He supervises PhD students in nanoscale reaction imaging and single nanoparticle electrochemistry, requiring competitive scholarships for international candidates.
Associate Professor Judy Hart is a materials scientist at the School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney , specializing in the development of semiconducting materials for renewable energy applications. Her work integrates computational (DFT) and experimental approaches to understand composition-property relationships in systems like solid solutions , heterostructures , and doped materials for photocatalysis and solar cells . She leads projects funded by ARC Discovery and Linkage grants , including work on photo-electro-catalysis systems and stabilizing ceramic materials . Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (Monash University, 2007), BEng (Materials) (Monash, 2002) Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer (UNSW, 2017–), Lecturer (UNSW, 2013–2017), University of Bristol (2007–2012) Research Interests Her research focuses on designing materials for renewable energy , particularly photoelectrochemical water splitting and organic oxidation reactions . Key areas include Density Functional Theory (DFT) , defect engineering , band gap tuning , and nanostructured materials . She investigates ferroelectric polarization effects , metal oxide heterostructures , and stability of battery components , with applications in hydrogen production , CO2 conversion , and advanced battery materials . Scientific Awards Ramsay Memorial Fellowship (University of Bristol, 2007–2009) Teaching Contributions She is co-author of the 1st Australian & New Zealand edition of "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" , and teaches courses on computational materials science , corrosion-resistant surfaces , mechanical behavior of metals , and materials design .
Dr. Arman Khoshghalb is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, where he has been a faculty member since 2012. His academic credentials include a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from UNSW (2012), an MSc from Sharif University of Technology (2005), and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the same institution (2003). His research focuses on numerical modeling of multi-phase porous media , with emphasis on unsaturated soils, large deformation analysis, and dynamic soil behavior. Key areas include meshfree computational methods, soil-structure interaction, bio-cementation, and thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in geotechnical systems. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in slope stability, foundation engineering, and sustainable ground improvement. Dr. Khoshghalb's publications predominantly explore geomechanical modeling, experimental soil mechanics, and computational techniques. Recent trends highlight innovations in bio-cemented soils, thermal properties of unsaturated soils, and adaptive numerical methods for complex geotechnical simulations. Awards & Honors: IACMAG Excellent Paper Award (2017) UNSW Research Excellence Award (2012) Advising & Grants: He has supervised 7+ PhD students on topics ranging from weak rock mechanics to computational geomechanics. Funded projects include: ARC Discovery Project (2019–2021): "Non-isothermal dynamic strain localisation in unsaturated porous media" ($298,257) ARC Linkage Infrastructure Grant (2015): "Earthquake shaking table for soil-structure interactions" ($320,000) ARC Linkage Project (2014–2017): "Constitutive modelling of weak rocks" ($314,280) He leads research within UNSW's geotechnical engineering group, collaborating on large-scale experimental testing and computational frameworks for infrastructure resilience.
Dr. Ali Kashani is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable and low-carbon concrete materials, robot-aided construction (particularly 3D printing), and Circular Economy-aligned applications. Leadership in cementitious materials innovation Expertise in 3D printing for construction Advocate for waste valorisation and carbon capture Dr. Kashani has secured approximately $7 million in research funding and holds a patent in lightweight concrete foam. His work spans 70+ publications with 9,000+ citations, including media coverage in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Fifth Estate. He actively contributes to professional organizations such as MECLA, RILEM, and ASTM. Recent research trends include AI and optimization algorithms for sustainable concrete mix design, chloride diffusion modeling, and 3D printing performance analysis. His publications often address waste material integration, durability assessment, and eco-friendly construction practices. Scientific Awards: National and NSW Awards for 'Excellence in Concrete' (Technology and Innovation) from the Concrete Institute of Australia Churchill Fellowship for Digital Construction and 3D Printing sponsored by AVJennings Dr. Kashani serves as Co-Chair of the cement and concrete working group at MECLA and contributes to RILEM and ASTM committees. His email is ali.kashani@unsw.edu.au , and his office is located in the Civil Engineering Building (H20), Level 2, Room CE204, UNSW.
Assoc. Professor Enbang Li is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Physics within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences at the University of Wollongong. His research focuses on photonics, medical physics, and optical sensor technologies with applications in radiation dosimetry, biomedical engineering, and wearable devices. He has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students in areas such as fiber-optic dosimetry for radiotherapy, blood glucose sensing, and microfluidics. His work includes advancements in fiber-optic dosimeters for MRI-LINAC systems, polymer-based biosensors for glucose monitoring, and integrated photonic sensors for temperature and pressure measurements. He has secured funding from organizations like the Australian Synchrotron Research Program and the University of Wollongong for projects related to dosimetry and photonic integration. Recent publications highlight innovations in HDR brachytherapy dosimetry, flexible electro-optic modulators for ECG signals, and lab-on-a-chip systems. His research also extends to material science, including corrosion studies of Al-Mg alloys and the dynamic behavior of sunscreens under in-service conditions.
Professor Christopher Berndt is a Distinguished Professor in Surface Science and Engineering at the School of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, where he joined in 2008 as the founding professor of this discipline. He previously held founding professorships at James Cook University and was a tenured professor at Stony Brook University, USA, where he remains an Adjunct Professor. He also served as a Fellow at NASA-Lewis Research Center, working on thermal barrier coatings. His leadership in professional societies includes serving as President of the Thermal Spray Society (ASM) and being inducted into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame in 2007. His research interests center on materials engineering , particularly surface science , thermal spray technologies , high-entropy alloys , and coatings for extreme environments . He also contributes significantly to biomedical engineering through bioactive coatings and clean energy via advanced materials for batteries and hydrogen technologies. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial applications in aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. The recent publications reveal a strong focus on advanced thermal spray techniques such as HVOF and HVAF, development of high-entropy and medium-entropy alloys, and innovative coating applications in energy storage, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature protection. His research consistently emphasizes microstructural control, phase stability, and mechanical performance under extreme conditions. Inducted into the Thermal Spray Hall of Fame (2007) Fellow of the Australian Institution of Engineers Fellow of ASM International Fellow of The Institution of Metallurgists (UK) Fellow of ASME, ACS, and ACerS Chartered Engineer (UK) Professional Engineer (Australia) Member of the College of Bioengineers (Australia) Professor Berndt actively supervises numerous PhD students, with current projects on high-entropy alloys, internal pipe coatings, and biomedical surface engineering. He has secured extensive research funding from organizations including the Australian Research Council (ARC), Department of Defence, Office of Naval Research (US), and industry partners such as Entromat and Amaero Engineering. He leads major initiatives such as the ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) and has contributed to commercialization projects in space vehicle manufacturing. He is the Founding Editor and now Editor Emeritus of the Journal of Thermal Spray Technology and has edited over 10 conference proceedings. His research network spans across Australia, the USA, and Thailand, reflecting a strong international collaborative footprint in advanced materials research.
Dr. Tuquabo Tesfamichael is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering (MMPE), Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He obtained his Ph.D. from Uppsala University (Sweden) in 2000 followed by a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at QUT. Dr. Tesfamichael serves as the Subject Area Coordinator for undergraduate Mechanical Engineering (EN01) and Course Coordinator for postgraduate Advanced Materials (EN54). Dr. Tesfamichael's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas in materials science and engineering. His primary interests include thin film technology, nanostructured materials and nanotechnology, metal oxide thin film gas sensors, perovskite solar cells, and nanostuctured metallic glasses thin films for biomedical applications. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy, sensing, and biomedical fields. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on thermoelectric materials, metallic glasses for biomedical applications, and advanced sensor technologies. His research consistently explores the intersection of nanotechnology, materials engineering, and practical applications, with significant contributions to flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and biomedical device development. The work demonstrates a progression toward increasingly sophisticated material systems with multifunctional properties. Dr. Tesfamichael has secured over $1.3 million in research grants and awards from prestigious sources including Defense Science Technology, ARC Discovery Grants, and Japanese Society for Promotion of Science Fellowships. His research collaborations span international institutions including Hokkaido University in Japan and Uppsala University in Sweden. Defense Science Technology - DST (2021-22) National and International Research Alliances Program (2010-12) AINSE Research Grants (2003-2013) ARC Discovery Grant (2006-08) Japanese Society for Promotion of Science Fellowships (2007, 2013) With over 70 journal articles, more than 3000 citations, and an h-index of 31, Dr. Tesfamichael has established himself as a significant contributor to materials science. He has supervised 13 PhD students to completion in the last decade and currently mentors 5 additional PhD candidates. His research leadership extends to membership on the Board of Directors for the UNI Doctoral Program in Sciences and active participation in the Centre for Materials Science and Centre for Biomedical Technologies at QUT.
Dr. Andrey Molotnikov is an Associate Professor in Additive Manufacturing and Director of the RMIT Centre for Additive Manufacturing at RMIT University's School of Engineering. His expertise spans additive manufacturing, computational materials science, and multi-material 3D printing. He leads a research team of 8 academics, multiple postdocs, and 10 PhD students, focusing on innovations like multi-material printing, high entropy alloys, and in-process quality assurance. Key research themes include architectured materials, computational modeling of solidification processes, and fatigue analysis of additively manufactured components. His work has resulted in over 80 publications (h-index 29) and several patents, with industry collaborations driving technology adoption. Recent publications (2022–2025) emphasize advancements in laser-based processes, defect detection via machine learning, and biomedical applications of additive manufacturing. He actively supervises research projects on topics such as hierarchical lattice structures and hybrid materials, supported by ARC grants and industry partnerships. Dr. Molotnikov’s labs and teams prioritize cross-disciplinary collaboration, aiming to bridge computational modeling with practical manufacturing solutions. His research addresses challenges in material compatibility, process optimization, and structural integrity of AM components.
