Alan Broadfoot

Professor Alan Broadfoot serves as Executive Director of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) at the University of Newcastle. NIER, a flagship research institute, focuses on industry-academia collaborations to address challenges in energy, resources, food, and water sectors. Under his leadership, NIER has grown to 360+ staff across 19 research centers, securing $164M in funding (2011–2019). Key achievements include the ARC Centre for Advanced Australian Iron Ore Technologies and partnerships with BHP, SPREP, and NSW Government initiatives like the Energy & Resources Knowledge Hub. Research priorities include resource productivity, low-emission energy systems, advanced materials, and climate resilience.

Alan’s vision emphasizes sustainability-driven innovation, expanding into food-water nexus solutions and Pacific region environmental collaboration. NIER’s facilities include the NIER Precinct (3.8 hectares) and specialized labs/workshops. Recent projects include Samoa’s coastal resilience MOU and geothermal energy research with Google Australia. Grant successes include $35M for coal methane abatement and $15M for ironmaking materials research. The Pacific Node supports regional environmental priorities through targeted PhD scholarships and disaster waste management programs.

Alan actively advises on drought resilience strategies via the SQNNSW Hub, focusing on climate science and community wellbeing. His leadership fosters industry partnerships,如 the Trailblazer for Recycling & Clean Energy (TRaCE) and the Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. NIER’s Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) embed students in industry-relevant projects,如 the Food & Agribusiness DTC at Ourimbah.