Edward Obbard

Associate Professor Edward Obbard is a nuclear materials engineer at UNSW Sydney, leading the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre and coordinating postgraduate nuclear engineering programs. He holds a PhD in materials science (Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2010) and a degree in Mechanical Design from the University of Nottingham. His research focuses on advanced nuclear materials, blockchain for nuclear safeguards, and virtual reality tools for nuclear engineering. He leads major initiatives such as the $21.7m SUNRISE consortium and the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering program (2023-2025).

His work spans nuclear fuel development, radiation shielding, and fusion reactor materials. He has pioneered blockchain applications for nuclear materials accounting, earning the 2021 Innovation in Global Security Prize. He teaches courses in reactor physics, nuclear safety, and project management.

Edward supervises seven PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers. His grants include an ARC Linkage Project ($665k) with Tokamak Energy. He advises on IAEA safeguards and contributes to Australia's nuclear energy policy. His research integrates materials science, engineering design, and societal challenges posed by nuclear energy deployment.

• Education:
  • PhD in Materials Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2010)
  • BEng in Mechanical Design, University of Nottingham, UK
• Grants/Projects:
  • Leading $21.7m SUNRISE consortium for nuclear fuels
  • ARC Linkage Project ($665k + industry funding)
• Labs/Groups:
  • UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre
  • SYNL Research Group
  • PhD research collaboration with Chinese Academy of Sciences