Greg Leslie

Professor Greg Leslie is a distinguished academic at the University of New South Wales, where he serves in the School of Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on water and nutrient recycling using experimental and numerical modeling techniques to improve membrane processes for recycling water and nutrients from municipal and industrial waste. He has made significant contributions to understanding the performance of polymeric and ceramic membranes in desalination, water recycling, biofuels, and meat abattoir applications.

Professor Leslie's research interests center on sustainable water management, with particular emphasis on membrane technologies for water recycling and treatment. His work spans fundamental research on membrane processes, including fouling mechanisms, membrane aging, and performance optimization, as well as practical applications in water recycling systems. His research team actively investigates innovative approaches to reduce the environmental footprint of water, food, and biofuel sectors through advanced membrane technologies and sustainable engineering practices. Recent work has expanded into areas such as green hydrogen production, climate resilience, and food-water security, demonstrating the breadth and relevance of his research portfolio.

Analysis of Professor Leslie's recent publications reveals a strong focus on membrane technology applications for water treatment, with increasing attention to sustainability challenges including climate change impacts, resource recovery, and the water-energy nexus. His work spans fundamental membrane science, practical water treatment applications, and broader sustainability issues related to water security. The integration of computational methods, particularly machine learning applications for water treatment optimization, represents a growing trend in his research portfolio. His publications demonstrate consistent high-impact contributions across multiple disciplines including chemical engineering, environmental science, and sustainable development.

• Finalist, New Inventors, ABC TV program for 'RO sub surface drip irrigation system' (2011)
• Co-recipient, Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Water Innovation (2010)
• Most Outstanding Technical Paper, American Desalting Association (1996)
• Elected to the College of Fellows, Institute for the Advancement of Engineering (1995)
• Exemplary Service Award from the Orange County Engineering Council (1995)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Water Research Institute (1994)

Professor Leslie has supervised numerous students throughout his career, currently mentoring 2 postdocs and 5 PhD students, with previous supervision of 3 Masters and 4 PhD students to completion. His current students include Keng Han Tng (Mechanical Reliability of Water Recycling Systems), Amos Branch (MBR validation guidelines), David Grant (ceramic membranes for water reuse in broiler abattoirs), Xuefei Liu (CFD modeling of MBR Systems), and Zenah Bradford-Hartke (Phosphorus recovery from wastewater plants). He has secured significant research funding including Australian Research Council Discovery Projects and Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grants, demonstrating strong grant acquisition capabilities in water research.

Professor Leslie leads a vibrant research team focused on membrane processes for water recycling and treatment. His team collaborates extensively with industry and international partners on projects addressing critical water challenges. Current work includes developing innovative solutions for water security in Aboriginal communities, optimizing green hydrogen production with reduced water demands, and advancing membrane technologies for sustainable water management. The team maintains strong connections with professional organizations and government bodies, contributing to national and international water policy development through committee memberships and expert panels.