Gus Nathan

Professor Gus Nathan is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide, within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and of the Combustion Institute, and an ARC Discovery Outstanding Researcher Awardee. Nathan is the founding director of the Centre for Energy Technology and Research Director of the $215 million Heavy Industry, Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre.

Professor Nathan's research focuses on clean energy technologies, particularly net-zero heavy industrial processes with hydrogen as a key enabler. His expertise spans high temperature processes and reactors involving combustion, concentrated solar thermal, and electrification, together with their hybrids. He has published approximately 300 journal articles, 200 conference papers, holds 17 patents, and has delivered over 80 invited presentations on clean energy technology.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on solar thermal technologies for industrial applications, hydrogen production, mineral carbonation, and advanced particle flow systems for concentrated solar power. The research shows a clear trajectory toward developing practical solutions for decarbonizing heavy industry through innovative thermal processes and renewable energy integration.

• Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
• Fellow of the Combustion Institute
• ARC Discovery Outstanding Researcher Awardee (Fellowship)
• Listed in top 2% of scientists worldwide by Elsevier and Stanford University
• Principal leader of Chief Design Team for Sydney Olympic Relay Torch
• Co-inventor of patented combustor for Athens Games torch

Professor Nathan has led significant research initiatives including the $215 million Heavy Industry, Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre, the $82 million Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative, and the $14 million ARENA funded program with Alcoa and Hatch to develop technology targeting 45% reduction in CO2 emissions from the Bayer Alumina process. He works in partnership with companies including Alcoa, Calix, and Hatch on low-carbon technologies. He is also a founding chair of the High Temperature Minerals Processing (HiTeMP) Forum and co-founder of the Hydrogen Production Technologies (HyPT) Forum.