Huijun Li

Roles & Affiliations: Senior Professor and Associate Dean (Higher Degree Research) at the University of Wollongong’s School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering. A certified Materials Professional with over 26 years of research experience in materials science, welding metallurgy, and additive manufacturing.

Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (University of Wollongong, 1996). Early career included postdoctoral roles at CRC Materials Welding and Joining and research scientist positions at ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation).

Research Interests: Focuses on microstructure characterization of metals and ceramics, additive manufacturing, nuclear materials, and alloy development. Specializes in phase transformations, creep-resistant steels, and shape-memory alloys. Leads projects on wire-arc additive manufacturing and industrial collaborations with companies like Baosteel and Sydney Trains.

Grants & Awards: Secured over A$20 million in grants (50+ projects) from government and industry. Recognized with the Australian Museum Eureka Prize (2013), Australia Endeavour Fellowship (2014), and ARC College of Experts membership (2023). Named a top Australian metallurgy researcher (2020–2022).

Advising & Leadership: Supervised/co-supervised 48 PhD students and 14 postdoctoral researchers. Established UOW’s wire-arc additive manufacturing program with Professors John Norrish and Zengxi Pan. Serves on standards committees for additive manufacturing (Standards Australia, ISO/TC 261).

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC), Energy Pipeline CRC (EPCRC), and Baosteel Australia Joint Centre (BAJC). Active in rail, nuclear, and aerospace material innovation.