Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi is a globally recognized chemical engineer at The University of Newcastle's School of Engineering. He leads research in clean energy technologies, including the GRANEX heat engine, greenhouse gas abatement, and chemical looping processes. His work addresses critical challenges in energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, and reducing fugitive methane emissions from coal mines. With over $48M in research funding and 220+ publications, he directs the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and holds leadership roles in national and international energy initiatives. Education: PhD (University of Sydney), MEng (University of Sydney), BSc (Shiraz University) Administrative Roles: Director of NIER, former Head of School of Engineering, and member of global energy advisory bodies Research interests span energy systems, combustion science, and sustainable technologies. Notable innovations include the VAMCO system for methane abatement and solar thermal GRANEX installations. Awards include the Carrick Teaching Citation and multiple engineering excellence recognitions. Scientific contributions include 14 PhD completions and over 20 funded projects. Current focus areas include hydrogen safety, carbon capture, and thermochemical energy storage. His labs (NIER) collaborate with industry partners like Siemens Energy and the Australian Hydrogen Council.
Professor Wensu Chen is a Director of the Centre for Infrastructural Monitoring and Protection (CIMP) and holds the position of ARC Future Fellow at Curtin University's School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. He leads research in protective structures and materials, structural resilience, and multi-hazard mitigation. With a BE/MSc from Tianjin University, ME from the University of Melbourne, and a PhD from the University of Western Australia, his career spans academia and industry. His research focuses on novel metaconcrete materials, blast-resistant designs, and modular construction. He has secured multiple ARC grants (Discovery, DECRA, Linkage) and collaborates with industry/government bodies like DEMIRS WA and Engineers Australia. Research interests include metamaterials, structural strengthening, and dynamic response analysis under impact and blast loads. Key awards include the Curtin Early-Career Researcher of the Year and Western Australian Premier’s Science Award nominations. He supervises over 20 PhD students and teaches courses in structural analysis and dynamics. His work emphasizes sustainable, resilient infrastructure with applications in building envelopes, seismic control, and tunnel safety under explosive threats.
Professor Grant Tomkinson researches physical fitness trends across the lifespan at UniSA's ARENA research center. His pioneering work documenting global declines in youth aerobic capacity has informed WHO guidelines and national physical activity report cards. Research examines: Historical changes in muscular/cardiorespiratory fitness Health biomarkers across development periods International fitness surveillance systems Physical activity policy translation His publications establish methodological standards for fitness assessment and reveal socioeconomic determinants of physical capability. Recent work focuses on developing criterion-referenced health standards. Honors include Young Tall Poppy Science Award and leadership roles in global physical activity alliances. He mentors emerging researchers in pediatric exercise science through international collaborations.
Dr Shawn Nielsen is the Manager of the Australasian Transformer Innovation Centre at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Queensland. His research focuses on advanced electrical engineering topics, including superconductivity, transformer technology, dielectric materials, and condition monitoring of power systems. His work addresses critical issues in power transformer safety, insulation systems, and the application of advanced measurement techniques such as frequency domain spectroscopy and dielectric response analysis. He collaborates on projects related to improving transformer reliability, mitigating fire/explosion risks, and enhancing condition assessment methods under harmonically distorted conditions. Publications span journals like IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity and IET Science, Measurement and Technology, as well as conferences such as CMD and ICPADM. Key themes include modeling critical currents in superconductors, analyzing polluted insulator performance, and developing innovative diagnostic tools for power equipment. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. His role as a research manager indicates active involvement in applied engineering research, though specific grants or advisory roles are not detailed here.
Dr Anithadevi Kenday Sivaram is a Researcher at the University of Newcastle , affiliated with the School of Environmental and Life Sciences . Her research focuses on environmental toxicology, bioremediation, and soil health, particularly addressing the impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Contact: anitha.kendaysivaram@newcastle.edu.au Location: Callaghan campus, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia Research Interests : Dr Anithadevi explores the ecotoxicity of PFAS and firefighting foams, particularly their effects on aquatic organisms and plants. She investigates bioremediation strategies using plants and microbes to degrade pollutants like PAHs, with a focus on rhizosphere interactions and organic amendments. Her work also examines the fate of PFAS during thermal treatments and microbial viability in sustainable agriculture. Recent Publications Trends : Her studies span PFAS contamination in commercial composts, pyrolysis-based remediation of biosolids, and transgenerational toxicity in nematodes. Key themes include pollutant fate, plant-microbe interactions, and innovative methods for environmental cleanup.
Associate Professor Stewart Walker is a faculty member in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University, specializing in advanced analytical techniques with applications across forensic, environmental, industrial, and medical domains. He serves as Director of the Centre of Expertise in Energetic Material (DSTO/Flinders) and coordinates multiple topics including Forensic Chemistry and Chemistry of Energetic Materials. His extensive collaborations span industrial companies (BP Research, BHP), universities worldwide, and government agencies (CSIRO, DSTO, AFP). Dr. Walker's educational background includes: B.Sc.(Hons) Chemistry from University of St Andrews, Scotland (1985) Ph.D. Chemistry from University of St Andrews, Scotland (1989) Graduate Business Qualification (1/3 MBA) from Curtin University (2000) Graduate Certificate in Education (Higher Education) from Flinders University (2016) His research focuses on the design, development, and application of advanced analytical techniques, particularly mass spectrometric, chromatographic, and spectroscopic methods. Dr. Walker specializes in combining ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, and HR-MC-ICP-MS for multi-elemental fingerprinting, as well as GC-MS and LC-MS for compound and impurity detection. His work applies these techniques to identify and determine the provenance of materials including glass, paint, paper, ink, wine, food-stuffs, drugs, and condoms. A significant portion of his recent research addresses methamphetamine contamination, environmental exposure, and forensic investigation methodologies. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on methamphetamine contamination and its forensic implications, representing approximately 40% of his recent work. His research shows progression from fundamental analytical techniques to applied environmental and forensic investigations, with increasing emphasis on public health implications. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges chemistry, forensics, environmental science, and public health, demonstrating practical applications of analytical chemistry to real-world problems. Dr. Walker has received numerous scientific awards and recognitions: Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Flinders University (2004) Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society - SA Branch Service Award (2014) South Australian Unsung Hero - Science Communication (2011) National Institute for Forensic Science Awards for Best Paper (multiple years) Invited Keynote Presentations at major conferences including ANZSMS and ANZFSS Best Poster/Presentation awards from RACI and Australian Coral Reef Society As an academic advisor, Dr. Walker has successfully supervised numerous students whose work has received national recognition, including multiple National Institute of Forensic Science awards. His professional engagement includes leadership roles as long-serving committee member and former President of the SA Branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and current President of the South Australian Branch of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society. He serves as an expert consultant for AFP, SafeworkSA, SA Police, and as an 'International Expert' for IAEA/UN Environmental Analysis Projects in Asia. His expertise in analytical chemistry, particularly mass spectrometry applications, has secured various research grants supporting his work in forensic and environmental analysis. Dr. Walker directs the Centre of Expertise in Energetic Material (a collaboration between DSTO and Flinders University) and coordinates the annual Flinders/RACI 'Chemical Murder Mystery' event, which demonstrates his commitment to innovative teaching methods and public engagement with science. His laboratory work focuses on advanced analytical techniques for forensic investigations, particularly the application of mass spectrometry to identify and characterize materials in forensic contexts.
Dr. Ming Qiao is a Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the ARC ITTC for Sustainable Mining Equipment. He holds a PhD (2023) and bachelor's degree (2016) in Mining Engineering. His research focuses on coal mine gas management, dust mitigation, spontaneous combustion control, and CFD modelling, with emphasis on computational methods for safety engineering. Educations: PhD in Mining Engineering, University of Wollongong (2019–2023) Bachelor of Mining Engineering, China University of Mining Science and Technology (2012–2016) Research Highlights: Dr. Qiao's work addresses critical challenges in underground mining safety through advanced computational models. His studies include coal gas adsorption mechanisms, dust dispersion dynamics using VR-CFD tools, and proactive inertisation strategies to prevent spontaneous combustion. He has contributed to 3 ACARP projects and 7 industrial collaborations. Grants & Projects: UOW-ANSTO Seed Funding (2025–2026): Developing eco-friendly surfactants for silica dust suppression Labs & Teams: Active in the ARC ITTC for Innovative Composites and the University's mining safety research group, collaborating with industry partners on ventilation systems and hazard mitigation tools.
Dr. Stacey Pizzino is a Lecturer and Engagement and Partnerships Manager at the School of Public Health, The University of Queensland. Her work focuses on global health challenges at the intersection of conflict, disasters, and climate change. She leads groundbreaking research on the health impacts of explosive ordnance and climate-driven extreme events, including the world’s largest epidemiological study on landmine casualties involving 100,000+ individuals across 17 countries. Her research informs global strategies to mitigate conflict-related health consequences and improve humanitarian policies. Dr. Pizzino holds a unique dual perspective as both a paramedic and academic, contributing to disaster health education through co-editing Disaster Health Management: A Primer for Students and Practitioners . She actively engages in policy translation, collaborating with stakeholders to bridge research and actionable health policies. Her advocacy extends globally, including presenting at the United Nations on survivors’ rights and chairing panels on explosive ordnance impacts. Education: PhD in Public Health (UQ), Master of International Public Health (UQ), Bachelor of Health Sciences (QUT) Key Projects: HaRD Framework for humanitarian data collection, climate mobility research in Oceania Her publications span disaster management principles, flood health impacts, and climate change adaptation. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex global health challenges, particularly in conflict zones and vulnerable communities.
Rouzbeh Abbassi is a Professor in Environmental Engineering at Macquarie University's School of Engineering. He holds adjunct roles at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Tasmania. His expertise spans risk analysis, corrosion science, and renewable energy systems. Abbassi completed his PhD in Civil (Environmental) Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland, followed by postdoctoral research at Princeton University and Memorial University. He has led roles as Discipline Leader for Civil Engineering and Director of Research at the University of Tasmania. His research focuses on pipeline safety, hydrogen infrastructure, offshore energy systems, and corrosion management, leveraging machine learning and Bayesian networks. Key collaborations include projects on offshore renewable energy integration and hydrogen safety in maritime environments. Abbassi has received awards such as the Academic Excellence Award (2022) and the David Dunsiger Award (2010). His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, addressing challenges in energy transition, environmental sustainability, and industrial safety. Notable contributions include frameworks for offshore wind farm site selection and risk assessment methodologies for microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in subsea pipelines. Education: PhD in Civil (Environmental) Engineering, Memorial University of Newfoundland (2010) Affiliations: Adjunct Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at University of Tasmania Research Centers: Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Innovation and Transformation (CENRIT), Data Horizons Research Centre
Summary Associate Professor Vikram Garaniya is the Director of the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics (NCMEH) at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), University of Tasmania. He holds dual roles as an Associate Professor and Adjunct Professor, specializing in safety engineering, environmental risk assessment, and maritime technologies. He leads the MarIInE Research Group, which focuses on coastal environmental research and safety engineering, contributing over 150 scholarly publications and 4,600 Google citations. Education: BEng (1st class honours) from Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology (India), MEngSci from UNSW, and PhD from the University of Tasmania. Research Interests: Safety and reliability engineering, combustion science, air pollution modeling, shipping fuels, environmental risk assessment, and data analytics. His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations spanning Australia and internationally. Grants & Projects: Secured ~$7M in external funding, including ARC grants for biofilm research, high-power laser technology, and offshore renewable energy systems. Notable projects include risk-based methodologies for offshore aquaculture and renewable energy co-location. Teaching: Responsible for courses like Thermal Engineering (JEE223) and Design of Offshore Systems (JEE361). Supervised over 20 doctoral and master’s students, with peer-reviewed publications arising from student projects. Awards: Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust), Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), and active member of committees like the Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) and National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering (NCCOE). Labs/Teams: Leads the MarIInE Research Group, developed a modern laboratory with advanced instruments, and collaborates with institutions like the Australian National University, CSIRO, and international partners.
Ehsan Arzaghi is a researcher at the University of Tasmania, affiliated with the College of Sciences and Engineering, School of Engineering. His work focuses on offshore renewable energy systems, hydrogen safety, corrosion modeling, and risk assessment in marine environments. His research interests include offshore renewable energy, hydrogen safety, risk assessment, marine infrastructure reliability, corrosion modeling, process safety, offshore wind energy, green hydrogen production, computational fluid dynamics, and machine learning applications in safety engineering. These areas are reflected in his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Renewable Energy , Ocean Engineering , and International Journal of Hydrogen Energy . The recent articles highlight a strong trend toward integrating risk assessment with renewable energy systems, particularly in offshore and hydrogen-related applications. His work combines computational modeling, machine learning, and multi-criteria decision-making frameworks to address safety and reliability challenges in marine and energy infrastructure. There are no scientific awards mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Arzaghi has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Rouzbeh Abbassi, Vikram Garaniya, and Mohammad Mahdi Abaei on numerous projects related to offshore safety and renewable energy systems. No specific grants are mentioned, but the collaborative nature and scope of the research suggest involvement in funded projects. There is no mention of labs or research teams in the provided text.
Dr. Edward Gan is an Associate Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Civil, Mining, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering. He also holds an Honorary Research Fellow position within the same faculty. His work focuses on blast wave dynamics, explosion risk management, and protective infrastructure design, particularly in mining, defense, and civilian sectors. He leads advanced blast simulation projects using facilities like the National Facility for Physical Blast Simulation (NFPBS), emphasizing hydrogen explosion safety and bio-inspired protective barriers. Dr. Gan earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Wollongong (2021). His research integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis, and experimental trials to study structural responses to explosive threats. He has advised on government and private sector projects, including protective design engineering and explosive testing in lab and field settings. Key research interests include: Blast wave propagation modeling Explosion hazard exclusion zones for mines Hydrogen explosion mitigation strategies Vegetation-based blast protection systems Structural resistance to hypervelocity projectiles His recent work emphasizes hydrogen energy safety guidelines and expanding mining explosion risk models to include projectile effects. Dr. Gan has conducted high-profile field trials and media-covered projects, including protective barrier testing and mine safety protocols. Professional roles include: Associate Research Fellow (University of Wollongong, 2021–present) Research Assistant (UNSW Canberra, 2024–present) Former Pipeline Engineer at INTECSEA (2014–2017) He collaborates with industry partners on protective design solutions and has contributed to international conferences on blast engineering and structural resilience. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in infrastructure safety and emergency management.
Dr. Biao Sun is a Research Fellow at Curtin University's WASM: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering School within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His work focuses on LNG process safety , multiphase CFD modeling , and consequence analysis of industrial hazards . He teaches Process Safety and Risk Management and Fluid Mechanics . Notable contributions include studies on LNG vapor dispersion dynamics, hydrogen storage explosion risks, and novel structured packing designs using 3D printing. His research bridges computational modeling (CFD) with practical safety engineering challenges in energy sectors. Key research areas include: CFD-based hazard analysis for LNG spills and hydrogen plant accidents Optimization of structured packing systems for gas-liquid separation Risk assessment models for high-pressure fluid systems Publications span journals like International Journal of Hydrogen Energy , Chemical Engineering Research and Design , and Physics of Fluids . His work emphasizes numerical simulation techniques to predict fluid dynamics in extreme conditions and improve industrial safety standards.
Dr Shawn Nielsen is a Lecturer at the School of Electrical Engineering & Robotics, Queensland University of Technology. He specializes in High Voltage Engineering, Condition Monitoring, and Transformer Systems. His research focuses on dielectric insulation systems, transformer monitoring, and the application of advanced measurement techniques in power equipment. He coordinates several postgraduate courses, including the Postgraduate Electricity Supply Training Course (PESTC), and teaches subjects like Electromagnetics and Machines, Energy Supply and Delivery, and Power Systems Management with Renewable Resources. His academic and professional background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Dr Nielsen’s work integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to address challenges in power systems, such as improving transformer safety through dielectric response measurements and mitigating risks of fires/explosions in power infrastructure. He has published extensively on topics including harmonic distortion effects, insulator condition modeling, and superconducting materials. Dr Nielsen’s supervision topics include enhancements to dielectric response measurements and circuit breaker restrike risk assessment. His contributions span academic teaching, research, and industry collaboration, reflecting a commitment to advancing electrical engineering practices and safety standards.
Professor Mark Stewart is an Honorary Professor at the School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, with over 30 years of experience in probabilistic risk and vulnerability assessments for infrastructure and security systems. His work spans terrorism, climate change, and natural hazards, focusing on cost-benefit analysis and policy optimization. Current Roles : Director of the Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability (2007–present), Editor-in-Chief of Structural Safety (2020–present), and member of the ARC College of Experts (2019–2021). Education : BE (Hons) in Civil Engineering (Monash University, 1984), PhD in Structural Engineering (University of Newcastle, 1988). Stewart’s research centers on risk assessment and cost-effectiveness of measures against extreme events. He has led major projects like the $3.5M CSIRO CAEx Cluster (2012–2016), developing models for climate adaptation of infrastructure. His work challenges conventional perceptions of terrorism and climate risks, advocating for evidence-based policy and resource allocation. Scientific Awards include Fellowships from the Royal Society of NSW (2021), Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (2020), and the Japan Concrete Institute Award (2012). He has authored over 500 papers, five seminal books, and received continuous ARC funding since 2004. Stewart’s public policy impact is notable, with research featured in Playboy Magazine , CNN , and collaborations with political scientist John Mueller. His work emphasizes transparency in risk assessment, urging policymakers to prioritize cost-effective solutions over fear-driven expenditures.
