Overview
HILT CRC’s Education & Training program is a major catalyst for equipping Australia’s future workforce with the skills required to adapt to low-carbon markets and be sustainable for the long term. We provide opportunities to both retain expertise in the industry and attract new entrants.
We do this by:
- Providing postgraduate support and industry internships
- Assisting with vocational education and training to fill skills gaps in industry
- Providing professional development to HILT partners
- Disseminating research results through webinars and conferences.
Postgraduate RESEARCH Opportunities
Through engagement with industry and universities we are training the heavy industry workforce of the future through practical, demand-driven research projects with world-leading teams and facilities.
We offer Higher Degrees by Research (HDR), through a PhD or Masters qualification providing you with world-leading training in a field of growing demand to take your engineering career further.
By joining our postgraduate research program, you will work on real industry problems and challenges with the potential for immediate high-impact practical results to decarbonise heavy industry. When undertaking a research degree with us, you will also gain:
Expert knowledge – designed specifically for the heavy industry sector and draws on your foundation of engineering knowledge by developing further skills tailored to transitioning the steel, iron, alumina and cement industries to reduce heavy industry’s carbon emissions.
Invaluable networking opportunities and professional development – benefit from opportunities to collaborate and network with multiple industries and research experts and teams via participating in the HILT CRC specialised webinars, yearly conferences and master classes.
Career outcomes – linked with industry and government, you will gain hands on industry experience to help you develop the skills required to operate in a new low-carbon economy, become an expert in your field, and enhance your employability.
A platform for communicating your findings – your research findings may be presented at industry conferences, published, commercialised and in turn, create a positive impact on society.
For further information, please contact us to learn more about postgraduate research opportunities with HILT CRC and how to apply.
HIGHER DEGREES BY RESEARCH PROJECTS
If you are interested in studying a research degree with us, you can choose a project (or multiple projects) listed below or propose your own by contacting us at hdr@hiltcrc.com.au.
De-risking fluidised bed hydrogen ironmaking: experimental studies, reduction kinetics, and techno-economic evaluation – The Australian National University
As the global steel industry moves toward low-emission production pathways, hydrogen-based reduction technologies have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional carbon-intensive processes. Among these, fluidised bed hydrogen direct reduction ironmaking (FBH2DRI) offers the potential for continuous, scalable, and flexible operation using fine iron ore particles without the need for agglomeration, making it well-suited to Australian ore types.
This project investigates FBH2DRI using Pilbara iron ores. This includes experimental work on reactor design and chemical kinetics, as well as system-level techno-economic assessments of integrated steelmaking flowsheets, taking into account Australian ore characteristics, renewable energy inputs, and process flexibility. The PhD activities will complement the on-going activities in two projects including the HILT project RP1.012 Prevention of sticking in H2 fluidised bed direct reduced iron production and ARENA project De-risking large-scale Australian fine-ore hydrogen ironmaking. Together, these efforts support the broader objective of establishing Australia as a global leader in green iron and steel production. The scholarship will be jointly supported by HILT CRC and the ARENA project, with each organisation contributing to the funding.
To determine your eligibility for studying at ANU, visit study.anu.edu.au/apply/postgraduate-research.
Further enquiries: Dr Alireza Rahbari, alireza.rahbari@anu.edu.au.
Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (AlumiNEXT™) Project – Next Generation Bayer Process – The University of Adelaide
The Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (AlumiNEXT™) Project will address both the short-term need to de-risk relatively high TRL technologies that can be incorporated as a retro-fit to reduce emissions from current alumina refineries and advance the development of novel technologies needed to unlock a step-change in increased efficiency and reduced cost in next generation net zero refineries. It will do this by further developing the process models that are needed to identify, on a refinery specific basis, the benefits of low-carbon heat supply to calciners and novel steam integration designs that enable recovery of steam that is currently vented from both the calcination and digestion process.
This project will assess the impact of net-zero steam generation or steam recovery technology on new process configurations. This information is essential for process optimisation of the whole alumina refinery.
Application enquiries: Contact Dr Woei Saw, woei.saw@adelaide.edu.au.
To determine your eligibility for studying at The University of Adelaide, visit adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research.
Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (AlumiNEXT™) Project – Alumina Calcination – The University of Adelaide
The Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (AlumiNEXT™) Project will address both the short-term need to de-risk relatively high TRL technologies that can be incorporated as a retro-fit to reduce emissions from current alumina refineries and advance the development of novel technologies needed to unlock a step-change in increased efficiency and reduced cost in next generation net zero refineries. To mitigate risk and increase process efficiency in electrification or H2 retrofitting/replacement. More details of the fundamentals of these processes within the environments of alumina calciners (retrofitting or next generation) are needed to support the development of new calcination technology.
This project will provide the new experimental data of the behaviour of alumina particles under the conditions of emerging net-zero processes reactors, namely for operation under steam-rich environments.
Application enquiries: Contact Dr Woei Saw, woei.saw@adelaide.edu.au.
To determine your eligibility for studying at The University of Adelaide, visit adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research.
Innovative thermal processing for sustainable beneficiation of bauxite and magnetite ores – The University of Adelaide
Global demand for high-quality alumina and iron products drives the need for more efficient and sustainable mineral beneficiation processes. High-flux radiation thermal treatment offers a novel approach to enhance process efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. This research aims to investigate the effects of targeted heat treatment on bauxite and magnetite ores, unlocking pathways for energy-efficient and sustainable beneficiation in the alumina and steel industries.
The PhD activities will complement the activities planned in HILT project RP1.016 Upscaling novel green thermally assisted beneficiation pathways and impact of beneficiation on direct reduced iron and pellet production. The projects will address:
- key objectives for removal of organic carbon from bauxite ores while preserving alumina availability for the digestion and calcination step
- magnetite ore beneficiation.
Application enquiries: Contact Dr Alfonso Chinnici, alfonso.chinnici@adelaide.edu.au.
To determine your eligibility for studying at The University of Adelaide, visit adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research.
Enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions in hydrogen-driven industrial processes – The University of Adelaide
The transition to a net-zero economy necessitates decarbonising energy-intensive industries, such as iron/steel production and cement manufacturing. Hydrogen (H2) is a promising alternative to natural gas (NG) and other hydrocarbon fuels for high-temperature processes due to its zero carbon emissions. However, challenges remain in optimising heat transfer, mitigating nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, and understanding the operational implications of H2 use. This project aims to address these gaps to ensure efficient and sustainable integration of H2 into heavy industry, with the expected outcomes being development of scalable technologies for integrating H2 into heavy industry processes while minimising emissions, and contributions to the global transition toward sustainable industrial energy systems.
The PhD activities will complement the on-going activities in the HILT project RP2.007 Feasibility combustion study to identify challenges and opportunities for hydrogen into iron and cement sectors. The projects will address three key objectives of relevance to many appliances, including EAFs, reheating steel and hot gas generators for the iron/steel sector, and rotary kilns for the cement/lime sector.
Application enquiries: Contact Dr Alfonso Chinnici, alfonso.chinnici@adelaide.edu.au.
To determine your eligibility for studying at The University of Adelaide, visit adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research.
Advanced experiments in thermo-fluids related to net-zero emission industries – The University of Adelaide
Research in thermo-fluid experiments with a focus on use of advanced optical diagnosing methods to study flow dynamic, heat transfer and reactions in lab-scale flows, such as isothermal and reacting particle-laden flows, fluidised beds and hydrogen flames, and on pilot-scale industrial reactors will be undertaken as part of this project. A great opportunity for the next generation of scientists and engineers who are willing to work on thermal engineering (but not limited to) with unique experimental knowledge and skills.
Application enquiries: Contact Dr Zhiwei Sun, zhiwei.sun@adelaide.edu.au.
To determine your eligibility for studying at The University of Adelaide, visit adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research.
Development and optimisation of mineral carbonation technology for iron-containing industrial waste and mine tailings – The University of Adelaide
Australia’s large volumes of iron oxide-rich mine tailings create an opportunity for mineral carbonation to sequester carbon and use the carbonated products across different industries. This project focuses on mineral carbonation of hematite and goethite through an aqueous carbonation process. A variety of acids – including acetic acid, the by-product of biomass production – will be used in the dissolution step, when Fe+2 ions are introduced to facilitate the process. The work will compare the performance of different acids to explore optimal dissolution conditions. The carbonation step involves introducing CO2 into the pH-adjusted solution at ambient temperature and pressure.
Learn more about this project and how to apply
More information: contact Dr Alireza Salmachi: alireza.salmachi@adelaide.edu.au or +61 8 8313 3502.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIPS
We can provide full, co-funded or top-up scholarships to eligible postgraduate students (Higher Degree by Research students at both Master and PhD levels) across our three research programs at our partner universities.
Why apply for a scholarship with HILT CRC?
- Interact with industry and help solve one of the planets most critical issues
- Work and learn from renowned academics and industry experts
- Attend informative webinars and conferences for professional development opportunities
- Enables you to focus full time on your research studies
The types of scholarships and financial support available usually include:
- Living allowances: also known as a stipend, provides fortnightly payments to help with living expenses and are available for projects with full-time students.
- Tuition fee offsets and waivers: most Australian students are eligible for the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program fee offset. International students are encouraged to enquire about how tuition fee waivers are calculated before applying for a scholarship.
- Other expenses: top-up scholarships can be provided to further assist with living allowances, and other opportunities such as conference travel costs or support for costs associated with the research.
Any student interested in undertaking a postgraduate scholarship is encouraged to review the Scholarship Guidelines and complete the HDR Scholarships Application Form. Details for how to apply for postgraduate scholarships are included in the guidelines.
HILT CRC Engineering Scholarships for Curtin University undergraduates
HILT CRC has established these scholarships to support Curtin University undergraduate engineering students with an interest in green metals and decarbonisation of heavy industry, and to develop a cohort of decarbonisation leaders for Australia’s future workforce.
The scholarships are open to domestic second- and third-year students in eligible engineering disciplines, including mining, metallurgical, chemical, energy, mechanical and electrical. Up to four scholarships will be awarded, each valued at $3,750 per semester for up to two years (maximum $15,000).
In addition to financial support, recipients will gain access to:
- Invitations to the annual HILT CRC Conference and networking events
- A vibrant network of researchers and industry leaders
- A potential 12-week paid internship with a HILT CRC industry partner
- A potential industry-sponsored final-year project.
Applications close 6 August 2025.
INDUSTRY INTERNSHIPS
We support our PhD students by offering internship opportunities enabling them to work with our industry partners on HILT CRC related research projects.
By undertaking an internship, students are provided with valuable learning opportunities and workplace experiences to help them become future industry leaders. These experiences allow our students to integrate theory they learn during their PhD studies with practice, in a real-world setting with an industry partner.
Internship placements not only benefits our students but also allows our industry partners to help to nurture tomorrow’s engineering professionals, while gaining access to a dynamic talent pool of upcoming PhD graduates and identifying future employees.
The objectives of the internship program are to:
Connect – talented PhD students with industry to offer a unique skill-set and gain a fresh perspective on new ideas.
Collaborate – facilitate linking industry partners with future engineering industry leaders passionate about learning and their future career.
Contribute – help industry to develop the next wave of talented engineering professionals.
Discover – allow students to gain insight into industry and build their professional networks.
To check your eligibility for an internship placement, please review our PhD Internship Guidelines or contact us for more details.
SHORT COURSE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Grant applications are currently closed. We will notify potential applicants when the next round opens.
HILT CRC delivers education and training to develop the skilled workforce of the future. One of the ways we do this is by awarding short course development grants to facilitate the development and delivery of industry-focused short courses and micro-credentials in areas of priority for our industry partners.
Eligibility: Short Course Development Grants are open to HILT CRC Partners only.
For enquiries, please contact us at hdr@hiltcrc.com.au.
APPROVED COURSES
Low-Carbon Alumina Production
8-9 September 2025 | Perth, WA
Low-Carbon Alumina Production is a 2-day professional development course designed to equip industry professionals with fundamental knowledge and tools for low-carbon alumina refining technology and process innovation.
Presented by Professor Gus Nathan (University of Adelaide and HILT CRC Research Director), Dr David Cochrane (former South32 Manager Process Engineering and Bauxite and Alumina Technology), and Dr Woei Saw (University of Adelaide and leader of HILT CRC’s AlumiNEXT™ Project), the course will focus on:
- Decarbonising the steam system
- Decarbonising the calcination process
- System design and circularity opportunities for low-carbon alumina refining.
This is a valuable opportunity for industry professionals, including alumina industry operators, engineering consultancies and technology providers.
Attendance is free for HILT CRC Partners (contact admin@hiltcrc.com.au for the registration password).
Decarbonisation Routes for Steel
The Decarbonisation Routes for Steel Short Course, delivered by Professor Geoff Brooks from Swinburne University of Technology, provided a comprehensive understanding of decarbonisation routes for steel production, focusing on innovative and sustainable practices.
The course covered the basic chemistry of hydrogen production, combustion and reduction of oxides; considered the different ways hydrogen could be used to replace carbon in iron and steel production; and also examined options not involving hydrogen. The program included discussions on the fundamental and technoeconomic aspects of these options.
- Topic 1: Decarbonisation challenges and options facing steel producers
- Topic 2: Hydrogen fundamentals: production, combustion and reduction
- Topic 3: Hydrogen usage in blast furnace and DRI processes
- Topic 4: Decarbonisation options outside hydrogen reduction
- Topic 5: Impact on steelmaking operations
- Topic 6: Summary of the likely scenarios
COURSEWORK DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Grant applications are currently open.
In addition to supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students at both Master and PhD levels, we provide financial support for the development of coursework materials at VET, undergraduate and postgraduate levels through the HILT CRC Coursework Grant program.
The below education and training providers are eligible to apply for the “HILT CRC Coursework Grant”.
- The University of Adelaide
- Australian National University
- Curtin University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- The University of Newcastle
- Queensland University of Technology
- All TAFEs.
The deadline for this round is Friday 7 November 2025. The proposed coursework development activities must commence by 28 February 2026.
View the Application Guidelines and apply online.
For enquiries, please contact us at hdr@hiltcrc.com.au.
APPROVED COURSES
Masters in Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Systems Major - Queensland University of Technology
This newly developed course which will form one of the two study areas within a masters of renewable energy, will focus on developing knowledge and skills in the systems used in the production and storage of renewable energy; how it is utilised in areas such as electricity generation, sustainable fuels, thermal energy; and how engineers design, maintain, operate these systems. The other study area focuses on knowledge and skills development in the control and distribution of renewable energy in electrical form.
The units being developed can be taken in various courses, including:
- Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Systems, which can be taken as a single course, or incorporated into a full Masters course at a later date (6 month duration).
- Masters of Technology, Renewable Energy; aimed at engineers with 3 or more years of industry experience (12 month duration).
- Masters of Renewable Energy; aimed at recent graduates from an undergraduate engineering degree (18 month duration).
- Vertical Masters in Renewable Energy; incorporating an undergraduate engineering degree coupled with the masters program (5 years duration).
This project will take 12 months, including development of courses and materials. The course’s first offering will be in 2025.
Decarbonisation of Metallurgical Processes - The University of Adelaide
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of metallurgy techniques that are used in the processing of minerals. The course will then introduce examples of new low-carbon technologies and methods that will overcome barriers, and help transition the steel, iron, alumina, and cement industries to decarbonise heavy industry.
At the end of this course students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the key factors that govern the successful operation of metallurgical processes in the minerals industry. Additionally, they will learn how to integrate low-carbon technologies into existing heavy industry processes.
The course will commence in 2025 (semester 2) for a 12 month duration.
Carbon Capture and Storage in Geological Formations - The University of Adelaide
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a critical technology in mitigating the effects of climate change, which involves capturing greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industries such as steel and cement, oil and gas, and mining, and storing them in underground geological formations.
Students in this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of carbon capture and storage in geological formations and will develop the knowledge and skills required to engineer and design effective CCS systems.
The course will commence in July 2024 and will be delivered in intensive format, over 7 days during the semester.
Decarbonisation Case Study, 3D Scan and Learning materials for incorporation into Apprenticeship programs for Electricians, Instrumentation & Control Technicians, Mechanical Fitter - TAFE SA
Students will develop a case study and supporting learning objects working alongside the design and installation of the pilot project with Calix’s Low Emissions Intensity Lime and Cement (Leilac) technology, such as:
- 3D Scan of LEILAC tech being constructed in Kwinana, Western Australia, if possible.
- Process animation to show ‘external’ heating and capture of CO2 features of LEILAC calciner.
- Wiring requirements of calciner and also any additional or upgraded wiring and/or metering to existing site to supply calciner with sufficient current/voltage.
- Instrumentation requirements to allow efficient and safe on-site operation and remote telemetry to Calix if used.
- Mechanical fabrication to structure/framework, calciner vessel and joining pipework/ductwork.
- Hydrogen piping/joining and the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.
This course is offered as a VET, Certificate 3, and is due for completion in August 2024.
Decarbonisation in Process Engineering - Queensland University of Technology
Designed to be a new mandatory unit in QUT’s existing chemical engineering major (Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering), bolstering the sustainable process engineering component, and is also offered as an elective to undergraduate mechanical engineering students. It may become a mandatory unit for QUT’s new vertical Masters of Advanced Manufacturing.
It will explore how existing processing facilities can be decarbonised, considering (i) technology options involving fuel replacement, electrification and solar thermal, (ii) energy management given the variable nature of some renewable energy sources and the potential for steam upgrading (e.g. mechanical vapour recompression), and (iii) how carbon consumption is measured through an introduction to Life Cycle Analysis.
This course has commenced and is due for completion in August 2024.
Systems Engineering and Industry Practice (SEIP); Renewable Power Technology (RPT); and Business Management Systems (BMS) - The University of Adelaide
Teaching modules have been developed related to Environment, Social and Governance requirements and benefits in the engineering design process, using heavy industry as a focus. This will go beyond basic considerations of triple-bottom-line aspects and include application of (i.e. students being able to undertake) life-cycle assessments, carbon reporting, and circular-economy development.
Conducted via blended on-line and face-to-face teaching with case studies that are reflective of a range of industry sectors and cross-cutting technologies within those sectors. However, a strong focus that spans most disciplines will be that of heavy industry.
Course levels:
- Systems Engineering and Industry Practice (SEIP): 3rd year undergraduate core course for all engineering students.
- Renewable Power Technology (RPT): 4th year undergraduate and masters coursework elective.
- Business Management Systems (BMS): a core course for 4th year electrical, electronic, and software engineering students, as well as a core course for all masters coursework students.
These courses are due for completion in March 2024.
Industry Training
Heavy industry-focused short courses and micro-credentials at all levels are currently being developed to support lifelong learning initiatives for our industry partners. These will provide a structured ladder of learning and upskilling for employees and include the latest findings from HILT CRC research programs.
We will also have a particular focus on meeting the workforce shortages and skill gaps in regional areas. As such, flexible delivery methods, including web-based learning and weekend block release packages, will become available to maximise employees’ ability to participate in these training opportunities.
Details of training opportunities will be updated here when they become available.
Postgraduate Students
HILT CRC aims to support 55 PhD and Masters students undertaking an industry-focused research project at one of our 6 partner universities during our 10-year lifetime. Here are some of our postgraduate students who have joined us so far.