HILT CRC Research Director Professor Gus Nathan’s transformative efforts to decarbonise heavy industry globally have been recognised with a major award at Cooperative Research Australia’s (CRA) annual Collaborate Innovate Conference in Brisbane this week.

Professor Nathan took out the Award for Enduring Industry-Research Collaboration in honour of his leadership driving the sustainability transition of heavy industry, including as principal instigator of the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC).

The accolade also recognised Professor Nathan’s commercialisation of two award-winning environmentally sustainable technologies including burners for the first ‘green’ Olympic Torch and Stadium flames.

Professor Nathan is recognised globally for his research leadership in renewable energy technologies for heavy industry, ranked by Stanford University in the world’s top 2% of scientists and elected a Fellow of the Combustion Institute, an internationally renowned scientific society. He was instrumental in establishing HILT CRC, which brings together more than 50 industry, research and government partners to derisk decarbonisation in the iron and steel, alumina and cement industries.

Professor Nathan said he was humbled to receive the award and thanked HILT team members for initiating and supporting his award nomination.

“They have been an outstanding team to work with,” he said.

“The team’s contributions to the crucial mission of decarbonising heavy industry have been truly exceptional.

“I also wish to thank the CRA team and the judging panel for their deep commitment to fostering collaboration between research and industry, including through hosting this award.”

HILT CRC CEO Jenny Selway, who accepted Professor Nathan’s award on his behalf at the Collaborate Innovate Conference Awards Gala Dinner held in Brisbane on July 23, said his ability to foster industry-research collaborations was unparalleled.

“HILT CRC is the only collaborative venture of its type in Australia specifically researching solutions to decarbonise heavy industry,” she said.

“Its important work bringing together the very best minds of industry and academia would not be possible without Gus’ determination, vision and leadership.

“Gus has orchestrated partnerships with over 50 entities, all united in accelerating decarbonisation efforts across sectors that have historically operated independently.

“He saw the potential in aligning these sectors, not just to safeguard Australia’s economy and reduce domestic emissions, but also create new value-added exports and significantly contribute to global emission reductions.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a person of his calibre leading our research programs and we congratulate Gus on receiving this well-deserved honour recognising his profound impact over many decades in the field of low-emission technology.”

Professor Nathan is also Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Environment and Resources at the University of Adelaide.

Contact

Adam Barclay, Communications and Marketing Manager, HILT CRC

Mobile: +61 405 357 468, email adam.barclay@hiltcrc.com.au