February 11, 2026
Final Steel Hub Symposium
The Steel Research Hub marked a major milestone this week, hosting its fourth and final Annual Symposium at the University of Wollongong (UOW) on 4–5 February 2026.
More than 80 representatives from across Australia’s steel innovation ecosystem attended, including industry leaders, university partners, and researchers.
Centred on the theme “Absorptive Capacity,” the Symposium provided a strong foundation for exploring how research can be recognised, assimilated, and translated into real‑world industrial and product outcomes.
Across the two‑day program, academic and industry experts presented key achievements from the Hub’s four major research programs:
- Process Integration and Sustainability
- Product Innovation and Technology
- Advanced Corrosion Performance and Operational Efficiency
- Steel Supply Chain Transformation
Day 1 highlights
The Symposium opened with breakout sessions for Program teams, giving industry and academic members the chance to discuss technical progress, key achievements, and priorities for the year ahead.
This was followed by highlight presentations from Programs 3, 2, and 1. The day concluded with a cocktail dinner at the Wollongong Golf Club, offering further opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Day 2 highlights
Day 2 commenced with Program 4’s project activities, impacts, and achievements.
PhD candidates then took the stage, each given five minutes to present their research topics. Over lunch, they showcased posters that reflected the Hub’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Participants judged both the PhD presentations and PhD posters. Nazish Qadeer (Deakin) and Swarna Naidu (UOW) were awarded equal first place for Best Presentation, while Panchali Dias (Swinburne) received the Best Poster Award.
The Symposium concluded with a panel discussion moderated by David Varcoe from the Australian Steel Institute (ASI). The discussion explored the Symposium theme through two lenses:
- Process: Manufacturing innovations and operational adoption
- Product: Translating research into market‑ready outcomes
Panel objectives included examining how research transitions into industry and policy, identifying barriers and enablers of commercialisation, and highlighting the importance of partnerships, iteration, and even failure in driving innovation.
Cross‑theme panel members: Paul Di Pietro (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Engagement, UOW), David Martin (Director, Emerging Industries and Innovation, AIG Group) and John Nowlan (Former Chief Executive, Australian Steel Products, BlueScope; UOW University Fellow)
Process Panel members:
Peter Austin (Coke & Ironmaking Technology Manager, BlueScope), Geoffrey Brooks (Chief Investigator and Academic Program Leader, SUT), Bradley Taylor (Director of Technical, InfraBuild Wire), Joanna Mason (Research Fellow, University of Sydney) and Jangho Jo (PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle)
Product Panel members:
Simon Correnti (Process Development Manager, BlueScope ASP), Sharmy Francis (Innovation & Quality Manager, InfraBuild), Alan Green (Research Fellow, UOW), Swarna Naidu (PhD Candidate, UOW), Younes Rahnama (PhD Candidate, UOW), Nazish Qadeer (PhD Candidate, Deakin University)
The panel proved to be one of the standout moments of the Symposium, generating lively and engaging discussion between panel members and the audience.
The final Annual Symposium celebrated the Steel Research Hub’s major achievements and the strong collaboration it has fostered between industry and academia. Through its combination of technical sessions, program updates, and contributions from emerging researchers, the event showcased an effective model for advancing Australia’s steel research capability.
The Hub will leave a lasting legacy and a solid foundation for continued innovation, and we look forward to seeing this important work progress in the years ahead.