UOW and Australian Steel Innovation

UOW & AUSTRALIAN STEEL INNOVATION

The University of Wollongong in Australia has announced the plans for its ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation (Steel Research Hub or The Hub). The Hub is a 5-year research program, valued at $28 million, that is designed to "support the transition of Australia’s steel manufacturing industry to a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient position based on the creation of new, higher value-added products and more advanced manufacturing processes".

The Hub is seen as a large asset to Australian nation-building and has lots to give. Led by UOW, The Hub brings together 9 separate universities, (including RMIT, ANU, SUT, UON, Deakin, USYD, UNSW and Monash) and additionally, 9 industry partners (BlueScope, InfraBuild (Manufacturing), InfraBuild (Wire), Liberty Primary Steel, ArcelorMittal, Australian Steel Institute, Bisalloy, Weld Australia and Australian Industry Group). With a team of experts, The Hub is aimed at securing a globally competitive domestic steel manufacturing industry for Australia, whilst contributing to economic growth, employment and research into a necessary technological shift in the steel supply chain.

The University of Wollongong says that to accomplish this goal, a team of dedicated professionals are needed to 'make it happen'; and they'll do whatever it takes. The Hub will create a multi-disciplinary team of 20 Post-Doctoral Research Fellows and 31 PhDs, across 4 integrated research programs, that will create a skilful and diverse workforce, which is critical in achieving a transformation across the industry.

Areas of research focus:

• Integrating advanced enabling technologies in large and small businesses • Developing step-change performance in anti-corrosion treatments and coating lines • Generating more functional and durable products and increasing resource intensities.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHD STUDENTS

If this isn't good enough, The Hub is also offering additional support to prospective Ph.D. students who are successful in securing an AGRTP* at the University of Wollongong and wish to conduct a PHD in steel-related disciplines.

ASA MEMBERS AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT BLUESCOPE

BlueScope, one of the ASA's dedicated members has contributed $4,533,000 cash, and $4,863,660 in-kind to the research program as a sign of their commitment to supporting steel manufacturing and product research and development. With The Hub, BlueScope and its researchers will actively participate in research activities across all 4 programs.

INFRABUILD

Another one of the ASA's dedicated members is contributing to The Hub as a testament to their new Net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. As a big supporter of the Circular Economy and waste reduction technologies, InfraBuild is committed to Australia's greener future in this industry and collaborations with other likeminded organisations.

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), ASA dedicated member is a world-class university creating social and economic impact through science technology and innovation. SUT will be contributing to The Hub via research avenues and is committed to assisting Australia in developing a greener industry future.

Those interested in securing a PHD with The Hub are encouraged to apply on UOW’s website.

*Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship Additional Support.