Adjunct Professor Michael Akindeju is a distinguished engineering leader whose work spans engineering biology, advanced process design, and innovation in complex industrial systems. He serves as Principal Consultant at MKPro Group, where he delivers high‑impact solutions across biotechnology, energy, and manufacturing sectors, and an Adjunct Professor with Federation University, Australia. A Fellow of IChemE and RACI, Chartered Engineer, and Registered Professional Engineer, he is recognised for integrating scientific insight with practical engineering to drive sustainable, technology‑enabled transformation. Michael is committed to strengthening industry capability, fostering research translation, and mentoring the next generation of engineers through his academic and professional contributions.

Adjunct Professor Michael Akindeju is a distinguished engineering leader whose work spans engineering biology, advanced process design, and innovation in complex industrial systems. He serves as Principal Consultant at MKPro Group, where he delivers high‑impact solutions across biotechnology, energy, and manufacturing sectors, and an Adjunct Professor with Federation University, Australia. A Fellow of IChemE and RACI, Chartered Engineer, and Registered Professional Engineer, he is recognised for integrating scientific insight with practical engineering to drive sustainable, technology‑enabled transformation. Michael is committed to strengthening industry capability, fostering research translation, and mentoring the next generation of engineers through his academic and professional contributions.

Adjunct Professor Michael Akindeju is a distinguished engineering leader whose work spans engineering biology, advanced process design, and innovation in complex industrial systems. He serves as Principal Consultant at MKPro Group, where he delivers high‑impact solutions across biotechnology, energy, and manufacturing sectors; and an Adjunct Professor with Federation University, Australia. A Fellow of IChemE and RACI, Chartered Engineer, and Registered Professional Engineer, he is recognised for integrating scientific insight with practical engineering to drive sustainable, technology‑enabled transformation. Michael is committed to strengthening industry capability, fostering research translation, and mentoring the next generation of engineers through his academic and professional contributions.

Theophilus is PhD candidate at Adelaide University, and his research aims at improving the understanding of comminution strategy on downstream process performance. A key focus is on dry comminution with links to downstream flotation and hydrometallurgical processes, unravelling opportunities for low-grades ores and wastes processing

Theophilus is PhD candidate at Adelaide University, and his research aims at improving the understanding of comminution strategy on downstream process performance. A key focus is on dry comminution with links to downstream flotation and hydrometallurgical processes, unravelling opportunities for low-grades ores and wastes processing.

Ms Reema Aroos is a PhD student from the University of Melbourne researching on the thermal decomposition pathways of PFAS compounds, and aims to expand the existing kinetic models to include more subset of reactions in order to create a model that better reflects industrial processes. Previously, she worked in the petrochemical industry – first at Viva Energy and then at ConocoPhillips Australia as a chemist. She holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Monash University and also completed a masters of research (chemistry) at University of Melbourne – as a part of which she undertook her industrial placement at Qenos.

Usman Azhar is a Chemical Engineer with 19 years of extensive experience across major hazard facilities, chemical manufacturing, and energy infrastructure companies. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and Certified Process Safety Professional from CCPS, USA. He specialises in risk assessment, HAZOP, LOPA, SIL, bow‑tie analysis, incident investigation, and developing robust process safety management systems. With a strong background in process safety, he has implemented process safety frameworks, audits, KPIs, and complex hazard studies across diverse industries. Usman is committed to zero‑harm culture, continuous improvement, and safeguarding people and assets through effective risk management.

Nusrat is an early-career researcher with a background in Environmental and Chemical Engineering, specializing in sustainable waste-to-resource technologies. Her research focuses on converting organic waste into circular economy products such as biochar, activated carbon, and digestate, with practical applications in water treatment and land management. Nusrat has developed strong practical expertise through a range of multidisciplinary research projects. She combines a strong technical foundation with hands-on research experience and contributes thoughtfully to projects aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and circularity of resources.

Flynn Bohonis is a first-year PhD student at Adelaide University. He holds B.Eng (Hons) Chemical Engineering from the University of Adelaide. His research interests include mineral processing and sustainable process development.

Ben is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Birmingham and the University of Melbourne as part of the Priestley scholars programme. His PhD work focuses on the use of Molten Salt Oxidation for the recycling of Fluoropolymers. Before beginning his PhD studies Ben graduated with a masters degree from the University of Nottingham where he studied Chemistry.

Kai Eberspaecher is a Queensland-based engineer and advisor specialising in risk-informed decision-making across the resources sector. With extensive experience in asset based operations, he focuses on bridging the gap between hazard identification and the decisions that shape project outcomes. Kai has led and supported the deployment of novel technologies, emphasising operational readiness, safety, and value creation. He works at the intersection of engineering, risk, and strategy, helping organisations improve decision quality in complex environments. Kai actively contributes to advancing practical approaches to major hazard management across the resource industry.

Iskandar Halim is a Research Scientist at ISCE2, A*STAR. His research focuses on process systems engineering applications to support the design and operation of safe and sustainable chemical processes. His expertise involves the development of qualitative methods, mathematical modelling, process simulation, and optimization strategies to address complex engineering challenges. His research on systematic methodologies and intelligent systems for chemical process sustainability has been featured in leading journals. Notably, his project on decision-support systems for sustainable pharmaceutical supply chains received the IChemE Singapore Sustainability Award in 2017.

Harshita is a current PhD student in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Australia. She completed her bachelor's degree in Biotechnology at Panjab University (Gold medalist), India, followed by further studies at RMIT University, Australia, where she conducted a research project on the stability of DNA encapsulated within metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Her doctoral research is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on developing sustainable and clean-energy solutions using biomimetic catalysts.

Jun’ich Hayashi is a professor at Kansai University, Japan. His research focuses on the preparation and characterization of porous carbon materials derived from biomass wastes. His current research investigates the production of activated carbon from biomass waste through deashing and CO₂ activation, aiming to develop sustainable adsorbents with high surface area and controlled pore structures. His research interests include biomass utilization, porous materials, and adsorption technology.

David Ross is Director of Sphera’s Operational Risk Management portfolio in Asia Pacific, with over 14 years’ experience delivering award-winning digital solutions for process safety and risk management to clients worldwide. He has led complex technology implementations and brings first-hand insight into how organisations can successfully digitalise their process safety systems. David focuses on helping organisations strengthen major hazard management through effective use of digital tools, translating practical project experience into actionable lessons for improving risk visibility, decision-making, and operational resilience.

Paresh is a strategic technology and Senior OT cybersecurity engineer who has worked with leading-edge cybersecurity and threat intelligence solutions for both Industrial Control Systems and Enterprise networks. With more than 15 years of experience, Mr Kerai continues to research emerging technologies being developed globally within the cybersecurity domain and actively attends and speaks at cybersecurity conferences. He has provided expert consultation to both the private and government sectors on various security standards, including IEC 62443, NIST CSF, SOCI Act, and AESCF.

I am a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering. I completed my PhD at the University of Queensland in 2016 and subsequently worked on carbon dioxide electrolysis at UQ and Delft University of Technology (EU Horizon SELECTCO2). I joined the University of Melbourne in 2023 and was awarded an ARC DECRA on integrating carbon capture and electrolysis, and promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2025. My research focuses on scaling electrochemical systems for low-carbon energy and industry. I lead the Li Energy Lab and have supervised numerous students to successful academic and industry careers, with several receiving national recognition.

I am a Final Year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student majoring in Chemical Engineering at Curtin University. I am passionate about the resources and energy industry, and throughout my degree, I have gained industry work experience in different sectors. Exposed to engineering design and consulting at Ausenco, iron ore mining with site operations at Hancock Iron Ore, and upstream oil and gas in petroleum engineering at Chevron. I have been part of the Association of Chemical Engineering Students (ACES) club at Curtin supporting the student body and I am keen to grow my capabilities in diverse areas with new experiences.

Deus Albert Msumange is a PhD candidate in Applied Chemistry at RMIT University, Australia, focusing on industry-collaborative solutions for critical mineral extraction. Before joining RMIT, he worked in both academia and the mining industry, including roles as an Assistant Lecturer in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) and as an Underground Mining Engineer at Avesoro Resources, Liberia. He holds an MSc in Mining Engineering (Mineral Processing) from Karadeniz Technical University, Türkiye, and a BSc in Geology from Badji Mokhtar Annaba University, Algeria. Deus is interested in sustainable mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, green & industrial chemistry.

Steven holds a PhD in Chemistry from QUT and has undertaken postdoctoral positions at both QUT and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. His research focused on the development of reversible chemical systems and their integration into additive manufacturing platforms to enable the fabrication of programmable and responsive materials. This resulted in multiple publications in high-impact journals. In 2025, Steven transitioned into industry to apply his expertise in chemistry and materials science to wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. His focus is on the development of advanced treatment technologies for complex waste streams, including the removal of persistent contaminants such as PFAS.

Dariya Nurtazayeva is a Process Safety, Environmental and Occupational Safety professional with experience gained within Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Food, Utility, Warehousing, Petrochemical and Consulting. Dariya has spent majority of her career in the United Kingdom and now she is working in Asia Pacific region based in Singapore. Dariya has expertise in Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) and Major Hazard Installation (MHI) regulations. She also has and extensive experience of managing and working with high hazard industries. Dariya also currently serves as IChemE Singapore Loss Prevention Board Member.

Paul Ou is a PhD student at the School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne, researching data-driven methods for modelling, optimising and validating digital bioprocess development as part of the ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub.

Vidhi Phutela is a PhD student in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. She is passionate about sustainability, innovation, and finding practical solutions to real-world challenges. Vidhi enjoys exploring new ideas, working collaboratively, and contributing to initiatives that make a positive impact on society and the environment. She is dedicated to combining creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving to help build a more sustainable and responsible future.

Ardi Sastrohartoyo is a Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng MIChemE) and Certified OHS Professional with over 20 years of experience across the mining, utilities, logistics, and chemical manufacturing industries. He currently serves as the Manufacturing and EHSQ Manager for Kemira Australia and also holds a regional role as Manager APAC – Process Safety and Risk Management. His work focuses on major hazard facility safety, operational risk management, and strengthening process safety leadership and organisational capability. Ardi is a Board Director of the Australian Organisation for Quality and a Guest Lecturer teaching Safety Management Systems in the postgraduate program at Monash University.

Dr Joanne Tanner is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Monash University and Director of SAMPL, the Student Analytical Makerspace and Pilot Laboratories, which include the Monash Engineering Pilot Plant. Her work focuses on sustainable chemical processing, biorefinery systems, and process scale-up, supporting the development of cleaner industrial technologies. She works closely with industry and research partners to translate laboratory innovations into real-world engineering applications while advancing experiential learning opportunities for engineering students.

Thi Hong Tran is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at Curtin University, specialising in advanced materials for Direct Air Capture (DAC). Her research focuses on the development of 3D-printed, aminine-functionalised adsorbents to enhance adsorption efficiency under ambient conditions. She has a background in polymer engineering and experience in various sectors. Throughout her career, she has consistently promoted sustainable development and addressed the issue of global warming. Hong has contributed to sustainability initiatives through her work under the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam. Passionate about bridging academia and industry, she aims to develop scalable solutions for climate change mitigation.

Xiaoke Wang is a PhD candidate at The University of Melbourne, Australia. Her research focuses on the fundamental theory of fractal-like nanoparticles on cancer treatment using multiscale simulations of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles in the gas-phase by molecular dynamics (MD). In addition, she is also interested in exploring the reaction mechanisms of TiO2 precursors in flames using density functional theory (DFT) and statistical reaction rate theory.

Yi Zhang is currently in the third year of his Ph.D. program, under the supervision of Prof. Stefano Freguia in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on the recovery of nutrients from source-separated urine through electrodialysis as part of the Nutrients in a Circular Economy (NiCE) Industrial Transformation Research Hub, partly funded by the Australian Research Council.

A./Prof. Joe Berry is an ARC Future Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne. His research focusses on the development and application of numerical models to solve complex, multi-disciplinary engineering problems to yield quantitative understanding directly relevant to industry. He has extensive experience in model development for research and industry, and was awarded the 2021 Barry Inglis Medal from the National Measurement Institute of Australia (an annual award recognising outstanding achievement in measurement research and excellence in practical measurements in Australia).