National recognition for a partnership driving the future of sustainable steelmaking.
A longstanding partnership between the University of Newcastle's Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and BHP has been recognised with a win last night at the prestigious Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards.
The UniSuper Think Great Award celebrates work that reaches beyond the sector and creates lasting, positive change more broadly than within the University.
This win is testament to the exceptional outcomes made possible through a longstanding and forward-thinking collaboration between the University and BHP, focused on finding sustainable solutions for the global steel and iron ore industry.
Professor Alan Broadfoot, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, said the award highlights the value of deep, long-term partnerships between universities and industry.
"This award recognises what can be achieved when researchers and industry work together to solve complex global challenges. We like to think big, about how to secure and grow our key industries, while also reducing environmental impact. It is through partnerships like this one that we can generate new knowledge, accelerate innovation and make a real difference," said Professor Broadfoot.
The BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research (SSR) is a partnership of genuine reciprocity that has evolved over more than 15 years and is helping tackle the significant decarbonisation challenge of reducing emissions from steel production, while also supporting Australia's iron ore export industry.
Associate Professor Tom Honeyands, SSR co-director says the partnership is effective because it is mutually beneficial.
"Decarbonisation is a shared priority for both parties. As one of the world's largest suppliers of iron ore and steelmaking coal, BHP has been investing heavily in a low-emissions future," says Associate Professor Honeyands.
Steelmaking currently accounts for around seven per cent of global carbon emissions and is one of the world's hardest-to-abate industrial sectors. Through the SSR program, researchers are investigating low-emissions steelmaking pathways, including hydrogen-based direct reduced iron and electric smelting furnace technologies, which have the potential to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This work is particularly significant for Australia, which produces approximately 38 per cent of the world's iron ore. By focusing on the optimised use of Australian medium-grade ore, the research partnership is helping to strengthen the competitiveness of this vital export industry while supporting more sustainable steelmaking pathways.
Beyond the research outcomes, the partnership has created opportunities for students, researchers and emerging industry leaders. It provides pathways for translating academic research into impact, while strengthening Australia's capability in sustainable resources and advanced manufacturing.
Associate Professor Arash Tahmasebi, SSR co-director said the partnership delivers significant benefits for both the University and industry, creating opportunities for research, student development and innovation in lower-emissions steelmaking.
"The partnership attracts talented researchers and PhD students with industrial insights that validate the academic theoretical work. On the flip side, that skilled talent pool is helping support lower-emissions steelmaking and strengthening the competitiveness of Australian ore in global markets," said Associate Professor Tahmasebi.
Associate professors Arash Tahmasebi and Tom Honeyands, co-directors of the BHP Centre for Sustainable Steelmaking Research at the University of Newcastle.
Congratulations to the researchers, professional staff, students and industry partners whose dedication has contributed to this outstanding achievement.
The national recognition reinforces the University of Newcastle's commitment to industry-engaged research and highlights the critical role partnerships play in developing solutions for a more sustainable future.
