Two Curtin University researchers have been recognised for their contributions to industry collaboration and research impact at the 2026 Cooperative Research Australia Excellence in Innovation Awards, held last night.
John Curtin Distinguished Professor Keith Hampson, Chief Executive Officer of the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre headquartered at Curtin, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Cooperative Research, recognising his long-standing contribution to collaborative innovation in Australia and internationally.
Professor Hampson has spent decades building and leading effective partnerships between industry, government and research, helping to advance innovation and networks in the built environment sector and strengthening Australia's cooperative research capability for a stronger, more resilient industry.
Associate Professor Masood Mostofi, from Curtin's Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) and Director of the Drilling Analytics Research Centre (DARC), received the Emerging Collaboration of the Year Award, recognising his leadership in establishing a high-impact partnership between industry and research through the MinEx Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).
Associate Professor Mostofi has helped grow a collaboration that has developed technology to automate how drilling fluids are managed during mineral exploration, making the process more efficient, safer and cheaper. It has rapidly progressed from laboratory research through to staged development and is now undergoing industry trials across several countries.
Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Melinda Fitzgerald said the awards highlighted the University's commitment to delivering research with real-world impact and celebrated the achievements of both researchers.
"These awards showcase the power of collaboration between researchers and industry to solve complex challenges and deliver tangible benefits for society," Professor Fitzgerald said.
"Professor Hampson's career reflects decades of leadership in building effective, impactful research collaborations in the built environment industry, and Associate Professor Mostofi's work with MinEx CRC demonstrates how Curtin researchers are driving innovation in the resources sector through strong partnerships, translating research into technologies with global industry application.
"We were proud to see both contributions recognised at a national level and congratulate them on these well-deserved honours."
Cooperative Research Australia CEO Jane O'Dwyer said Curtin University continues to demonstrate national leadership in cooperative research, translating strong research into solutions that deliver real benefits for industry and the community.
"The recognition of both Professor Hampson and Associate Professor Mostofi reflects the depth of talent at the University," Ms O'Dwyer said.
"Professor Hampson's career stands as an exemplar of sustained, industry-engaged research leadership in Australia, while Associate Professor Mostofi represents the next generation of researchers building partnerships that move discoveries from the lab into global application.
"Together, their contributions highlight why Curtin remains one of the country's most effective partners in cooperative research and innovation."
The awards celebrate excellence in industry-led collaboration and the individuals and partnerships driving innovation across the country, and were presented by Cooperative Research Australia, the peak body representing collaborative research and innovation in Australia, including Cooperative Research Centres and CRC Projects.
