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Liming Dai, Toby Walsh and Chuan Zhao have been recognised among the nation’s most distinguished engineers and scientists.

Three UNSW Sydney academics have been appointed Fellows of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) for their outstanding contributions to high-tech plastics, green energy and artificial intelligence.  

Scientia Professor Liming Dai, Scientia Professor Toby Walsh and Professor Chuan Zhao were among 32 new Fellows announced by the ATSE last night, elected by their peers for ground-breaking research in their fields.

ATSE President Dr Katherine Woodthorpe said the new Fellows were the thinkers and doers at the forefront of Australian discoveries, technological breakthroughs and future industries.

“Australia faces a challenging constellation of threats. Extreme weather and climate change, the power and peril of AI and digital technologies, crafting sustainable food systems to nourish people and the planet, shocking disparities in Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander health outcomes. This diverse group of Australia’s brightest stars in technology and engineering embodies progress, hope and unparalleled innovation in the face of these challenges.

“Our Fellows are bridging from discovery to shaping new industries in the ultimate service of better living for all Australians and the world,” Dr Woodthorpe said.

Scientia Professor Liming Dai from the School of Chemical Engineering has been elected an ATSE Fellow for his ground-breaking research and development in conjugated polymers (high-tech plastics) and carbon nanomaterials for use in advanced optoelectronics and the production of clean energy.

Prof. Dai is a world-leading innovator in the research and development of carbon nanomaterials, which are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and earth-abundant substances used to catalyse — or speed up — the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Nanomaterials are used in green energy technologies such as fuel cells, advanced batteries, and water-splitting systems to produce clean hydrogen, and avoid the use of expensive, unsustainable metal-based catalysts in widespread use today.

His many inventions include technology used in extended-wear contact lenses and security features of polymer banknotes.  His discoveries have also enabled the development of materials used for flexible, wearable electronics and miniaturised touch sensors. 

Prof. Dai said he was honoured to be elected by his peers as a Fellow of the ATSE and thanked everyone who’s supported him throughout his career.

“I particularly want to thank my team, colleagues and partners at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation. My election to the ATSE is recognition not only for my own research but also for the work of our entire team,” he said.

“Becoming a Fellow will further strengthen my leadership in carbon catalysts for clean production of energy and chemicals to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions. It will also place UNSW at the forefront of carbon catalyst science and technologies.”

Scientia Professor Toby Walsh from the School of Computer Science and Engineering has been elected an ATSE Fellow for his contributions to computer science and advocacy for guardrails to ensure AI is used to improve our lives.

Prof. Walsh is one of the world’s leading academic minds on AI. He is internationally recognised for his research and expertise in building trustworthy AI technologies that are fair, transparent, robust, and protect people’s privacy. He is highly sought after for his ability to articulate complex concepts in a way that resonates with policymakers, industry and the general public. 

He has served as a key advisor to governments, international organisations and industry bodies, providing guidance and recommendations on AI governance, regulation and strategic planning. 

He said it was a great honour to be elected a Fellow of the ATSE.

“I feel very privileged to join some of Australia’s best scientists whose innovating work is benefitting people throughout the world.

“I especially value the work the ATSE does in promoting the responsible adoption of AI,” he said.

Prof. Walsh is an ARC Laureate Fellow, Chief Scientist at UNSW’s AI Institute and leads the Algorithmic Decision Theory group at CSIRO’s Data61. 

Professor Chuan Zhao from the School of Chemistry has been elected an ATSE Fellow for supercharging Australia’s green hydrogen capabilities with breakthrough water splitting electrode technology. 

Prof. Zhao is a pioneer in developing low-cost catalyst materials for green hydrogen production who has brought about a paradigm shift in the hydrogen industry. Through spinout companies and a suite of his patented technologies, his electrochemistry research breakthroughs have been translated into sustainable materials to improve the efficiency of water electrolysers for hydrogen production. His worldwide patented 3D-electrode® technology is widely regarded as the benchmark by laboratories all over the world and has been adopted broadly by the hydrogen industry for reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. His work has significantly accelerated Australia’s transition to a zero-carbon hydrogen economy.

Prof. Zhao, who also heads up UNSW’s NanoElectroChemistry Lab, said he was very happy and grateful to be elected to the ATSE.

“This is a great recognition of the achievements of my team. We are working diligently to accelerate our energy transition and improve the environment for everyone.”