The SPW CRC research activities are conducted in four research programs. Information on the expertise of each Program Leader is provided below.
Research Program 1 (RP1) – Materials and Design
Program Leader – Prof Stefanie Feih
Stefanie is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering and the Director of the Advanced Design Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) at Griffith University.
Stefanie is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide in the field of Materials, a testament to her expertise and impact in advancing knowledge and innovation. With over 25 years of experience spanning academic and industry-focused research, she has become a leading voice in lightweight material processing and design, specialising in polymers and polymer-based composites.
Stefanie will oversee all projects in RP1.
Research Program 2 (RP2) – Plastics Recovery and Recycling
Program Leader – Prof Minoo Naebe
Minoo is Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts (CSB) and Founding Group Leader of Carbon Nexus at Deakin University.
Minoo specialises in polymers and composites, focusing on sustainable materials and processes for transformative applications for a low-carbon economy. She has led numerous industry collaborations in transport, energy, and construction, achieving significant commercial outcomes, including a spin-off company. Globally recognised, she has been among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in Materials (Stanford Career Rankings) for five consecutive years (2020–2024).
Minoo will oversee all projects in RP2.
Research Program 3 (RP3) – Circular Economy for Plastics
Program Leader – Prof Damien Giurco
Damien is Associate Director Research at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
He began his career in the plastics industry and since joining the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures in 2005 has worked with governments and industry on strategies and policies for sustainability across the value chain, including for a carbon neutral circular economy. He was a foundation director for the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence and served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the NSW Container Deposit System.
Damien will oversee all projects in RP3.
Research Program 4 (RP4) – Microplastics in Agricultural Soils
Program Leader – Distinguished Professor Andy Ball
Andy is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Science at RMIT University and the Director of the ARC Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource.
Andy has more than 40 years of research experience in environmental microbiology. In 2012, he was appointed Professor of Environmental Biotechnology at RMIT University; in 2016 he was appointed Distinguished Professor. In 2020 Andy became Director of the Australian Research Councils Industrial Transformation Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource, based at RMIT. Previously, in 2005 Andy was appointed Foundation Chair of Environmental Biotechnology at Flinders University and Director of Flinders Bioremediation. He has a wealth of research and teaching experience in the fields of bioremediation, environmental contamination and environmental microbiology.
Andy will oversee all projects in RP4.
Education & Training Program
Education & Training Co-Leader – Industry PhD Program – Associate Professor Brian McIntosh
Brian is an Associate Professor of Integrated Water Management and Head of Discipline in Environment and Marine Science at Griffith University.
Brian is a global leader in developing capability and capacity in individuals, organisations and sectors for innovation. He leads the team that established the Queensland Water Modelling Network’s Community of Practice and Industry Doctoral Program, has led professional Masters degrees in the UK and Australia and worked with industry, government and donor bank clients from around the world to design and deliver capability solutions. He has won national and international teaching and research awards and is a Fellow of Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (FCIWEM).
Brian will be designing, implementing and overseeing the CRC’s Industry PhD Program.