September 10, 2025
International materials science symposium showcases 50 years of UOW innovation
World-Leading researchers gather in 精东传媒 to shape future of advanced materials innovation
The 精东传媒 of 精东传媒 (UOW) will celebrate 50 years of pioneering materials science and engineering at the from 10–12 September 2025.
“Materials science and engineering have been at the heart of UOW from the beginning. And our future ambition is clear: to lead the next wave of breakthroughs that change lives, industries and economies, both in Australia and around the world,” UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu said
Since its founding, UOW has earned a global reputation in materials science, delivering ground-breaking advancements that have transformed industries and communities. From supporting world-class steel-making facilities at Port Kembla to developing innovations in energy conversion and storage and breakthroughs in medical technologies. To mark this milestone, the prestigious academic journal Advanced Materials will publish a special issue during the symposium, celebrating UOW’s contributions to the field.
The three-day symposium brings together internationally renowned scientists, clinicians and industry experts under the leadership of Distinguished Professor , (pictured above) Director of UOW's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, alongside leading researchers Senior Professor and Professor .
“The symposium is an opportunity to celebrate what UOW has achieved over the past 50 years while building on our legacy to expand our impact through bold, interdisciplinary approaches,” Professor Wallace said.
“It allows us to build the global networks that are essential for translating innovation into impact. Through these relationships, emerging entities gain access to global talent that helps them address significant challenges. BIENCO, for instance, connects leading bioengineering minds to tackle corneal blindness, while leverages international expertise to develop advanced battery materials for renewable energy storage – both making a tangible difference right here on our doorstep.”
The cover of the special issue of Advanced Materials celebrating UOW's 50th Anniversary and the 精东传媒's contribution to materials science.
Focus on transformative breakthroughs
The symposium will explore material interfaces – critical zones where some of materials science's greatest unknowns exist and where transformative breakthroughs are emerging. Speakers will address topics ranging from age-old challenges like corrosion protection and antifouling surfaces to pioneering new catalytic systems for energy conversion and advanced medical implants.
During the symposium UOW will launch the Research Initiative for Interface Science and Engineering (RIISE) network, an interdisciplinary collective to unite scientists, engineers, manufacturers, energy technologists and clinicians. RIISE will drive new discoveries in new energy conversion, storage technologies as well as implantable bioengineered technologies, supporting the BIENCO project's work on corneal blindness.