Step 1. Value of Research and Development (R&D) (7 April 12:00 -1:00 AEST)
Panelists:
Dr Jacqui McRae, Manager, ARC Graphene Research Hub
Jacqui is the Manager of the ARC Graphene Research Hub based at the University of Adelaide. She joined the team in 2019 after 10 years as a Research Scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute, having completed a PhD in Organic Chemistry in 2008. She is actively involved in the business development and stakeholder engagement of the Hub’s research program as well as managing activities and project milestones in collaboration with teams across the 6 associated universities and 5 industry partners. She is passionate about translating research outcomes into industry solutions and is committed to the Hub’s ultimate goal of developing a sustainable graphene manufacturing industry in Australia.
Neil M. Armstrong, Commercial Manager, First Graphene
Neil is an effective and hands on problem solver, driven by innovation, sustainability, and the future. He played a critical role in the design and commissioning of First Graphene’s world leading production facility in Henderson WA, developing new equipment and processes focused on the commercial scale production of graphene and its industry applications. Neil has a strong Engineering background in the mining and resources sector, designing and implement innovative solutions aimed at increased efficiency and reduced down-time. As an example, after looking at a landfill in the north west filled with used conveyor belts. Neil invented a novel technology that can target, and repair accelerated wear locations across a conveyor belt surface, significantly increasing the life of the belt whilst reducing the associated waste and cost of replacement.
Michael Sharpe, National Director Industry, AMGC
Michael joined the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre in 2017 and is the National Director – Industry. Michael has vast industrial experience including nearly three decades at Sharpe Bros (Australia), one of the nation’s leading road companies. From 2004 -2014, he served as Managing Director of the family business. From 2012 – 2016, he was on the board of HunterNet, a successful industry clustering initiative in the Hunter and Central Coast region and served as Chairman for a one-year period.