DrBen Newman

Ben is currently a Research Fellow and recipient of an AEA Ignite grant to further the commercialisation of coloured carbon fibre technology.

He previously lead the technical side of Deakin's contribution to Fortescue's ARENA project titled "Low temperature DER for Zero Emissions Iron".

Ben completed his PhD at Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials in 2023 studying the surface modification and applications of recycled carbon fibres in composite materials. This doctoral research was conducted under Prof. Luke C. Henderson and in partnership with Gen2Carbon Pty Ltd (then ELG CF). Ben's close collaboration with industry continued through a postdoctoral appointment under Prof. Henderson on an 18 month project with Fortescue Future Industries helping to lay the foundation for their low-temperature DER work in the field of Green Steel. A successful ARENA grant in this space furthered the collaboration with Fortescue, concluding in 2026. Ben was awarded an Ignite grant in the second round of Australia's Enonomic Acclerator funding, receiving $500k AUD to pursue TRL progression of patented coloured carbon fibre technology.