The Steel Research Hub, led by the University of Wollongong (UOW) officially launched earlier this month, focusing on supporting the transition of Australia's steel manufacturing industry to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient position. 

Held at the BlueScope steel visit centre in Port Kembla, the launch was a momentous occasion, facilitated by industry and university partner representatives including Federal Minister for Education, Hon Jason Clare MP and University of Wollongong's (UOW) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia M. Davidson. 

The Steel Research Hub has joined forces with leading university researches and ASA members Infrabuild and BlueScope, along with 8 other industry partners who are contributing substantial funding and in-kind support. The total funding for the Steel Research Hub equates to $28.4 million.  

Credit: University of Wollongong (UOW) 

The first Steel Research Hub started in 2014, aiming to develop breakthrough processes and product innovations to solve complex challenges confronting the Australian steel industry. The new Steel Research Hub plans to expand on this with an overarching goal of 'supporting the transition of Australia’s steel manufacturing industry to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient position, based on the creation of new, higher value-added products and more advanced manufacturing processes'.

Dr Paul Zulli, Director of the Steel Research Hub, emphasises what this new phase represents for the industry explaining, “Following the successful achievements and innovations of the first hub, our new Steel Research Hub represents a strategic and unique partnership enabling the delivery of a broad set of new innovative solutions across national steel manufacturers, channel partners, peak bodies, small to medium enterprises and governments,” he said. 

He continues, “Given these achievements and the trusted relationships at various organisational levels, there is a strong willingness among partners to engage cooperatively in the training of a more skilful and technologically capable manufacturing workforce for the 21st century, and influential leaders who are familiar with innovation," he said.

The Steel Research Hub is currently facilitating a research project entitled Transport Infrastructure Construction Using Steel Furnace Slag (SFS) with ASA member Australian Steel Mill Services (ASMS). The project focuses on exploring the posibility of utilising SFS in engineering applications and intergrating it with by-products from other industrial processes. For more information, click here. 

Credit: University of Wollongong - Steel Research Hub

The key objectives of the Steel Research Hub include:

• Forward-thinking approaches to improve the functionality and quality of products through higher strength, durability and resilience.
• New applications to improve productivity through increasing the longevity of manufacturing facilities. 
• Achieve significant increases in performance in anti-corrosion treatments for products and processing applications. 
• Further technological manufacturing advancements to achieve a generational shift in capability across the supply chain.

To learn more about the Steel Research Hub, click here.

To learn more about our member BlueScope, you can visit their official website.

To learn more about our member Infrabuild, you can visit their official website.