Prof. Ali Abbas

Professor Ali Abbas is a leading academic and innovation leader in Australia, serving as Professor of Chemical Engineering and Associate Dean (Research) at the Faculty of Engineering, the University of Sydney. He is also the Founding Director of the Waste Transformation Research Hub and has over 20 years of experience in Process Systems Engineering (PSE), with applications spanning clean energy, circular economy, and biological systems.

He is the Founder and Executive Director of Innovation at Scimita Group, a deep-tech commercialisation house advancing innovation in climate, energy, and circular economy technologies. Professor Abbas is also a Board Member of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR), where he contributes to strengthening science, innovation, and economic ties between Australia and the Arab world.

Professor Abbas has published over 170 papers in international journals and works at the intersection of research, industry, and government to develop low-emissions technologies, eco-industrial systems, and waste innovation. He is actively engaged in commercialising breakthrough technologies as a founder and director of multiple ventures.

Appointed as Australia’s first Chief Circular Engineer by Circular Australia, he is a recognised thought leader in sustainability transitions and innovation governance. He is also the Founding Chair of the ‘Australian Circular Economy Conference’ (ACEC), and was a finalist in the 2023 Eureka Prize for Innovative Research in Sustainability. Ali was named one of the global Top 100 Climate Leaders by The Independent (UK) in 2024.

Professor Abbas is deeply committed to fostering international research collaboration and economic development through science, technology, and innovation.