Rate My Professor Ali Abbas

Professor Ali Abbas is Professor of Chemical Engineering in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Sydney. He holds the position of Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Engineering and is Founding Director of the Waste Transformation Research Hub, a national research centre developing advanced technological and policy solutions to transform waste into valuable resources. In 2022, Professor Abbas was appointed Australia's first Chief Circular Engineer by Circular Australia to lead the transition to a circular economy. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust) and the Royal Society of NSW (FRSN), received the IESGA Fellowship Award in 2024, and was a finalist for the 2023 University of Sydney Eureka Prize for Innovative Research in Sustainability. His leadership includes board membership with the Australia-China Alumni Relations and editorial contributions through funded international partnerships.

Ali Abbas completed his Bachelor's degree and PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sydney in 2004. An internationally recognised leader, his research specializations encompass process systems engineering, circular economy innovation, sustainability transitions, carbon capture, and waste valorization, enhancing understanding of complex processes across multiple scales. With over 9,200 citations on Google Scholar and 228 publications, his work has substantial impact on sustainable engineering. Key publications include 'Membrane-based carbon capture from flue gas: a review' (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2015), 'Nanotechnology for a sustainable future: Addressing global challenges with the international network4sustainable nanotechnology' (ACS Nano, 2021), 'Optimization-Based Design and Selection of Working Fluids for Heat Transfer: Case Study in Heat Pipes' (Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2014), 'Biodeterioration of pre-treated polypropylene by Aspergillus terreus strain' (npj Materials Degradation, 2023), and 'Solar-powered PCC: An upfront levy for sustainable carbon capture' (International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 2022). Professor Abbas teaches courses including CHNG5001 Process Systems Engineering and CHNG5801 Foundations of Process Engineering, driven by passion for scientific inquiry and professional growth. He supervises research students and engages in public lectures and committee roles advancing clean energy and biotechnology.