UNSW Engineering

02/09/2026

Congratulations to Prof. Andrew Dzurak who has received the 2026 Walter Boas Medal, one of Australia's highest distinctions in physics. 👏

The award recognises his pioneering research in addressing key challenges in scaling up and manufacturing silicon-based quantum computers.

The Australian Institute of Physics has recognised UNSW's Scientia Professor Andrew Dzurak for his outstanding contribution to quantum computing.

01/09/2026

💬 "3MT gave me a valuable opportunity to learn how to communicate my research on robotic tactile sensing to audiences from very different backgrounds."

Well done to PhD candidate Xingyu Zhang who has received the People's Choice Award at the University's 3 Minute Thesis finals. 👏

Xingyu, from UNSW Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, presented his work on teaching robots of the sense of touch.

Read more 🔗 https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/09/fertility-innovation-claims-top-prize-in-unsw-s-3-minute-thesis

27/08/2026

Not long to go until Open Day! ⏰

Whatever stage you're at on your journey to uni, UNSW Open Day is your opportunity to explore the many pathways to progress and discover how you could become one of Australia's most employable graduates.

Start planning your day 🔗 www.openday.unsw.edu.au

26/08/2026

Could engineering help Australia grow more of its own hazelnuts? 🌰

UNSW School of Chemical Engineering PhD student Pavittar Singh Sandhu is working with growers in Orange, NSW, to rethink how hazelnuts are dried, monitored and stored after harvest.

From developing drying rigs for more consistent results to using sensors and satellite connectivity to monitor conditions remotely, Pavittar’s research could help improve production and create new opportunities for local growers.

Read more 🔗 https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/research-technology/is/the-engineering-behind-better-australian-hazelnuts

20/08/2026

Hats off to our graduates! You did it and we couldn’t be prouder. 😌

Here’s to the next chapter! 🎓🐻

19/08/2026

New UNSW research shows that controlling how materials are distributed during the early stages of solar cell manufacturing can reduce defects and improve efficiency.

Led by Prof. Xiaojing Hao, the researchers liken the process of making a CZTS solar cell to baking a cake, where how the cell is heated is just as important as the 'ingredients' used.

The team found that strengthening the copper-sulphur bond during the initial heating process significantly reduced defect formation, leading to improved voltage performance.

Read more 🔗 https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/08/The-secret-to-better-solar-cells-think-like-baker

18/08/2026

What if your voice could reveal more than just what you’re saying? 🗣️

From clues about our health and emotions to our unique identity, speech holds a surprising amount of hidden information.

In this episode of Engineering the Future podcast, A/Prof. Beena Ahmed explores how technology is learning to decode our voices - and what advances in speech processing could mean for healthcare, education and the rise of AI-generated speech.

Link in bio to listen now.

18/08/2026

What if your voice could reveal more than just what you’re saying? 🗣️

From clues about our health and emotions to our unique identity, speech holds a surprising amount of hidden information.

In this episode of Engineering the Future, A/Prof. Beena Ahmed explores how technology is learning to decode our voices - and what advances in speech processing could mean for healthcare, education and the rise of AI-generated speech.

Listen now 🔗 unsw.to/ETF-Speech-Processing

13/08/2026

From dreaming of flying to shaping the future of aviation.

UNSW alum Renee Wootton Tomlin became Australia’s first Indigenous female aerospace engineer - and she didn’t stop there.

Engineer. Pilot. Strategist. Founder. Today, Renee is helping drive aviation’s energy transition while creating more opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that there’s more than one pathway to your dream career - and curiosity can take you further than you ever imagined.

Curiosity took Renee Wootton Tomlin from the cockpit to the forefront of aviation's energy transition. Discover her inspiring UNSW alumni story.

13/08/2026

A team of UNSW engineers has developed a smart stormwater system that automatically adapts to changing weather conditions – helping stop more harmful pollutants from reaching our rivers, beaches and oceans. 💧

Unlike traditional biofilters, which are passive, the new system combines sensors, automated controls and weather forecasts to actively manage how stormwater is treated, removing almost 90% of organic contaminants.

Read more 🔗 https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/08/smart-stormwater-system-stops-pollution-rivers-beaches