About Us
Catalysing Australia–Japan Science and Innovation is a platform to celebrate and enhance the collaborative research and industry connections between Australia and Japan. This symposium is designed to strengthen the bilateral relationship by bringing together Australian early and mid-career researchers with their Japanese counterparts in areas of shared scientific interest. Through a hybrid format, the event aims to expand international networking opportunities, particularly through the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association (JSPSAAA), fostering collaboration and connections between institutions in both countries.
The symposium also focuses on public engagement and outreach to highlight Australian expertise in science within Japan, raise awareness of the benefits and opportunities of scientific collaboration with Japan, and position Australia as a key partner for Japan in science and innovation. Addressing common challenges faced by the scientific communities of both nations is also a key priority of this event.
This symposium is proudly supported by the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Theo Murphy Initiative of the Australian Academy of Science, University of Canberra, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association in Australia (JSPSAAA).
Chairs
Ashraf Ghanem and Tamim Darwish
The Organising Committee
Dr Tamim Darwish
Leader of the National Deuteration Facility (NDF) at ANSTO. Oversees capability development, research, industry engagement, and scientific activities of NDF. Secretary of the executive committee of JSPSAAA.
Professor Ashraf Ghanem
Head of the Chirality group at the University of Canberra. Expert in asymmetric and enantioselective catalysis and analysis. Fellow and past president of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) ACT.
Dr Marco Fronzi
Research Fellow in Condensed Matter Theory at the School of Physics, University of Sydney. His expertise lies in applying quantum mechanics to understand the electronic structure of complex materials and utilizing machine learning for material discovery. A member of JSPSAAA since 2023, Dr. Fronzi maintains active collaborations with researchers in Japan
Dr Ruth Eriksen
Research Scientist with CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere. Specializes in phytoplankton ecology, taxonomy, and microscopy techniques. Served as both Secretary of the JSPSAAA and the Tasmanian representative.
Dr Sohel Julovi
Medically trained research scientist at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR). Research focuses on the connection between chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis. Recipient of several national and international research awards and JSPS Fellowship.
Dr Matthew McKenzie
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Deakin University. Leads the Mitochondrial Disease Research Laboratory. Member of the JSPSAAA since 2018 with ongoing collaborations in Japan.
Dr Xin Fu Tan
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Queensland. Research interests include electronics packaging, Li-ion batteries, and hydrogen storage materials. Engaged in collaborative work with Japanese industry and academic partners.