Swinburne's latest partnership news

November 2025

Swinburne researchers drive Australia's green iron future through industry collaboration 

Zesty pilot plant Calix Technology Centre in Bacchus Marsh Victoria

Swinburne University of Technology welcomes Calix Limited and Rio Tinto’s $35 million Joint Development Agreement to advance Calix’s Zero Emissions Steel Technology (Zesty) green iron demonstration plant in Western Australia. 

The innovative Zesty technology uses electric heating and hydrogen reduction to produce low-emissions iron from lower-grade iron ore, offering the potential to transform steelmaking. Steelmaking is a sector responsible for around eight per cent of global CO₂ emissions. 

Calix’s collaboration with Swinburne and the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC), alongside support from the Australian Government, has been instrumental in the rapid development of the Zesty technology. Swinburne’s Professor Geoffrey Brooks recalls speaking to Dr Mark Sceats, Calix’s Founder and Chief Scientist, soon after he first had the idea for Zesty in 2022. 

“Mark explained his ideas and I provided some thoughts and just a few months later they had a pilot plant up and running. I was amazed how quickly they had advanced their ideas,” says Professor Brooks.

This rapid development was soon followed by a HLT CRC research project led by Swinburne to help analyse Zesty’s pilot plant results and provide advice on key technical aspects of the process.

“Calix has made amazing progress in a field that is much researched with a novel idea and great energy. Swinburne has contributed scientific expertise through close collaboration with Calix’s lead engineers, while their funding and support has enabled several emerging researchers at Swinburne, notably Dr Shabnam Sabah, Dr Bintang Ayu Nuraeni and Dani Rhamdani, to undertake cutting edge research,” says Professor Brooks.

“Australia’s scientific and industry expertise, when combined with its mineral and renewable resources, mean it has all the ingredients needed to become a world-leader in the production of green metals and minerals,” says Calix General Manager, Sustainable Processing, Chris Ormston.

“Zesty’s progress to date is a great example of the power of collaboration between industry, academia and government. We thank our partners for their continued support as we progress our climate technology solutions to seize Australia’s green iron opportunity.”

The demonstration plant is expected to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of Hydrogen Direct Reduced Iron per year and help advance the green iron industry in Australia.

HILT CRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Selway, says HILT CRC is proud to have supported two Swinburne-led research projects to help develop the Zesty technology.

“Through our current project De-risking flash reduction of Australian iron ores, and previous project Testing of Australian Iron Ores in a hydrogen direct flash smelting process , led by Swinburne’s Dr Shabnam Sabah and Professor Geoff Brooks in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, HILT CRC is supporting Calix to de-risk and scale up Zesty,” says Selway.

“Research–industry collaboration can turn promising ideas into practical advances in decarbonisation. By working with Calix to progress Zesty toward demonstration scale, this effort is helping to realise Australia’s green iron opportunity.” 
 
The growing relationship with Calix has enabled final year project students to get involved with the Zesty project. Calix has also contributed to learning materials, and new ideas in lithium processing are being developed between Professor Akbar Rhamdhani’s Fluid and Process Dynamics Group and the company.

The university is exploring avenues to integrate green iron and green steel case studies into teaching programs, develop student internship pathways and support national dialogue on the future of low-emissions metals production in Australia. Swinburne recently became one of the first universities in Victoria to be certified carbon neutral, and continues to identify new ways to reduce its impact on the environment.  

Swinburne partners with Geotab Inc.

Swinburne University of Technology and Geotab Inc have launched a new partnership to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation and skills development across Australia’s transport and technology sectors. Geotab is a global leader in connected transportation solutions, who are committed to supporting local communities, universities and industry leaders in shaping a safer, smarter and more sustainable transport ecosystem.

“Swinburne is committed to driving innovation and creating opportunities that connect students with industry,” said Professor Hadi Ghaderi, Professor of Supply Chain Innovation & Decarbonisation, Swinburne University of Technology. 

“Partnering with Geotab allows our researchers and students to work hands-on with global technology and real-world data, enhancing our research capabilities and providing valuable learning experiences that prepare graduates for the future of connected mobility.”

Swinburne and Geotab aim to accelerate data-driven research and innovation by leveraging telematics insights to tackle real-world challenges in sustainability, safety and mobility. They are committed to building a connected industry ecosystem that links academic experts, industry leaders and emerging talent to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.  

Through curriculum integration, internships and scholarships, they will invest in the development of future talent, creating a strong pipeline of skilled graduates. The partnership seeks to deepen community engagement by contributing to the national dialogue on transport innovation and supporting the growth of Australia’s technology ecosystem.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Swinburne University of Technology to unlock new opportunities for data-driven research and innovation,” said Alkan Ciftci, Business Development Manager - ANZ, Geotab. 

“Working alongside Swinburne’s bright minds will help us discover fresh perspectives and novel applications of telematics data, advancing how we approach sustainability, safety and smart mobility while helping to develop Australia’s next generation of transport innovators.”  

Swinburne Edge is creating new pathways for career growth with McDonald’s Australia, offering more than 200,000 employees with the opportunity to convert workplace skills into university credits.

McDonald’s Australia has launched ‘Archways to Opportunity’, an innovative national program that offers its employees the chance to earn up to eight micro-credentials. Swinburne is one of the universities across the nation where these credentials are recognised.

“As a proud multisector university, Swinburne University of Technology is excited to offer McDonald’s employees access to pursue meaningful careers through our tailored learning pathways at Swinburne Edge,” said Louise Robinson, Executive Director of Swinburne Edge. “We’re opening doors to transformative experiences that empower staff to grow, evolve and thrive.”

Employees can leverage micro-credentials to accelerate their journey toward undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, with each micro-credential counting as one subject within an undergraduate degree.

To find out more about this program, please contact the Swinburne Edge team. 

October 2025

Careers in banking and finance showcase, which included a panel discission and a career expo

Swinburne has joined forces with Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF) to provide finance students with unique opportunities for professional development, industry insights and access to exclusive networks. WiBF is a leading national network dedicated to improving gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in the financial services sector.

Through the partnership, students can participate in WiBF’s highly regarded programs and initiatives, connecting directly with leaders and innovators from across the financial services landscape.

"Our partnership with Women in Banking and Finance marks a significant milestone, opening doors for our undergraduate and postgraduate finance students to professional development, industry insights and networks reserved for established finance professionals," says Dr Roshanthi Dias, Deputy Department Chair, Accounting, Economics and Finance.  

“Through dedicated prizes and opportunities, we're not just celebrating outstanding female talent – we're actively investing in their success. This collaboration embodies Swinburne's unwavering commitment to fostering diversity across all that we do.”

Swinburne students have already been connected to major organisations including Goldman Sachs and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, enabling them to learn about emerging trends and cutting-edge developments shaping the future of finance. These opportunities provide students with invaluable industry insights and the chance to build networks that will support their career progression.

"We’re thrilled to partner with Swinburne to support the next generation of finance leaders,” says WiBF CEO, Stephanie Girard.

“By connecting students with industry networks, professional development and real-world insights, we’re equipping them with the tools to thrive in a sector where diversity and inclusion are key to innovation and success.”

To support the next generation of women in finance, WiBF has sponsored five student prizes at Swinburne, recognising outstanding female students across both undergraduate and postgraduate finance programs. 

Each prize includes free access to WiBF’s development programs, giving students valuable opportunities they might not otherwise afford. These sponsorships help to ensure talented women get the support they deserve.

By connecting students to exclusive programs and networks, this partnership reflects Swinburne’s dedication to inclusive, career-focused education and its ongoing support for the next generation of finance professionals.

September 2025

The CAIA Advantage: Advancing Your Alternative Investment Career event at the Hawthorn Hotel.

Swinburne University of Technology has announced a new partnership with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, a globally recognised authority in alternative investments.

Through this academic partnership, Swinburne students and faculty gain access to CAIA’s extensive library of research, thought leadership, and industry insights, building a bridge between academic theory and real-world investment practice.

The partnership also provides access to CAIA’s global network of alternative investment professionals and exclusive industry events, creating valuable connections for both students and academics.

“Swinburne is proud to be the only university in Victoria to hold an exclusive partnership with CAIA. This recognition is a strong endorsement of the quality of our finance education and the global relevance of the skills our students graduate with,”says Swinburne’s Associate Professor Reza Tajaddini, Department Chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance. 

The collaboration offers opportunities for joint research with leading universities, complimentary access to CAIA’s curriculum to support program development and guest lectures from industry experts to enhance the student experience.

“Our students gain more than just technical knowledge – this partnership gives them scholarships, mentoring, and pathways into CAIA’s global community. It reflects the unique strength of our Master of Finance, where academic excellence is matched with real professional opportunities to prepare graduates for the future of finance,” says Swinburne’s Dr Jason Tian, Course Director for Master of Finance.  

The alliance reflects CAIA’s dedication to elevating global standards of professionalism and expanding educational access in the evolving field of alternative investments.

Swinburne now joins a respected global network of CAIA Academic Partners, leading institutions that integrate alternative investment education into their academic offerings and contribute to advancing the future of finance. 

Swinburne partners with CareerTrackers to boost career pathways for First Nations students.

Swinburne University of Technology and CareerTrackers have launched a new partnership to strengthen career pathways for First Nations students. The program connects students with paid structured internships, leadership development and industry networks, supporting them to build experience, grow confidence and pursue long-term career goals.

“This partnership is about building futures and advancing leadership,” said Professor John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Engagement.

“It’s a practical step towards increasing representation and creating opportunities for First Nations students to thrive in their chosen fields.”

The partnership was launched with a celebration at the Moondani Toombadool Centre last week. The event brought together students, staff and industry partners to mark the beginning of a shared commitment to student success, cultural connection and professional growth. 

“Our vision is to see First Nations professionals leading with excellence and purpose in industries and communities across Australia,” said Adam Davids, CEO of CareerTrackers.

“This milestone partnership with Swinburne University of Technology will enable that vision and enhance the tertiary education experience more widely for First Nations students.” 

At the launch event, Swinburne students Letisha Stirling and Jessica Turner shared how the partnership has already opened doors and supported their professional journeys.

Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student Letisha Stirling completed an Interior Design internship at Hassell. 

"My internship at Hassell has been an incredible opportunity to gain real industry experience, learn from leading architects and designers, and contribute to projects that genuinely make an impact,” said Letisha.  

“As an Indigenous student, it’s been empowering to step into the architecture and design profession with the guidance and support of CareerTrackers. Their mentorship has not only opened doors but also given me the confidence to grow, thrive, and see myself belonging in this space. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can help create pathways for other Indigenous students to follow."

Bachelor of Accounting student Jessica Turner completed a Government Advisory internship at McGrathNicol.  

“I had the opportunity to contribute to impactful public sector projects, gaining firsthand experience in policy analysis and risk management,” said Jessica.

“CareerTrackers played a key role in my journey, offering mentorship, professional development workshops, and a supportive community that empowered me to thrive in a corporate environment.”

Celebrating Swinburne’s new partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. 

Swinburne University of Technology has announced a partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) to provide a Master of Professional Accounting to students.

Swinburne will be the exclusive Victorian partner of CA ANZ, allowing students to simultaneously complete a Master of Professional Accounting and the prestigious Chartered Accountants program. This creates a unique pathway for students aiming to earn a distinctive postgraduate qualification to accelerate their career.

“This innovative program allows students to complete all the educational requirements to become a Chartered Accountant while earning a Master’s degree—in just two years” said Department Chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Reza Tajaddini.

“It is the most efficient pathway of its kind in Australia”.

This program is the first in both Australia and Asia to integrate cutting-edge topics including FinTech, AI, blockchain, financial crime, and cybersecurity through its FinTech specialisation, making it highly relevant to the evolving industry landscape.

Students will benefit from a range of career-focused CA ANZ initiatives, including an Employability Masterclass, and an Executive Mentoring Program. These topics and initiatives provided by the partnership with CA ANZ will assist in equipping Swinburne students to be at the forefront of the accounting profession.

Tajaddini was joined at Swinburne’s Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) by Ainslie van Onselen, CEO of CAANZ; Simon Hann, Group Executive of Education and Marketing; and other members of the CAANZ management team for a celebration event.

“We are very excited about our first collaboration with a Victorian university”, said van Onselen. “We love our relationships with the university and the academic community. We are excited particularly about the embedded Master’s program that means students can do the CA program earlier.”

“They’ll be job-ready earlier and be able to accelerate their technical and ethical competencies. And at the same time, they’ll be able to have the Master of Professional Accounting.” 

Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO and MD of Australian Logistics Council and Swinburne’s Professor Hadi Ghaderi

Swinburne University is the first Australian university to join the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) as a research partner. The partnership with ALC, the peak national body representing key participants in Australia’s freight transport and logistics supply chain, aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

“The Australian Logistics Council is delighted to welcome Swinburne University of Technology as a research partner. We do so recognising Swinburne’s unparalleled delivery of industry-focused supply chain and logistics applied research, education, and training. Swinburne brings a powerful new dimension to the ALC’s research partnership,” says Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO and MD of Australian Logistics Council.

Swinburne is a leading university in the field of freight and logistics and is collaborating with ALC to apply and deliver high impact, practical and cutting-edge research projects for the logistics and freight sector. For example, its Supply Chain Decarbonisation Program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in freight transport.

Swinburne’s Professor Hadi Ghaderi, an expert in logistics and supply chain management, says Swinburne’s membership with ALC provides opportunities to influence national freight and supply chain policies through research and collaboration. 

“The partnership opens opportunities for our students and researchers to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This collaboration not only strengthens Swinburne’s influence in the logistics and freight sector, but also solidifies our role in shaping the future of national policy and workforce development within the industry,” says Professor Ghaderi.

By closely collaborating with ALC, Swinburne will deliver impactful, practical research projects, co-design training solutions, and identify talent gaps in the logistics workforce, helping ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

Swinburne students and Peter Marcato at Vision Australia Radio

Swinburne’s media students are partnering with Vision Australia Radio to create 10 Reading Radio programs that will be broadcast across the country. 

Produced and voiced by Swinburne students, the stories contribute to Vision Australia Radio’s service for those who are blind and vision impaired through readings of newspapers, books and magazines.

“The students have been working on the programs all year and it’s a great way for them to practice their presentation skills and showcase their great work,” says Peter Marcato, Lecturer in Media and Communication at Swinburne.

“Vision Australia Radio provides an important service to the community, so it’s great to be able to work with them to provide a youth-focused program for their audience across Australia.”

Swinburne has a long history of supporting Vision Australia Radio, including producing a Victorian election night broadcast in 2022. The team is also looking to host a federal election broadcast with the station in 2025.

Each program will be broadcast at 6:30pm on weekdays across their entire network from Monday 6 January 2025 to Friday 18 January 2025.