Outgoing Executive Director of NIER Professor Alan Broadfoot to continue innovation facilitation in new role
The University of Newcastle has appointed Dr Paul Ebert as Executive Director of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, as Professor Alan Broadfoot concludes a 15-year tenure and moves into a role focused on delivering the Next Generation Resources Park.
Today is Professor Alan Broadfoot's final day as Executive Director of NIER, after leading since its establishment in 2010.
He joined the University with a remit to transform BHP’s former Central Research Laboratory into an innovation precinct. Over that period, NIER has developed into a large-scale research and industry environment, supporting more than 200 PhD candidates, 19 research centres and groups, and working with almost 200 industry partners.
The institute also operates as a regional node for initiatives including the NSW Energy & Resources Knowledge Hub, the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub and the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said, “Professor Broadfoot’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing NIER as a powerhouse of industry collaboration and innovation. Alan’s legacy will continue to shape the University’s research impact for years to come.”
New Executive Director begins next week
Dr Paul Ebert is the new Executive Director of NIER.
Dr Ebert brings close to two decades of leadership experience across the energy, chemicals and resources sectors. He most recently held the role of Group Director Sustainability and Energy Transition Leadership at Worley, and has worked with organisations including Shell, Google, Saudi Aramco and Princeton University, as well as Australian companies such as Qantas and Rio Tinto.
A graduate of the University of Newcastle, Dr Ebert has also worked with businesses across the Hunter region.
Professor Zelinsky said, “Dr Ebert is an outstanding leader with deep expertise in energy transition and sustainability. His global experience and strong local connections will help NIER continue to deliver innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
From research precinct to delivery phase
Following his transition from the Executive Director role, Professor Broadfoot will continue with the University of Newcastle in its Research and Innovation Division.
In this capacity, he will support the transition to Dr Ebert’s leadership while also contributing to major initiatives including the Energy Skills Hub and Future Industries Facility. He is also moving into a role focused on delivering the Next Generation Resources Park.
The park is intended to extend the capability of the existing NIER Research Precinct further into applied environments, including prototyping, manufacturing and training facilities aligned to new energy, critical minerals and high-tech metals.
Integration with Hunter initiatives
The Next Generation Resources Park is planned to operate alongside the NIER precinct as part of a broader ecosystem connecting research, industry and workforce development.
It is expected to integrate with regional initiatives including the Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct and the AGL Hunter Energy Hub.
Industry-aligned education pathways are also planned to support technical skills development and workforce training across these sectors.
