Simon Smart is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering, at The University of Queensland. His research is centered around the sustainable production and use of energy and chemicals - including the development of enabling technologies and processes for the production of clean energy, materials and water. Simon completed his BE/BSc and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland in 2004 and 2008 respectively. His research focuses on the design and development of inorganic membranes and hybrid nanocomposite materials for CO2 capture, H2 purification and desalination; as well as the use of molten metals and molten salts as liquid catalysts for low CO2 hydrogen production through methane pyrolysis, and CO2 utilisation to produce syngas through dry reforming. 

Simon is the UQ project leader for the Net Zero Australia project, which is a collaborative partnership between the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, Princeton University and Nous Group. The study illustrates net zero pathways that reflect the boundaries of the Australian debate, for both our domestic and export emissions, and applies the approach pioneered by Princeton University’s Net Zero America study to Australia, and aims to be technology neutral, evidence driven and non-political.