Leading researchers take up Forrest Research Fellowships at Curtin

A Curtin University astrophysicist whose research investigates how stars are destroyed by supermassive black holes, and a chemical engineering researcher with a particular interest in enabling a carbon-neutral chemical industry have been awarded 2024 Forrest Research Fellowships to study at Curtin.

Dr Adelle Goodwin, from Curtin’s School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences and the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), and Dr Yu Jie Lim from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore will take up these prestigious fellowships at Curtin next year.

Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships are provided to outstanding early career researchers to undertake high quality research at any of the five universities in Western Australia.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Dr Goodwin and Dr Lim on being recognised in these highly sought-after fellowships.

“Curtin is honoured to be hosting two very distinguished researchers in Dr Goodwin and Dr Lim and we look forward to their significant research contributions in their respective fields,” Professor Hayne said.

“The Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships seek to bring the world’s greatest minds to Western Australia and we are delighted to be welcoming Dr Lim to Curtin from the Nanyang Technological College in Singapore. His research into optimising hydrogen production at the WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering has the potential to play a crucial role in the state’s energy future.

“Dr Goodwin’s leading research in the field of astronomy has contributed greatly to our understanding of the Universe. A passionate science communicator and advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, Dr Goodwin is also a regular public speaker who engages with the public about her research and her experience as a female science researcher.”

Minderoo Foundation Co-Chair and Founder Nicola Forrest AO said the mission of the Forrest Research Foundation was to identify and support world-leading researchers to tackle our biggest challenges.

“We are so proud to back this vital collaborative research centre that is continuing to attract some of the globe’s brightest minds who will make significant contributions to the Western Australian community through their research and leadership,” Mrs Forrest said.

The Forrest Research Foundation was established in 2014 following a donation of $65 million by Andrew and Nicola Forrest through the Minderoo Foundation.

The Forrest Research Foundation aims to attract the brightest minds to conduct research in Western Australia. The Foundation provides support to international and domestic students to enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at one of the State’s universities and also supports leading researchers who are at the start of their career by providing post-doctoral fellowships.

Further information on the Forrest Fellowships can be found online here.