Chemistry research at SAGE-M
ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre · IC250100004

Catalysing a sustainable future for Australian manufacturing

SAGE-M trains the next generation of industry-ready scientists in cutting-edge catalysis — the science behind 90% of chemical products. We work across four universities, with CSIRO, and with industry partners to build a workforce for Australia's green economy.

21
Chief Investigators
11
Partner Investigators
4
University Nodes
9
Partner Organisations
5
Year Program
Research

Three themes, one mission

Our research spans the full arc of catalysis for sustainable manufacturing — from circular-economy chemistry to bioprocessing and clean energy.

Catalysis in the Green Circular Economy

Efficient catalytic reactions that convert waste into valuable products, minimise energy use, and close material loops.

  • Depolymerisation & recycling
  • Biomass conversion
  • Sustainable chemical manufacture

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Catalysis in Bioprocessing

Using biocatalysts and bio-derived feedstocks to create pharmaceuticals, bioactives and functional materials.

  • Enzyme & whole-cell catalysis
  • Bioactives & nutraceuticals
  • Marine & agricultural bioproducts

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Sustainable Catalysts for Energy Applications

Catalysts built from abundant, low-cost elements for electrolysers, fuel cells, batteries and solar-driven chemistry.

  • Non-precious-metal systems
  • Electro- & photocatalysis
  • Next-gen energy storage

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The opportunity

A $60B global market and a skills gap to close

The global catalyst market is forecast to grow from ~USD 37B (2022) to ~USD 60B by 2032. Australia needs a strong pipeline of scientists trained in green catalysis if it's to compete, reduce imports, and deliver on circular-economy goals.

What the Centre does
Our team

Led by experienced researchers and industry partners

Five-person leadership team spanning Monash, Deakin, RMIT and the University of Melbourne — together overseeing 21 Chief Investigators and 11 Partner Investigators.

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Partners

A national and global collaboration

Four Australian universities, CSIRO, five industry partner organisations, and leading international catalysis centres in the UK and Germany.

Monash University Deakin University RMIT University University of Melbourne CSIRO UK Catalysis Hub UniSysCat (Germany) SC² Bayreuth (Germany)

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Interested in working with us?

Whether you're a prospective PhD student, an industry partner, or a researcher looking to collaborate — we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch See our training program