Dr Ashraful Azam

Dr Ashraful Azam is a Lecturer in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at UNSW Sydney. He received his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from UNSW in 2023. Dr Azam’s research focuses on advanced functional nanomaterials, particularly quantum dots and two-dimensional (2D) materials, for renewable energy and optoelectronic technologies. He develops scalable methods for synthesising high-quality quantum dots and applies them as catalysts and active materials in solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells and hydrogen production. His work also extends to smart windows, LEDs and photodetectors.

He has published in leading journals, including Advanced Materials, Progress in Materials Science, ACS Nano, Nano Letters, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Journal of Materials Chemistry A. He holds four patents (AU, WO, KR) and has secured three research seed grants and one industry collaboration grant. His industry engagement includes a $1 million “Green To Global Industry Grant” project with a major global solar company to commercialise quantum-dot-enhanced solar cells. His work has been recognised by the UNSW Science Faculty with the Early Career Academic Award, the Innovation and Engagement Award (2025) and the Excellence in Research Award (2026), reflecting his commitment to advancing scientific discovery, driving innovation and fostering meaningful collaboration with real-world impact.

Dr Azam brings experience from both academia and industry. He has worked as a research scientist at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), served as a project member of Australia’s National Graduate Innovation Forum, and is a Federal Council Member of the Australian Ceramic Society. He has collaborated extensively with industry partners and research organisations, including JA Solar, BlueScope, BSRM, BITAC, LG Chem, the KAIST Institute and ANSTO.