This includes ‘green’ ironmaking for Australia’s continued exports of iron ore and fuels, to ‘green’ silver recovery from solar panel recycling for Australia’s onshore waste management.
The Royal Society of New South Wales (RSNSW) dates back to 1821 and is dedicated to enriching lives through knowledge and inquiry, principally through public, interdisciplinary discussions and debates of important matters in the sciences and humanities.
Prof. Shen, who leads the Process Modelling and Optimisation Laboratory (ProMO) at UNSW, has been recognised for his work which includes the development of low-cost and low-emission ironmaking technologies such as his recent patented co-injection technology of hydrogen and biomass that can viably reduce CO2 emission by up to 35%.
He was also instrumental in the development of a sustainable system for used solar panels that recycles more than 95% of the components, diverting waste from landfill and providing high-quality materials for the manufacture of new panels and other products.
Prof. Shen said: “Being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW is an incredible honour. I am delighted to join such a distinguished community and look forward to contributing further to the advancement of science and engineering.
“This Fellowship is a significant moment in my career and I will continue to work hard to make meaningful impact in the field of green metals, including transforming conventional ironmaking and emerging solar panel recycling which will benefit society.”
Prof. Shen’s team also researches applications for a range of complex reactive flow processes in traditional and emerging industries particularly resource and energy sectors, including process metallurgy, recycling of solar panel, plastic and battery, and hydrogen storage and generation.
Their work has led to innovations that are helping Australia move towards a net zero emissions future.
Dean of UNSW Engineering, Professor Julien Epps, said: “The Royal Society of NSW is among the oldest and most prestigious in Australia, and this Fellowship is a fitting recognition of Professor Shen’s excellent and important research and its impact.”
Prof. Shen’s research has already garnered significant attention. In 2024, he was awarded the Edgeworth David Medal by the RSNSW, recognising his world-leading contributions to solar panel recycling and sustainable process engineering.
The Edgeworth David Medal is awarded for the most meritorious contributions to knowledge and society in Australia or its territories, together with signs of leadership. It is named after the pioneering geologist and longstanding supporter of the Society, Sir Edgeworth David FRS, who wrote the first comprehensive record of the geology of Australia.
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