Celebrate Earth Science Week 2026 with an afternoon of insightful discussion, professional networking and career exploration centered on this year's theme: Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society.

Join us at the University of Newcastle for a FREE special guest lecture by Dr Paul Ebert, Executive Director of the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER). The lecture will be followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A.

Featured Lecture

From Jesmond to the World: A Journey of Translation Impact

Dr Paul Ebert commenced as the new Executive Director of NIER in late March 2026, but prior to this was a thirty-year career focused on translating science into real world impact. In this lecture, Paul will outline just what he learnt on that journey of change through some of the toughest, dirtiest and hard-nosed industrial sectors, and his part in helping to build a more sustainable world. He will then outline the role of NIER, in particular how it relates to the critical minerals area and the building of sustainable and resilient economic prosperity.

What to Expect

Guest lecture by Dr Paul Ebert
15-minute audience Q&A
Insights into critical minerals, sustainability and the energy transition
Networking with students, researchers, alumni and industry professionals
Canapés and refreshments hosted in partnership with Local Connections

Event Schedule

Thursday 15 October 2026 - Venue: Brennan Room, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus

2:30pm - 3:15pm | Earth Science Week Lecture
3:15pm - 3:30pm | Audience Q&A
3:30pm – 4:30pm | Networking, canapés and refreshments (Local Connections)

Earth Science Week Lecture | From Jesmond to the World: A Journey of Translation Impact

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