ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2025

ACM CRC Media Team • July 29, 2025

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The ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2025  will explore the theme, Leveraging Enabling Technologies to Advance Australia’s Composites Manufacturing Sector.


The event will be abuzz with topical keynotes, industry-led breakout sessions and insightful presentations across three supporting themes:


  • Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Harnessing data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise composite production and quality control.


  • Automation & Advanced Robotics: Deploying intelligent automation systems to drive efficiency, precision, and scalability.


  • Smart Factories & Connected Supply Chains: Integrating cyber-physical systems to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration across the composites value chain.


There will also be plenty of time for discussions and networking.


This is an exclusive opportunity for ACM CRC industry, academia and government experts to come together and review the challenges we’ve faced – and still face – and to celebrate the achievements we’ve accomplished. Collectively, we will determine the way forward, ensuring continued collaboration in achieving our milestones and advancing Australia’s composites manufacturing sector.


DATE: Wednesday 22 October and Thursday 23 October 2025

VENUE: Greenhouse Tech Hub. Level 3, 180 George Street Sydney

REGISTRATION: https://acm-crc-annual-partner-meeting-2025.eventbrite.com.au


KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dr Phillip J Crothers

Enterprise Domain Leader - Manufacturing

Boeing Aerostructures Australia

  • Read Phil Crother's Bio

    Phil Crothers has 27 years experience with Boeing, mainly in the research field, including automation and composites development and deployment for which he is a Technical Fellow.  He has also served in Europe, setting up BR&T offices in Munich, Germany, and Sheffield, UK.  He has a PhD from RMIT University and has co-authored the Australian Robotics Roadmap (Manufacturing).


    Currently, Phil is leading Affordability and New Technology on the MQ28 Ghost Bat, integrating 40+ roadmaps, including 15+ PhDs in the area of affordable production systems.


Kerryn Caulfield

Executive Director

Composites Australia Inc.

  • Read Kerryn Caulfield's Bio

    Kerryn will introduce Composites Australia, outlining its legacy in shaping the industry through collaboration, advocacy and standards. The presentation will share findings from a national education and training scoping study conducted with ACM CRC and RMIT, highlighting workforce needs, skills pathways, and emerging opportunities in automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing. Key recommendations will be discussed, including strategies for industry, government and academia to build a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of sustaining Australia’s composites manufacturing future.


    Kerryn Caulfield is a senior association executive specialising in Australian manufacturing. She has led Composites Australia for over 20 years and brings more than five decades of experience across diverse industries. A prolific publisher, she promotes the capabilities of Australian manufacturers and works nationally and internationally to advance the composites sector through education, standards, policy and collaboration. She has held senior leadership roles, received Ministerial appointments and chairs national and international committees.


UPDATE: Tour/Site Visit – Tuesday, 21 October


Please note there has been a change to the morning tour schedule.


The morning visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) has been replaced with a tour of Colan Australia in Huntingwood.


Join us for a full-day site visit showcasing two of Australia’s leading organisations in advanced manufacturing and scientific research – Colan Australia and ANSTO.


A dedicated shuttle will depart from Central Station in the morning and return in the late afternoon.


Schedule


  • Morning – Colan Australia (Huntingwood)
  • 9:45am–10:00am: Pickup at Central Station (exact location TBA)
  • 10:00am–10:45am: Travel to Colan Australia
  • 11:00am–11:45am: Guided tour of Colan Australia’s production and manufacturing facilities (approximately 30 minutes, with extra time for questions and preparing to depart for the next site).
  • Note: No refreshments provided. Closed-toe footwear required. Visitors must remain with staff when entering the production floor.


  • Afternoon (ANSTO – Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights)
  • 12:30pm–1:30pm: Travel to ANSTO Discovery Centre
  • 1:30pm–4:30pm: Guided tour of ANSTO facilities, including the OPAL reactor displays, Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Centre for Accelerator Science, Building 3 labs and Synroc Pilot Plant.
  • 4:30pm: Return to Central Station


Important Information


  • Numbers are limited due to site security requirements.
  • Attendees must bring valid photo ID for entry at ANSTO - a link has been provided to anyone who's registered to attend the tour.
  • Exact pickup location at Central Station will be confirmed closer to the date.
  • You are also welcome to make your own way to the facilities and join the group on-site - but please let the ACM team know.
  • Please contact the ACM team on hello@acmcrc.com for more details.



ACM CRC HDR Student Prize - Submissions Closed


***Thank you to all our HDR students who submitted their entries for the 2025 ACM CRC HDR Student Prize. We’ve been impressed by the creativity and impact showcased in your research presentations. Five finalists will be selected and invited to present at the ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2025, with the winner to be announced at the event.***


We are proud to launch the ACM CRC HDR Student Prize, recognising outstanding academic and industry-focused research from our Higher Degree by Research (HDR) cohort. This annual prize celebrates excellence in research, innovation and engagement aligned with the goals of the CRC. Submissions will take the form of a brief video presentation, giving students the opportunity to showcase the real-world impact of their research in a dynamic and accessible format.


As part of their involvement with the CRC, all HDR students are expected to participate in the ACM CRC HDR Student Prize by submitting a 1-minute video presentation.


If you have any questions about the process or if you'd like to know more about the prize, feel free to get in touch.


RISE Fellowship Returns - Nominations Closed


***Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2025 RISE Fellowship. This prestigious award highlights and celebrates remarkable women in STEM across the CRC. The successful Fellows will be contacted soon and the awards will be presented at the ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2025.***


The RISE Fellowship will once again spotlight remarkable women in STEM from within the CRC. This prestigious award champions leadership, innovation and impact. To nominate a candidate, please complete the nomination form and submit it to the ACM CRC team. Nominations are welcome from across the CRC community and self-nominations are also encouraged.



 

See the Partner Meeting highlights in 2024 and 2023.


Event Name: ACM CRC Partner Meeting 2025

Event date:   22 and 23 October 2025

Location:  Greenhouse Tech Hub

Level 3, 180 George Street Sydney


Register Now! >

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