Welcome to the Concrete and Net-Zero Nexus (CNN) group

We are a dynamic research group within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), at The University of Melbourne (UoM). Our group focuses on understanding the interconnection between concrete, the most-human-made material and Net-Zero transition, which is the defining challenge for achieving the 2050 target and beyond. The increasing global population and urbanisation have driven the demand for concrete, making it a key area of Net-Zero research due to the CO2 emissions from cement production and the consumption of natural resources. Simultaneously, the push to meet the Net-Zero target by 2050 has accelerated the global energy transition, necessitating the rapid deployment of energy storage and infrastructure.

Concrete plays a pivotal role in modern society, from building homes to supporting major civil and energy infrastructures. Our research takes a holistic approach, exploring, developing, and implementing innovative concrete materials for both traditional and emerging applications. We are on a mission to develop engineering solutions that advance the interdisciplinary nexus of concrete and the Net-Zero transition and actively seeking passionate PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to join our team (more info)!.

News

30 Sep 2026

R2Crete raises $750,000 to advance waste concrete recycling!

26 Sep 2026

Our paper on using recycled concrete power/fine aggregate in mortar is published on Journal of Building Engineering!

16 Sep 2026

Our paper on particle-scale modelling of packed-bed thermal energy storage using recycled concrete is published on Journal of Energy Storage!

03 Sep 2026

Vithusha’s thesis has successfully passed examination, and her PhD degree has been conferred. Congratulations, Dr Vithusha, on this achievement and on the new position as a Research Fellow in the CNN Group!

02 July 2026

Dr Tuan Nguyen, joinly with Prof Mahdi Disfani, have been awarded the FEIT Excellence Award in Engagement for Commercialisation and Translation!

23 June 2026

Saurab is ranked first at the Department’s Three Minute Thesis presentation!

03 June 2026

Vithusha has been awarded PhD Write Up Award!

07 June 2026

Our paper on thermal buckling analysis of molten salt energy storage tanks is published on Energy!

28 May 2026

Vithusha submitted her thesis on performance improvement of recycled concrete products!

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