Professor Hongqi Sun

The University of Western Australia

Distinguished Keynote Speaker, ICAN 2027

Professor Hongqi Sun is a University Professor of Chemistry, Director of the UWA Centre for Future Catalysis, and an ARC Future Fellow (Level 3) at The University of Western Australia. He is internationally recognised for his research in advanced catalysis, sustainable energy conversion, resource utilisation, and functional materials, with a strong focus on translating fundamental discoveries into technologies for energy, environmental, mining, and chemical applications. His research has delivered significant advances in novel catalytic systems, solar-driven chemical and energy conversion, sustainable mineral and resource processing, and emerging catalytic technologies for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial resource utilisation. Through this multidisciplinary research, he has established a distinctive programme at the interface of catalysis, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, sustainability, and space-related chemical technologies. Professor Sun has published more than 350 refereed journal articles, received over 50,000 citations, and holds an h-index of 125, reflecting the international reach and impact of his research. Beyond his academic contributions, he has held influential leadership and advisory roles, including Board Director of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), member of the ARC College of Experts, and Editor-in-Chief of Cleaner Chemical Engineering. His research and leadership strongly align with the themes of ICAN 2027, particularly functional and energy-related materials, sustainable technologies, advanced chemical engineering, resource innovation, and the translation of materials research into practical and industrial impact.