Pushing the Frontiers of Characterisation: CFIGS Think Tank

The Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions (CFIGS) hosted its latest Think Tank on May 9, 2025, drawing together experts from across Curtin University to explore how advanced characterisation is redefining geoscience and mineral processing. The event, held at Curtin’s Bentley campus, focused on how to extract maximum insight from materials—bridging the gap between analytical precision and industry application.

Opening remarks by CFIGS Director Professor Chris Kirkland and Dr Denis Fougerouse set the stage for a half-day of strategic dialogue and scientific inspiration. “This is about more than just instrumentation,” said Kirkland. “It’s about interpreting the Earth, unlocking new value across the mining value chain, and empowering people to see materials differently.”

Keynote speaker Dr Lina Hockaday (WASM) highlighted the critical role of characterisation in future-facing beneficiation processes. Professor Steven Reddy (Dean, Research, Faculty of Science and Engineering) followed with a candid discussion on Curtin’s characterisation strengths, future opportunities, and emerging risks. Dr Janne Liebmann (EPS) concluded with a deep dive into isotopic fingerprinting and its applications in exploration, traceability, and ESG assurance.

A panel discussion chaired by Dr Fougerouse encouraged cross-disciplinary exchange and sparked new ideas for collaborative research initiatives.

With over $50 million in characterisation infrastructure at Curtin—anchored by the John de Laeter Centre—CFIGS continues to grow a network that values both technological capability and interpretive excellence. As one attendee noted in feedback, “This is how we build smarter science for a changing world.”

CFIGS will continue its Think Tank series in the second half of 2025, with themes focused on spatial data integration and AI-driven mineral systems modelling.