Celebrate Research - Industry Collaboration

Join the NSW Women in Pipeline Forum (WPF) for a day of innovation, collaboration, and networking between industry and research.

Event Details
 

When: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Building 6, room 105, Wollongong campus, University of Wollongong

Lunch, afternoon tea and networking included.

Highlights: 

• Inspiring talks from APA, ROSEN, Jemena, GIRA, and UOW

• Networking with APGA members and industry leaders

• Guided tour of UOW’s Hydrogen Lab

• Connect with UOW engineering students and researchers

Agenda:

10:00 – 10:15 | Registration
10:15 – 12:00 | Seminar
12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch 
12:30 – 14:30 | Lab Tour and Networking
 

Doug Proud
Research Manager
Gas Infrastructure Research Australia (GIRA)

Doug Proud is the Research Manager at Gas Infrastructure Research Australia (GIRA). Before joining GIRA, he managed Future Fuels CRC’s Research Program 3, leading projects with industry and university partners to address the technical challenges of transitioning Australia’s pipelines and networks to future fuels. Doug completed his PhD at The University of Adelaide on novel combustion techniques for fuel-flexible gas turbines and later undertook postdoctoral research on the hydrogen compatibility of domestic and industrial combustion appliances.

Stevan Green 
Executive Director 
Gas Infrastructure Research Australia (GIRA)

Stevan is the Executive Director of Gas Infrastructure Research Australia (GIRA). He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Stevan has held senior leadership roles including President of a major gas distribution business, Managing Director of a fuels import company, and CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing.

Dr Tamantha Stutchbury 
Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Engagement
University of Wollongong

Dr Tamantha Stutchbury is Director of iAccelerate, UOW’s startup incubator, where she drives innovation and supports entrepreneurs, researchers, and students. With a PhD in Biochemistry and experience leading the spin-out of biotech company FivepHusion, she brings expertise in research translation, industry engagement, and inclusive leadership in STEM.

Dr Klaas van Alphen
Head of Hydrogen and Future Fuels (APA Group) and APGA RSC Chair 

Dr Klaas van Alphen is Head of Hydrogen and Future Fuels at APA Group, managing a portfolio of projects driving Australia’s clean energy transition. With extensive experience in hydrogen and pipeline innovation, he previously led over 100 R&D projects through the Energy Pipelines CRC and Future Fuels CRC, fostering collaboration between industry, government, and research partners.

Philippa Minton
Market Development Manager, Jemena Renewable Gas

Philippa Minton is Market Development and Strategy Manager for Renewable Gas at Jemena, leading policy, technical, and commercial frameworks for biomethane, hydrogen, and e-methane. With over a decade in the energy and chemicals sectors, including senior roles at BOC South Pacific, she brings expertise in strategy, partnerships, and portfolio management.

Maina Portella
Principal Materials and Welding Engineer, APA Group

Dr. Maina Portella is Principal Materials and Welding Engineer at APA Group and Senior Honorary Fellow at the University of Wollongong. With a PhD in welding of high-strength steels and research experience at the University of Cambridge, she specialises in pipeline metallurgy, alloy design, welding processes, and inspection. Maina actively contributes to industry advancement through APGA’s RSC and the Women in Pipelines Forum.

Liz Brierley
Director of Integrity Solutions and Regulatory Engagement
ROSEN

Liz Brierley has broad experience across asset management, pipeline operations, project delivery, risk management, emergency management and regulatory compliance. She brings a deep knowledge of pipelines, gas networks and related energy systems.

Laura Fothergill
Technical Support Officer, APA Group & UOW Current Student

Moderator

Laura Fothergill is a Technical Support Officer in Infrastructure Delivery at APA Group, where she supports the delivery and upkeep of critical energy projects. She is also studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Wollongong, focusing on artificial Intelligence and big data.  Passionate about innovation, Laura is eager to deepen her expertise in the field and is actively engaged in student initiatives that connect learning with industry practice.