The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer is proud to announce the awarding of $335,000 in non-equity grant funding to 17 outstanding Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) from Curtin University, marking a major milestone in its mission to drive industry-engaged innovation in Western Australia.
The Trailblazer EMCR Grant Program was established to support emerging researchers working on transformative projects in the resources and critical minerals sectors. The grants are designed to fast-track commercialisation efforts and strengthen collaboration between research and industry.
Funding was allocated following the inaugural Pitch to Partner event, held at Curtin’s Perth CBD campus, where participating researchers presented their innovations to an audience of industry leaders. Representatives from Woodside Energy, BHP, WesTrac Cat, Nimy Resources, and other Trailblazer partners provided valuable feedback and insights to help refine each project’s industry relevance and potential for impact.
Trailblazer Director Rohan McDougall opened the event by highlighting the crucial role of industry collaboration in shaping research outcomes:
“We’re seeing the power of industry-driven research in action. Early Career Researchers bring fresh perspectives and new approaches to the sector’s most pressing challenges.”
The Trailblazer team extends its gratitude to the participating industry partners for their time, insights, and ongoing support of this initiative.
Congratulations to our 2025 Trailblazer EMCR Grant recipients:
We look forward to supporting and celebrating the next phase of their innovation journeys as they work to deliver real-world solutions for the resources and critical minerals industries.
Stay tuned for updates as these researchers continue to pave the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.
