Associate Professor Ali Kashani, an academic at UNSW Sydney, is a leading researcher in sustainable construction materials. His research focuses on the development of innovative, low-carbon concrete and cementitious materials for the construction and mining industries, with particular expertise in construction 3D printing. He is the Director of the Construction Automation Laboratory at UNSW, where he leads a team of 8–10 researchers.

His pioneering work also advances circular economy solutions, including waste valorization, carbon capture, and the development of sustainable construction materials. Associate Professor Kashani has secured more than $10 million in competitive research funding, holds a patent, and has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications, which have received more than 16,000 citations.

His contributions have been recognised through numerous awards, including the National Excellence in Concrete Award from the Concrete Institute of Australia for Australia's first 3D-printed concrete building and the prestigious Churchill Fellowship, awarded for advancing construction 3D printing. His research has attracted media attention, including coverage in The Sydney Morning Herald, and has influenced both academia and industry through leadership roles in collaborative initiatives.

Beyond research, Associate Professor Kashani is committed to professional service and industry engagement. He serves as Co-Chair of the Cement and Concrete Working Group at the Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders' Alliance (MECLA), served as a judge for the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) Innovation Awards, and has served on numerous technical committees, conference organising committees, and government advisory groups. Through these roles, he contributes to shaping industry standards, supporting innovation, and advancing the transition to a more sustainable built environment.