My research contributions are in processing-structure-property relationships of structural alloys for high performance applications, with key interests in aerospace and sustainable manufacturing routes. Currently, these materials include Ni-based superalloys, advanced steels, Ti-alloys, Al-alloys, and refractory metals processed by thermo-mechanical routes or 3D printing. I combine state-of-the-art experimental techniques such as multiscale correlative microscopy with mechanical testing and contemporary modelling approaches. My research philosophy is to achieve a balance between fundamental discovery and industrial application. I am excited about developing the next generation of structural metallic materials in collaboration with industrial partners.
I am an editor of Journal of Materials Science, current chair of the TMS Phase Transformations Committee, and active member of other professional organisations such as Materials Australia.
Check out 'Engineering Microstructures' (group website) and '3D Additive' for more information on my research:
http://www.engineeringmicrostructures.com
https://www.3dadditive.com.au
- ARC Future Fellow, 2025 - current
- Alcoa Distinguished Professor, Apr 2024 - current
- Professor, School of Materials Science and Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Australia, 2023 - current
- UNSW Scientia Program, 2019 - 2022
- ARC DECRA Fellow, 2018 - 2020
- Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, School of Materials Science and Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Australia, 2015 - 2022
- Senior Scientist and Head of the ‘High Performance Materials and Steels’ group, Department of Physical Metallurgy and Materials Testing, Montanuniversitaet Leoben (Austria), 2013 - 2015
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Christian Doppler Laboratory 'Early Stages of Precipitation', Montanuniversitaet Leoben (Austria), 2012 - 2013
My Grants
Selected recent grants:
S. Primig
Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (FT240100398)
'Encoding 3D microstructural gradients via metal additive manufacturing'
S. Primig, S. Street
Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP230100155)
'Sustainable and robust Australian Ni-based superalloy manufacturing'
S. Primig, N. Haghdadi
Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP230101063)
'In-situ grain boundary engineering during metal additive manufacturing'
S. Primig, S.P. Ringer, B. Oberwinkler
Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP190101169)
‚Structure-property relationships of next generation aero-engine materials’
S.P. Ringer, S. Primig, C. Czettl
Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP190100850)
'Advanced hard metals: microstructure-property-processing relationships'
M. Ferry, S. Primig, N. Birbilis, P. Nakashima
Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP190103592)
'Unlocking the diverse property profile of ultra-lightweight magnesium alloys'
S. Primig
Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP180100144)
'Advancing the Australian Specialty Alloy Processing Capability'
S.P. Ringer, X. Liao, S. Primig
AUSMURI program, Department of Industry, Innovation & Science, Australia (AUSMURI000005)
'Rationalization of Liquid/Solid and Solid/Solid Interphase Instabilities During Thermal-Mechanical Transients of Metal Additive Manufacturing'
S. Primig
Australian Research Council DECRA Fellowship (DE180100440)
'Engineering hierarchical microstructures in high strength low alloy steels'
Industry grants and consulting with Australian and international manufacturers
My Qualifications
- Graduate Certificate of Management (2021), Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW Sydney
- Graduate Certificate of University Learning and Teaching (2018), UNSW Sydney
- Ph.D. in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering (2012), Montanuniversitaet Leoben (Austria)
- M.Eng. in Materials Science and Engineering (2008), Montanuniversitaet Leoben (Austria)
My Awards
- ARC Future Fellowship (2024)
- Dean of Science Research Excellence Staff Award (2022)
- Postgraduate Research Supervisor Award (2021)
- Dean of Science Collaboration & Partnership Award (2020)
- Future Women Leaders Conference Award, Monash University (2019)
- UNSW Scientia Fellowship (2019)
- Postgraduate Research Supervisor Award (2018)
- ARC DECRA Fellowship (2018)
My Research Supervision
Supervision keywords
Areas of supervision
For prospective PhD candidates:
PhD projects and scholarships are currently available (note new UNSW 2024 stipend rate of ~40k tax free)! I am currently most keen to consider applications for PhD projects in metal additive manufacturing as part of my recent ARC Future Fellowship on AM gradient materials (dedicated PhD stipends available for 2025 start).
On offer: Access to world-class facilities, a great international network, travel opportunities, team spirit, and more. Check out http://www.engineeringmicrostructures.com
If you are interested, please send me an email with a short motivation statement, your current CV, transcripts, and copies of any publications you are proud of. International applicants need to be competitive for UNSW scholarships. This means that you need to hold or be close to completion of a first-class Honour's or equivalent undergraduate or Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering or related, and fulfil the UNSW English language requirements. Domestic applicants need to have at least a Bachelor's degree with upper second class Honour's, and/or extended relevant professional experience.
For prospective Post Doctoral researchers:
Any openings for Post Doctoral researchers are advertised via UNSW jobs (please apply via online portal only if applicable).
Currently supervising
My Engagement
- TMS Phase Transformations Committee Chair (2024 - current, Vice Chair 2022-2024)
- Thermec Scientific and Executive Committees (2018 - current)
- TMS Phase Transformations Committee (2018 - current)
- TMS (2017 - current)
- Certified Materials Professional (CMatP), Materials Australia (2016 - current)
- Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Society (2015 - current)
- NSW branch president of Materials Australia (2019 - 2021)
- NSW councillor and branch secretary of Materials Australia (2015 - 2023)
My Teaching
- MATS3003: Engineering in Process Metallurgy (2015 - current)
- MATS2004: Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (2021 - 2023)
- MATS1192: Design and Application of Materials in Science and Engineering (2017 - 2018)
- MATS6002: Materials Design (2015 - 2017)
- Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist for Materials Australia NSW (2016 - 2020)
- Pre-UNSW teaching contributions at Montanuniversitaet Leoben (Austria, 2009 - 2015):
Lecturing and lab demonstration in Physical Metallurgy, Mechanics & Testing of Materials, Advanced Materials Characterisation, and Failure Analysis
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7682-5899