Neil Kavanagh is an accomplished energy sector professional with global experience in oil and gas, innovation, technology commercialisation, and industry-academic collaboration. 

He has played a pivotal role in Australia’s energy transition, driving advancements in geothermal energy, hydrogen, LNG decarbonisation, and digital technologies. His leadership has transformed technology adoption, risk management, and commercialisation, ensuring real-world impact. 

As former Chief Scientist and Global Innovation Officer at Woodside, he has shaped Woodside’s innovation culture. A champion of industry-university partnerships, and global industry joint ventures, Kavanagh has fostered long-term research collaborations via Woodside FutureLab. These efforts have driven breakthroughs in advanced materials, AI, and sustainable energy solutions. His expertise in technology risk management has shaped global best practices, facilitating the successful integration of new technologies in large-scale industrial projects. 

With a career spanning engineering, research, and corporate leadership, Kavanagh has mentored future innovators and advanced scalable solutions to decarbonisation and affordable, secure energy supply. 

Neil Kavanagh is a visionary leader in energy innovation, technology commercialization, and industry-academic collaboration. He has played a pivotal role in Australia’s energy transition, driving advancements in geothermal energy, hydrogen, LNG decarbonization, and digital technologies. His leadership has transformed technology adoption, risk management, and commercialization, ensuring real-world impact. A champion of industry-university partnerships, Neil has fostered long-term research collaborations that have driven breakthroughs in advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy solutions. His expertise in technology risk management has shaped global best practices, facilitating the successful integration of new technologies in large-scale industrial projects. With a career spanning engineering, research, and corporate leadership, Neil has consistently bridged industry and academia, mentoring future innovators and advancing scalable solutions to decarbonization. His contributions continue to shape Australia’s energy and technology future.