Meet the NSSN’s new Net Zero Theme Lead
Dr Thor Slater
Dr Thor Slater has joined the NSSN as Net Zero Theme Lead and Business Development Manager.
He brings 25 years of experience connecting university research to industry and government across the innovation ecosystems of Australia and the UK.
Dr Slater holds a PhD in underwater laser engineering and is a Chartered Engineer (IMechE).
His doctoral research - funded by the UK Ministry of Defence - developed a remote, non-contact water-temperature sensor using high-power pulsed laser propagation.
Dr Slater’s career spans research commercialisation, IP strategy, and multi-institution partnership-development across the clean energy, agriculture, medtech, advanced manufacturing, and defence sectors.
He has held senior roles at the University of Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney, InnovationXchange and was inaugural Director (Qld) for the National Industry PhD program.
He also co-founded the Snowy Mountains Innovation Network, giving him direct experience of the regional NSW communities and industries central to the NSSN's Net Zero agenda.