Dr Thor Slater

Net Zero Theme Leader

Dr Thor Slater is the Net Zero Theme Lead at the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN). 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. His career spans research commercialisation, IP strategy, and multi-institution partnership-development across the clean energy, agriculture, medtech, advanced manufacturing, and defence sectors.

Dr Slater 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. Thor 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.