The AMIO Global Hub is delighted to congratulate Dr Julian A. Steele (School of Mathematics and Physics / Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland) on being awarded an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship as part of the 2026 round.
Dr Steele’s project, “Taming the Phase Energetics of Disordered Perovskite Semiconductors”, has been awarded $1 million to investigate the fundamental mechanisms behind the instability of halide perovskite semiconductors under real-world operating conditions. Halide perovskites are widely regarded as among the most promising next-generation optical materials, offering exceptional properties for light emission and detection. However, their tendency to degrade under operating conditions remains a critical barrier to practical deployment. Through a series of crystal engineering strategies, Dr Steele’s project aims to understand and control the mechanisms of destabilisation and to demonstrate stable, functional light-emitting and light-detecting device prototypes compatible with scaled thin-film production.
The ARC Future Fellowship scheme supports mid-career researchers of outstanding calibre to focus on their research and build Australia’s capacity in areas of critical national importance.
We congratulate Julian on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the exciting science ahead.