A/ProfNick Bennett

I am a research scientist solving thermal management problems for applications in space and defence.

The central question that drives my research is how heat can be effectively dissipated when severe constraints exist, such as size, weight and power (SWaP) restrictions on remote defence platforms, or in desolate environments, such as the vacuum of space.

I led the development of a satellite payload launched to low-Earth orbit in Aug 2024. In-orbit experiments established space heritage for a novel phase-change material thermal management technology. As a result, I was named a finalist for ‘Academic of the Year’ at the Australian Space Awards. Previously, I worked with the European Space Agency on flexible thermoelectric devices for thermal management within astronaut clothing. 

My team is currently developing thermal management technology enabling lasers to combat the threat from hostile drones. We are addressing the problem that lasers - with ranges longer than a few hundred metres - require very large heat exchangers to operate, making them unsuitable for most defence platforms. Using phase-change material heat exchangers, we have created a thermal management solution that is four-times lighter and more than four-times smaller than competing technologies. For this work, I was named an ‘Academic of the Year’ finalist at the Australian Defence Industry Awards in both 2025 and 2026.