Prof Michael Brear

Advisor - Energy and Thermodynamics

Professor Michael Brear is the Director of the Melbourne Energy Institute at the University of Melbourne, where he leads multidisciplinary research on the technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of energy systems. A mechanical engineer by training, his research spans transport and energy system analysis, combustion science (covering both conventional and alternative fuels), and power generation technologies such as reciprocating engines, turbines, energy storage, and renewables.

With a career deeply rooted in both academia and industry, Professor Brear has collaborated extensively with world‑leading manufacturers, government agencies, and energy sectors. His advisory work spans hydrogen policy, energy market design, and network regulation. Between 2016 and 2025, he also served as the academic architect behind the University of Melbourne’s interdisciplinary Master of Energy Systems program. His academic credentials include graduate studies at the University of Cambridge and postdoctoral research at MIT, following an early career stint with ICI Australia (now Orica).

Professor Brear’s leadership and scholarly excellence are widely recognised—he is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering, the Combustion Institute, Engineers Australia, and the Australian Institute of Energy.

At Rudimental Labs, Michael’s deep expertise in energy industry trends and thermodynamics provides us with strategic guidance that enriches our capability to develop solutions that are not only technically sound but also economically, socially, and environmentally relevant.