Research Director at Blue Economy CRC, Professor at Australian Maritime College

From Lutruwita / Tasmania’s coastal waters to global marine energy summits, Professor Irene Penesis is shaping the future of sustainable ocean industries. As Research Director at the Blue Economy CRC, she leads a national collaboration driving innovation in offshore renewable energy and sustainable aquaculture. Her work connects industry, government, and research to reimagine how the ocean can feed and power the planet.

Based at the Australian Maritime College – part of the University of Tasmania – Irene is also a Professor for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, mentoring the next generation of engineers while leading cutting-edge research into ocean energy systems. She also heads Tidal Energy – an Australian Renewable Energy Agency funded project for assessing resource and feasibility to Australia’s future energy mix.

In 2024, Irene served as Chair of the International Conference on Ocean Energy, bringing this global event to Australia for the first time. She has also represented Lutruwita / Tasmania and Australia at international forums such as Skretting’s AquaVision conference, showcasing the island’s strengths in aquaculture, climate adaptation, and marine innovation.

For Irene, Lutruwita / Tasmania is more than a home base – it’s a natural testbed. With strong tides, clean waters, and a spirit of collaboration, the island is the perfect place to lead change. Her work is showing how blue economy solutions developed here can make waves around the world.