A/Prof. Sebastian Thomas is an internationally recognised researcher in materials durability, with expertise spanning both the fundamental science and applied engineering of corrosion across a wide range of structural alloys. His work connects processes across length scales—from microstructural and electrochemical phenomena to large-scale performance—enabling predictive understanding of materials degradation in real-world environments. His research covers corrosion mechanisms in additively manufactured alloys, magnesium alloys, galvanised steels, stainless steels, aluminium alloys, and nickel-based systems. A defining aspect of his work is the development and application of advanced electrochemical and electroanalytical techniques to resolve the structure–property relationships governing degradation.

A/Prof. Thomas has also led the development of industry-scale corrosion sensing, monitoring, and mitigation strategies, including cathodic protection and advanced coating systems. He has worked closely with major industrial and government partners such as Woodside Energy, BlueScope Steel, Office of Naval Research, General Electric, KEC (India), Energy Safe Victoria, Shell and PPG on challenges including atmospheric corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking, corrosion under insulation, and the development of chromium-free coating systems.

His current research focuses on corrosion in additively manufactured stainless steels, sulphide stress cracking, hydrogen–material interactions, stray current corrosion, and next-generation environmentally sustainable coatings. He has led multiple large-scale industrial research programs that have delivered measurable impact, including cost savings exceeding $100 million through improved asset integrity, maintenance strategies, and materials selection.

His research group has consistently produced award-winning early-career researchers, reflecting a strong emphasis on rigorous training, independence, and high-impact scientific contribution. A/Prof. Thomas is a recipient of the “Best Paper” award from NACE International (now part of AMPP), and has delivered invited and keynote presentations at major international conferences including ICMAT, MS&T, RACI, and the Gordon Research Conferences.