Dr Grant Lumsden is an applied superconductivity researcher at Robinson Research Institute, working in the machines group as part of the AETP programme.

After gaining his PhD at the University of Melbourne, Grant moved to the UK in 1995 and worked in product development and research in the automotive industry. He has led teams working in the areas of ultra-low emission combustion systems, flywheel energy storage and hybrid powertrain research. Working for companies such as Audi AG, MAHLE, Williams and Cummins Turbochargers, he has a demonstrated ability to take research outputs through into mass production.

Moving to New Zealand in 2012 with his family, Grant decided to expand his commercial and sector experience. Roles have included attracting commercial R&D to New Zealand with MBIE, some exciting creative initiatives at Weta Workshop and growing new product start-ups with Lightning Lab.

Grant started at Robinson in 2021 and his research focus includes superconducting machines, cryogenic materials and systems, and hybridisation strategies for aircraft.

Grant also spends part of his time working in the commercialisation team at Wellington UniVentures, driving commercial outcomes for the University’s research, and building industry collaborations domestically and internationally.