About me
Professor Farhad Shahnia is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, with extensive experience across academia, industry, and government engagement in the field of power and energy systems. He received his Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours and Master of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tabriz, followed by a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia.
Prior to his academic career, Professor Shahnia gained over three years of industry experience as an R&D Engineer with an electric power distribution company, an experience that has strongly informed his applied and industry‑focused research approach. He has held academic positions at QUT and Curtin University before joining Murdoch University in 2015.
Professor Shahnia’s research spans energy transmission and distribution systems, power systems analysis, renewable energy integration, microgrids, and clean energy transformation. His work has contributed to the development of resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy systems, particularly in renewable‑rich and stand‑alone power networks.
He has an extensive publication record comprising one authored research book, ten edited books, fourteen book chapters, and more than seventy peer‑reviewed journal articles, complemented by industry technical reports that reflect sustained engagement with practical engineering challenges and applied research outcomes.
Professor Shahnia has served as a Chief Investigator on multiple nationally competitive and government‑funded research projects with a combined value of several million dollars, supported by organisations including the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian Department of Education. These projects have addressed topics such as renewable energy microgrids, energy storage and monitoring, hydrogen‑enabled power systems, and urban energy resilience, often delivered in close collaboration with industry and government partners.
In addition to his research activities, Professor Shahnia has made significant service contributions to the profession. He has held senior leadership roles within IEEE at international, national, and state levels, served in editorial leadership roles across multiple international journals, and undertaken chairing and organisational roles in more than twenty international conferences. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer, and a Senior Member of IEEE.
Professor Shahnia is also actively involved in policy and advisory activities, contributing expert submissions to parliamentary and regulatory inquiries at state and national levels on energy systems and electricity market reform. His engagement across research, industry, professional leadership, and policy reflects his commitment to advancing the energy sector through rigorous scholarship and practical impact.