The Centre for Multiphase Processes conducts research in the science and technology of fine particles and bubbles. Multiphase processes, which involve more than one phase of matter, form the basis for all Australian process industries including food, energy, agricultural, production and processing.

Whilst diverse in the nature of materials they process and their end products, the processing of large volumes of water containing fine particles in suspension, often in the presence of air bubbles or slurries, pastes and emulsions, is the essential basis of production for these industries. An example is the manufacture of food products such as ice cream - a mixture of air bubbles trapped in water containing tiny fat globules and ice crystals. The processing of such liquids or pastes can present unusual problems, especially when taking place on a large scale.

The Centre is located at the University of Newcastle. The researchers are involved in a multi-disciplinary field of strategic importance to the Australian economy, and combined, they form a storehouse of knowledge and expertise in multiphase processing that is available to industry and the community at large.

Members of the Centre for Multiphase Processes are heavily involved in collaboration with industry, using their multi-disciplinary expertise to tackle research programs of national and international importance and helping to solve industrial problems with the use of the latest instrumentation and techniques.

Postgraduate education and training for PhD and postdoctoral workers is a strong focus of the Centre. Exchange programs have been instituted to allow Centre research students to spend periods of study at overseas research centres, and for overseas research students to spend time at the Centre. An annual Student Research Conference and Workshop also enables academics and academic visitors to present to research students from around the country an up-to-date survey of recent work and trends for the future in their area of specialisation.