An announcement
made by the Australian
Research Council (ARC) featured the research projects that were
granted, under the ARC Linkage Projects scheme, a total of A$26.5 million. This
provides support for across researchers in the higher education system to take
part in fundamental research collaborations.
According to ARC Chief Executive Officer
Professor Sue Thomas, there are 66 successful new research projects, under the
ARC Linkage Projects scheme, that were announced by Minister for Education and
Training, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham. These research projects
were granted a total of A$26.5 million.
Professor Thomas said, “The ARC’s Linkage
Projects scheme provides targeted support for researchers across the higher
education system to take part in vital research collaborations with other parts
of the innovation system, including partnerships with industry and community
organisations.”
She added, “These important collaborations
allow university-based researchers to work with their industry research
partners to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges in practical
settings.”
She explained, “These 66 projects will
involve cash and in-kind support of a further $55.4 million from 146 supporting
partner organisations, on top of this substantial Australian Government
investment.”
Some of the projects that were awarded
funding include research to develop automated road safety systems, advanced
monitoring systems to increase ship safety, and novel methods to detect water
contamination.
A$240,519 was given to Professor Brijesh
Verma from the Central
Queensland University, who is collaborating with the QLD Department of
Transport and Main Roads. This is for the development of an automated
system that uses deep learning techniques to analyse video data collected about
roadside conditions for the improvement of road safety.
Professor Jason Lavroff from the University of Tasmania,
in collaboration with Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd and Revolution
Design Pty Ltd, was awarded A$460,000. Their research involves developing
a monitoring system to remotely measure ship motions, loads and ride control
activity to increase ship safety, vessel longevity and improved passenger
comfort for all types of vessels worldwide.
Professor Una Ryan, from Murdoch University,
is working with SEQWater,
Water NSW,
and South
Australian Water Corporation. With A$355,000, they will develop a
novel and lower-cost method for rapid detection of Cryptosporidium, norovirus
and adenovirus in drinking water, to improve diagnostics and water treatment.
Professor Andrew Beer from the University of South
Australia is working with SA Department of State Development,
Toyota Australia,
GM Holden Ltd,
SA Department of
Premier and Cabinet, SA Department of Employment,
SA Health,
South Australian
Council of Social Service Inc., and Anglicare SA Ltd. With a grant of
A$1,375,000, they will shed light on how Australia's workforce and communities
will engage with the world of work in a future shaped by new business models
and disruptive technologies.
A$629,331 was awarded to Dr Benjamin
Cleveland from the University of Melbourne. He will
be collaborating with the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of
Parramatta; Goodlife Trading Trust, Landy Family Trust, J Littlefield
and Stephens Family Trust, Lauchlan Family Trust, Le Nepveu Family Trust , and Curran
Family Trust; SA Department for Education and Child
Development; Hobsons Bay City Council; and the QLD
Department of State Development. They will generate new knowledge to
plan, design, govern and manage school facilities and infrastructure, enabling
schools to be maximised as ‘community hubs’.
Professor John Potts from Macquarie University,
in collaboration with Kaldor Public Art Projects (KPAP),
received A$110,986. Their research will
focus on digitising the KPAP archive as an online resource available to
researchers and the public. It will also serve as a permanent record of the
development of innovative public art in Australia spanning the five decades of
the KPAP.
Dr Joseph Coventry from the Australian National
University will receive A$440,000. He is working with Vast Solar Pty Ltd;
Sandia National
Laboratories, New Mexico, USA; and Nano Frontier Technology Co Ltd
in order to advance the development of high performing, durable, low-cost light
absorber coatings for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants. This is to support
the development of CSP as a competitive technology for energy generation.
The ARC accepts proposals under the Linkage
Projects scheme on a continuous basis. Successful grants are announced
throughout the year.
