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Funding research to create smarter and safer roads

Funding research to create smarter and safer roads

ARC Media Releases and News
Australian Government - Australian Research Council logo - Media Release

15 November 2021 

Funding research to create smarter and safer roads 

Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer Professor Sue Thomas welcomed the official launch of the new ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements (SPARC). 

The SPARC, led by Monash University, will aim to reduce the road construction and maintenance costs of the Australian road network. 

Professor Thomas said the Research Hub is receiving $5 million in funding through the ARC over five years to develop innovative materials, designs, and technologies, facilitate skill development, and drive commercial benefits for the Australian Pavement Industry. 

“The SPARC Hub brings together researchers and industry to create innovative solutions that could potentially save Australia billions of dollars by making pavements smarter, longer lasting, safer and with a lower environmental footprint,” Professor Thomas said. 

“They will also be training an industry-ready workforce to make Australia's transport pavements smarter and sustainable.”  

Monash University will lead the project and will collaborate with Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University, Queensland University of Technology, Curtin University, University of the Sunshine Coast, The University of New South Wales and the University of Technology Sydney. 

The Research Hub also has strong links with 28 national, international and government partners.  

For more information about the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements, visit its website.  

For more information on the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme, please visit the ARC website

Media contact:  
ARC Stakeholder Relations 0412 623 056 or communications@arc.gov.au 

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