Linking researchers with industry for tangible, ‘real-world’ benefits

5 February 2018

Linking researchers with industry for tangible, ‘real-world’ benefits

Researchers will join with industry to undertake new research project collaborations that will deliver tangible outcomes to Australia, including enhancing mobile communication systems, improving Australia’s road networks, and harnessing biofuel energy from our sugar industry.

Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sue Thomas, said 22 successful new research projects totalling $9.2 million were announced today by Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, under the ARC Linkage Projects scheme.  

“The Linkage Projects scheme is designed to provide support to assist researchers in our universities to work towards practical solutions to problems and challenges, in real-world, industry-based settings,” said Professor Thomas.

“These research projects involve significant industry collaboration, with notable connections between researchers in our universities and other partnering organisations.

“In addition to Australian Government funding support, these 22 projects will involve significant cash and in-kind support of a further $18 million from 59 partner organisations—ranging from governments and community organisations, through to business and industry—over the five-year duration of the projects.

The new projects awarded funding today include: 

• $240,000 for Professor Graham Goodwin at The University of Newcastle—collaborating with Wilmar Sugar Pty Ltd—to develop new boiler control techniques to improve sugar production operations and electricity co-generation capabilities for the sugar industry and, more broadly, biofuel energy generation in Australia.
• $540,000 for Professor Benjamin Eggleton at The University of Sydney—working with Harris Corporation—to develop new microwave photonic processor technology that will enhance radar systems and electronic-warfare capabilities, and allow more flexible delivery of bandwidth for mobile communication systems.
• $401,629 for Professor Christopher Johnson at The University of Tasmania—working with the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment; The Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development; Tasmanian Land Conservancy Inc.; and Bush Heritage Australia—to undertake research to address the threats posed by deer to the unique sensitive environments in Tasmania, especially in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
• $343, 932 for Professor Klaus Neumann at Deakin University—working with the National Library of Australia; State Library of South Australia; State Library of Victoria; and State Library of New South Wales—to develop new methodologies and strategies to assist major Australian libraries to enhance their library collections of histories of Australia as a multicultural nation.
• $228,900 for Dr Changzhi Wu at Curtin University—collaborating with Main Roads Western Australia and Roads and Maritime Services—to improve road network operations to optimise traffic control strategies and traffic designs, reduce maintenance costs and improve safety outcomes for transport network users.

The Australian Research Council accepts proposals under the Linkage Projects scheme on a continuous basis—with successful grants announced throughout the year.

More details about all Linkage Projects announced today are available from the ARC website.

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