$1.7 million funding for new ARC Linkage projects
Sydney researchers will join forces with high profile industry partners on projects to strengthen defence, improve drug delivery and develop safer and more efficient mining technologies.
More than $1.7 million was awarded to three Sydney projects in the first Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project outcomes for 2018.
Linkage Projects support academics to work with government and industry partners to tackle complex problems and fast-track solutions to benefit end users.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison said: “We have targeted improving our performance in the ARC’s Linkage scheme and so these three successful grants are very encouraging – they involve first class researchers working with world-class partners on projects that have the potential to deliver important outcomes not only for our partners and our researchers, but for society more generally.”
Safe and efficient mining technology
Chemist Associate Professor Brian Hawkett, from the Faculty of Science, was awarded $636,000 to work with Australian mining explosives company Dyno Nobel to develop a new class of explosives that offer a safer and more efficient way to access precious mineral deposits, such as gold, in geothermally active regions.
Improving asthma inhalers
Respiratory scientist Professor Daniela Traini, from the Sydney Medical School, will collaborate with global pharmaceutical company Chiesi on a $555,000 project that aims to improve the design and efficiency of inhalers, which are commonly used in asthma – a condition that affects one in nine Australians.
Advancing defence technology
ARC Laureate Fellow Professor Benjamin Eggleton (pictured above), from the Faculty of Science, will join forces with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and American technology company and defence contractor Harris Corporation.
The $540,000 project will develop advanced technologies to enhance satellite communications, radar systems and surveillance capabilities for defence, as well as lay the groundwork for future fifth-generation wireless communications.