$6 million boost for industry research projects

Two innovative industry partnership projects have received $3 million in funding each on the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants, designed to support partnerships that bring together science, research, and business, to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries.

The projects will explore green nanoporous materials manufacturing for bulk hydrogen storage and export, and next generation technology enabling medicine discovery for mental health.

Professor Emma Johnston Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) said these projects reflect the University’s commitment to research partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for industry, communities, and the world.

“Mental health and transitioning energy systems away from carbon represent key areas where the University of Sydney’s research expertise can make a difference in the world. It’s fantastic to see this recognised by our business partners and through the government’s CRC-P program,” Professor Johnston said.

University of Sydney lead: Professor Cameron Kepert, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and University of Sydney Nano Institute.

Industry leads: Rux Energy, Vireo Energy, WTG, ANL Container Line, South Australian Hydrogen Hubs Incorporated.

This project will develop Rux Energy’s patented advanced nanoporous materials with the University of Sydney, to enable hydrogen storage at conditions specific to export and in-situ storage at a scale which has not previously been achieved. This project demonstrates breakthroughs in efficiency, safety and cost, using advanced green manufacturing methods, based on previous investments by Rux and the University in research and research infrastructure. The project includes pilot manufacturing and industrial validation trials. The project will place Australia at the forefront of the global race for the development of Australian hydrogen export markets, addressing key government priorities, and providing key funding for Rux to progress its technology commercialisation to achieve global export market traction.

University of Sydney lead: Dr Nicholas Everett, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, and Brain and Mind Centre.

Industry leads: Tessara Therapeutics, Psylo.

This project will address the key barrier facing the development of new and effective therapeutics for mental health; expensive, time-consuming, and ineffective preclinical models. By combing combining Tessara's 3D human brain models, Psylo's novel compounds, with and Dr Nicholas Everett’s expertise in neuroscience and addiction models, this project will investigate the relationship between neuroplasticity, brain inflammation, cognitive flexibility, methamphetamine addiction, and non-hallucinogenic psychedelic-inspired drugs that promote plasticity.

The project builds on the established relationship between Dr Everett and Psylo, which has been supported by a Brain and Mind Centre Partnership grant.

The project aims to develop a new, high- throughput, low- cost, and highly predictive human cell-based research platform and drug discovery technology for substance abuse disorders. This  platform will be used by universities, biotech and pharmaceutical companies both nationally and internationally.

The ultimate goal is to simultaneously develop a platform for developing drugs that promote neuroplasticity to restore deficits to cognitive function, and to progress while advancing a lead compound through to clinical trials for treating cognitive deficits in substance use disorders.