Professor Emma Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), congratulated all the ARC Linkage recipients: "The University of Sydney is committed to producing new knowledge that helps our communities solve their problems. We work in close collaboration with industry and we are enabled by world-class infrastructure. Well done to the successful teams on these impressive outcomes."
The ARC's Linkage Program supports national and international collaboration and research partnerships between universities, government, industry and end users.
The Linkage Project scheme supports projects which initiate or develop long term research alliances to identify innovative solutions to domestic and global challenges and acquire new knowledge. The ARC awarded 56 Linkage Project grants nationally in this round totalling $29.9 million, five of which were awarded to Sydney-led projects which total $2.01 million.
The LIEF scheme provides funding for research infrastructure and equipment and access to national and international research facilities for basic and applied research. The Australian Government awarded 36 LIEF grants totalling $38 million, of which the three Sydney-led projects received $3.66 million.
Professor Simon Ringer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), said the fantastic LIEF outcome reflects the University's commitment to supporting research excellence.
"The University of Sydney is building a world-class research infrastructure to support our academic community and our industry partners. It is fantastic to see this reflected in the calibre of projects to receive LIEF funding," Professor Ringer said.
Linkage Projects
Professor Michele Ford , Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre
$237,899
This project aims to identify, and find ways to overcome, barriers to formal-sector employment for people with disability in Timor-Leste. The project expects to generate new knowledge about how ableism affects the employment prospects of people with disability. Expected outcomes include a robust evidence base to help our partners, including Timor-Leste's leading Disabled People's Organisations, in their policy advocacy and training work with government and large employers. This should provide significant benefits assisting Timor-Leste to meet its obligations under the United Nations Convention for the Rights of People with Disability and supporting Australia's commitments to support the rights of people with disability in our region.
Industry partners: National Disabled People's Organisation in Timor-Leste; Timor Leste Deficiency Association; Union Aid Abroad-Apheda; The Asia Foundation
Associate Professor Agisilaos Kourmatzis , Faculty of Engineering, Net Zero Institute
$428,179
This project aims to define how the dynamics of transient aerosols are linked to the growth and homogeneity of droplet or particle clusters developing on a target surface. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the fluid mechanics of particle and droplet laden flows, as well as deliver a new platform technology for the real-time characterisation of turbulent aerosols. Expected outcomes of this project include a new imaging capability for industries that work with particulate systems, as well as a far more refined understanding of the drivers behind aerosol deposition. This should provide significant benefits in the design of aerosol systems as relevant to applications ranging from additive manufacturing to coatings and agritech.
Industry partner: Proveris Scientific Corporation
Dr Sophie Lewis , Faculty of Medicine and Health
$209,414
The cost-of-living crisis and surging healthcare costs have had a disproportionately damaging effect on young people. This impact has been especially pronounced for the one in three young Australians aged 15 to 24 with a chronic health condition. In partnership with Epilepsy Action Australia, Asthma Australia, and young people, this project will examine, from multiple perspectives, how young people and their families navigate the social, educational and financial aspects of growing up while living with a chronic condition. Findings will be used to co-develop publicly available resources to support young people, families and other key stakeholders such as educators, advocates and care providers.
Industry partners: Epilepsy Action Australia; Asthma Australia Ltd
Professor Yonghui Li , Faculty of Engineering
$787,764
Wi-Fi is the most commonly deployed wireless technology for underground mines. However, existing mines face significant limitations in wireless coverage due to the prohibitive costs associated with deploying numerous access points across vast and intricate tunnel networks. Our project aims to address this challenge by developing an innovative and cost-effective solution based on Intelligent Omni-Surfaces to seamlessly extend wireless coverage across vast underground mines. By significantly expanding wireless coverage, our project will revolutionise mine communications, paving the way for the digital transformation of mine operations. This advancement will enhance mining activities' productivity, efficiency, and operational safety.
Industry partner: Roobuck Pty Ltd
Professor Fiona White , Faculty of Science
$348,676
This project aims to develop and evaluate a new set of RESPECT e-modules, underpinned by leading anti-racism approaches integrated into a single guiding framework for the first time. The RESPECT e-modules will generate knowledge about the best-practice content needed to successfully expand school students' inclusive thinking and racism reduction in both the short- and long-term. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of stand-alone RESPECT e-resources that can be used to support teachers' delivery of a national anti-racism curriculum that is novel, engaging, and educational. Targeting the thoughts and actions of young people will have significant national benefits by creating a more culturally inclusive future for all.
Industry partner: The Trustee for The Cool Australia Trust
LIEF Projects
Associate Professor Niels Quack , Faculty of Engineering, Sydney Nano Institute
$680,00
This project aims to establish an advanced on-demand precision micro-solder ball jetting to accelerate innovation in engineering of microelectronics, semiconductors, photonics and quantum systems. Expected outcomes include enhanced sovereign capability for Australia in advanced microelectronics and photonics subsystems assembly for critical imaging, sensing and communication applications. It will improve thermal imaging systems, increase digital fibre-optical telecommunications efficiency, enhance autonomous navigation capabilities and secure quantum and space communications, which will benefit multiple National Reconstruction Funds priority areas including medical science, defence capability, renewables, and enabling capabilities.
Associate Professor Mark Larance , Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre
$1,534,196
This proposal will establish a state-of-the-art platform to characterise protein function at the single-cell level across a range of biological samples including yeast, plants, animals and humans. It will provide new insights into the differentiation of cellular functions across many different cell types in multicellular organisms, which cannot be achieved by bulk analysis of whole tissues. Expected outcomes include identification of new biological pathways and associated complex and high-value protein molecules. Such new fundamental knowledge of biological processes will enable future efforts in the National Reconstruction Fund Priority for medical science and agriculture and boost Australia's competitiveness in these global industries.
Associate Professor Mohammad Saadatfar , Faculty of Engineering
$1,443,332
This project aims to enhance our understanding of materials science through advanced imaging technology. Central to this is acquiring a TESCAN DynaTOM, a unique MicroCT system for fast, detailed 2D/3D/4D imaging without moving the sample. This approach lets researchers observe materials' structural changes in real-time, offering insights into deformation, mass transport, and chemical reactions. Expected benefits include deeper knowledge of material behaviours essential for geosciences and manufacturing. Moreover, the project will support educational and research opportunities at the University of Sydney, partner universities, and nationwide, providing access to an advanced imaging platform.
