Today, Australian Research Council (ARC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Johnson attended the launch of the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation in Adelaide.
Led by Flinders University, the ARC Training Centre aims to train, mentor and foster close partnerships between highly qualified professionals and engineers to find innovative biofouling control solutions.
"The ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, a collaboration between 5 universities and 11 industry partners, will produce the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers able to tackle the challenge of biofouling," Dr Johnson said.
Biofouling is when organisms such as algae, and barnacles, attach to the submerged parts of a vessel. Once biofilms are established, they are almost impossible to eradicate, impacting a ship's hull drag and maneuverability, reducing the energy efficiency of vessels, and increasing fuel consumption.
"It will be inspiring to watch the Centre foster new and more productive collaborations that advance and translate knowledge to better manage this challenge in the water services sector," said Dr Johnson.
"Among the most significant outcomes will be a generation of industry-focused researchers critical for growing Australia's Defence industry capability and will make Australia a world leader in sustainment of maritime platforms and maintenance."
The Training Centre is expected to attract 14 PhD students, 40 Researchers, 4 Research Fellows, and 6 Research Assistants.
The ARC is investing $5 million over 5 years in the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation under the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program scheme.
