South Australia's preparations for major naval shipbuilding projects under the AUKUS agreement has taken another step forward under a new research collaboration between Flinders University and the Florida Institute of Technology in the USA.
Flinders University postdoctoral researcher Dr Tamar Jamieson, is one of the first South Australian to receive a new SA Defence, Space & Cyber Scholarship from the American Australian Association (AAA) under its specialty field program. The scholarship has been supported by former SA premier Steven Marshall, who is the incoming president of the New York-based association.
In line with her role at the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation at Flinders, Dr Jamieson leaves Adelaide this week to work with experts at the Florida Institute of Technology Center of Corrosion and Biofouling Control.
Both research groups focus on understanding and improving the design of corrosion and biofouling control systems, with biofilm build-up on naval and other large carrier and cargo ships linked to 40% higher fuel consumption and the spread of exotic pests on marine vessels travelling between international ports.
Professor Sophie Leterme, the director of the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, says biofouling research work aims to significantly reduce maritime emissions and the cost of large-scale environmental programs to eradicate exotic marine species.
"The work will contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of naval vessels, reducing the need for more frequent operational maintenance," says Professor Leterme.
"As well, these collaborations align closely with a key component of Australia's naval shipbuilding plan, to build a robust and technologically advanced naval fleet."
Dr Jamieson, who completed her PhD at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering in 2022, says as well as the environmental and economic costs, biofouling management is now part of vessel operator regulations for vessels operating in Australian territorial waters under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
"This scholarship is an amazing opportunity to undertake research with experts at the forefront of biofouling research in the US," says Dr Jamieson.
"It is an opportunity for me to gain valuable experience and knowledge of complementary work being undertaken on biofouling by AUKUS partners, and for our team at Flinders to gain invaluable insights and practical experience to advance our capabilities in this field."
The American Australian Association offers the scholarships to "complement and support South Australia's rapidly expanding defence, space and cyber security sectors".
President Mr Marshall says: "The American Australian Association is proud to support outstanding researchers like Dr Tamar Jamieson through this Defence, Space, and Cyber Scholarship program.
"By fostering collaboration and innovation between Australia and the United States, we are strengthening ties in critical fields and empowering individuals who are shaping the future of our shared security and technological advancements," he says.
