World-leading research in ’s universities This book was produced by Universities Australia, with funding from the Department of Education and Training through the Regional Links Programme.

ISBN 978-0-9875166-1-9 (print) ISBN 978-0-0875166-2-6 (online) This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Further inquiries should be directed to the Chief Executive of Universities Australia: GPO Box 1142 ACT 2601 t +61 2 6285 8100 f +61 2 6285 8101 e [email protected] w www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au abn 53 008 502 930

Cover images Front from left: Penny Williamson and Susan Hayes. (Photo: University of Wollongong); A CSIRO ASKAP antenna at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. (Photo: WA Department of Commerce); Researchers at Cell & Tissue Therapies, Royal Perth Hospital (Photo: Therapeutic Innovation Australia); and Carbon fibre. (Photo: Deakin University). Back from left: Canola plant at the Charles Sturt University Graham Centre Field Site. (Photo: Toni Nugent); Visiting student Anya with illuminated fibre in fluorescence vial (Photo: University of Adelaide); 3D printing of nerves. (Photo: Australian National Fabrication Facility); and Bimabdn Village, Western Province, . (Photo: Julia Colleen Miller). WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES iii A message from the Australian Education Minister iv Foreword v Introduction vi Health and medicine 8 Food and agriculture 20 Cultures and communities 28 Astronomy and space science 36 Advanced technologies 44 Environment 54 Resources and energy 64 University vignettes 72 A message from the Australian Government Minister for Education and Training

The health and wellbeing of millions of people around the world depends upon iv inventions and innovations from the leading-edge research developed within Australia’s world-class universities. Such high-quality research can help save lives, protect the environment, raise living standards, drive innovation and create the jobs of the future. Showcased within this book you will find some of our universities’ latest research efforts from across many diverse fields such as astronomy, medicine, agriculture, food technology, earth science and engineering. In some areas, Australian research leads the world. In all areas, our researchers can be found working collaboratively with other leading researchers around the world. This book also demonstrates that our universities are building productive partnerships with businesses and Senator the Hon industries. This is part of a broader effort across Australia to collaborate with Simon Birmingham industry and deliver commercial returns from research. Minister for Education and Training In 2015–16, the Australian Government will spend $9.7 billion on science, research and innovation. Australian businesses and philanthropists also recognise the importance of our researchers, contributing millions more to support research and translate it into products, services and policies that benefit billions of people around the world, and grow our economy. High-quality Australian research is central to the economic, cultural and social advancement of our nation. From improving the productivity of our agricultural and manufacturing sectors to protecting our health and strengthening and promoting the oldest continuing culture in the world, Australian research reaches into every part of our daily lives. The quality of research conducted by Australian universities is also critical to the global reputation of our education system. The reputation of our research draws academics and students from around the world to Australia, internationalising our campuses, enriching our communities, creating jobs and contributing to the economy. On behalf of the Australian Government, I am proud to support the universities, the researchers and the research infrastructure that produce the outstanding research recognised in this publication. This book demonstrates the breadth, quality and impact of Australia’s world-class research effort. Foreword

Research is a defining characteristic of Australia’s universities. Indeed, to be recognised as a university, our institutions must demonstrate quality-benchmarked research proficiency in at least three disciplines. This structural prerequisite balances the spread of knowledge v with, importantly, the creation of knowledge. For decades, Australian universities have delivered excellence in research and innovation and have advanced a research culture and system that has been responsible for world-leading breakthroughs. In many cases, these truly transformative innovations and successes were not achieved in isolation but were the outcomes of collaborative research efforts both domestically and internationally. International research collaborations are a mechanism for knowledge exchange, helping to bring diversity in perspective and approach to solving the challenges of our time and generating new ideas for the future. A culture of collaborative and innovative research among Australian universities and their international peers fosters a reciprocal culture Professor Barney Glover of positive transformation. Collaborations of a global nature create positive impacts not Chair, Universities Australia just at the institutional level, but more importantly, throughout the broader community. We only need to look around us and the technologies we use and rely on in our day-to-day lives to appreciate the momentous value and contribution of international research collaborations. For example, silicone hydrogel contact lenses now account for around half of lenses fitted internationally and were made possible through global collaboration and Australian leadership. It is through these types of linkages that unexpected creativity and developments emerge. In an era where innovation drives competition, development and national prosperity, and where social, economic, cultural, environmental and political challenges are increasingly diffused across geographical borders, it has never been more critical for research to respond—and lead—in a global vein. Australian universities have an impressive track record in this regard and we must continue to ensure that Australia remains a destination and collaborator of choice. Universities Australia, the peak representative body for Australia’s universities, is deeply committed to emphasising the importance and value of research—at the institutional level and further afield, both domestically and internationally. We invite you to join with us in continuing to enrich this culture of innovation through collaboration in research. The more we engage globally, the more we all prosper. This must, after all, be the primary objective of research. Introduction

CSIRO’s ASKAP antennas at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. Photo: Neal Pritchard WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 1 Australia’s universities World-leading research occurs at universities of all shapes and sizes throughout the country, spanning the sciences, the social sciences, the arts and the are world leaders in humanities. Researchers in Australia are highly sought after as international collaborators, research, breaking a factor that demonstrates their standing in the world’s research community. They are often recognised through prestigious international awards; for example, new ground, pushing 15 have been awarded a Nobel Prize. The nation’s research sector is globally the boundaries of connected, and universities actively foster partnerships with leading research institutions in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Despite Australia’s geographic our understanding isolation, about half of our research output is published with an international co-author. of the world, This is a time of exciting and accelerating change in the world, and Australia’s universities are continually making remarkable discoveries. Every day more than and inventing the a billion people rely on Australian inventions to help improve their lives. technologies of The Cochlear implant, the cervical cancer vaccine, the black box flight recorder and Wi-Fi are all Australian inventions that have revolutionised the world. tomorrow. Many elements provide the foundation for Australia’s research success. Our institutions are characterised by strong frameworks and support structures in order to ensure research of the highest quality. We have world-class research infrastructure that is relied on by researchers and industries domestically and internationally. We are highly collaborative: universities link with each other, their local communities and businesses, and organisations worldwide. All these features make Australia a destination of choice for researchers and a sought-after strategic partner. Research and innovation are rightly recognised as vital to the world’s future prosperity and wellbeing. The Australian Government and the nation’s universities, research institutions and researchers are all committed to augmenting our research capacity — to break new ground and to respond to the challenges facing our country, the region and the world. 2

Dr Karlie Neilson, Australian Proteome Analysis The Cube. Facility, Macquarie University. Photo Dr Naveid Ali Photo: QUT

Excellent research creating change Australian university research has a formidable reputation Australia’s excellent research is bringing about tangible in a wide range of disciplines. There are 43 areas of national change for individuals, communities and industries. Health strength that have been identified through the Australian and medical research is leading to better results for patients Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia, or ERA, and more efficient healthcare services. Environmental initiative and demonstrate our research breadth, depth research is leading to better management of the nation’s and diversity. natural resources. Agricultural research is allowing for the production of nutritionally improved foods and providing ERA provides a comprehensive overview of the quality of greater food security for our region. Research in the social research undertaken in universities throughout the nation sciences is resulting in more effective government policies in an international context. International organisations and improving our understanding of community attitudes and researchers are using ERA results to help identify and behaviours. opportunities for collaboration with the very best. New industries, products and services are also being created ERA uses a five-point scale with ‘world standard’, ‘above as a result of Australian university research. Biotechnology world standard’ and ‘well above world standard’ being and medical device companies are reaping the benefits the highest ratings. The ratings are determined using a arising from innovations developed in the research sector variety of indicators and are moderated by committees and are marketing the resultant concepts and products to of distinguished researchers drawn from Australia and the world. Our mining and resources industries continue elsewhere. An area of national strength is defined as to rely on Australian research to stay at the cutting-edge 10 or more Australian universities being rated at world of technology. standard or higher and four or more of them being rated at well above world standard. Australia’s research strengths Source: Excellence in Research for Australia 2015 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES LAW AND LEGAL STUDIES

■■ Ecology ■■ Law ■■ Genetics MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES 3 ■■ Plant Biology ■■ Applied Mathematics

■■ Zoology ■■ Pure Mathematics

CHEMICAL SCIENCES ■■ Statistics ■■ Analytical Chemistry MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

■■ Inorganic Chemistry ■■ Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology

■■ Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry ■■ Clinical Sciences

■■ Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural) ■■ Human Movement and Sports Science

COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT, TOURISM AND SERVICES ■■ Immunology

■■ Business and Management ■■ Medical Microbiology EARTH SCIENCES ■■ Medical Physiology

■■ Geology ■■ Neurosciences

■■ Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience ■■ Nursing ENGINEERING ■■ Nutrition and Dietetics ■■ Oncology and Carcinogenesis ■■ Civil ■■ Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences ■■ Electrical and Electronic ■■ Public Health and Health Services ■■ Materials

■■ Mechanical PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES ■■ Philosophy

■■ Ecological Applications PHYSICAL SCIENCES

■■ Environmental Science and Management ■■ Astronomical and Space Sciences

■■ Soil Sciences ■■ Condensed Matter HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY ■■ Optical Physics

■■ Historical Studies PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE ■■ Psychology

■■ Cultural Studies STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY

■■ Literary Studies ■■ Political Science 4

Professor David Lamb teaching in the Smart Farm Innovation Centre. Photo: University of New England

A dynamic and supportive research environment The facilities, support structures and relationships in come together to tackle the challenges that face the Australia make our research environment one of the nation and the world. These facilities and their specialist most envied in the world. staff also provide small, innovative companies and major multinationals with the ability to trial new technologies in Our research leaders are among the world’s best, providing collaboration with university researchers. a welcoming, rich and dynamic environment for intellectual pursuits. Australian universities are highly multicultural and The research sector consists of a variety of organisations take pride in providing a supportive setting for international with differing but complementary roles. All of the staff and students. The diversity in the sector allows universities—40 Australian and two international—engage abundant opportunities for researchers to find the best fit in research. Further, many of our universities have campuses for their interests. in other countries, and strengthening research connections is a specific objective. Australia’s strategic and collaborative investment in research infrastructure has provided a platform for cultural change When it comes to world university rankings, Australia in the way research is conducted. Through nationally has a good track record. None of the rankings provides networked facilities, researchers from differing disciplines a complete picture of our universities’ strengths, but they 5

Mass spectrometer ion source. Photo: Bioplatforms Australia

do demonstrate that Australia has an impressive university with applying science and technology to safeguard Australia system overall. Seven of Australia’s universities feature in and its national interests; ANSTO is Australia’s national the world’s top 100 universities in the latest QS ranking nuclear research and development organisation. (2015–16) and 16 featured in the top 100 ‘under 50’ Other participants in Australia’s research system bring (meaning aged less than 50 years) in the 2015 Times together partners to respond to particular questions or Higher Education ranking results. areas of research. The Cooperative Research Centres are A number of government research organisations work user-driven research partnerships between publicly funded with Australia’s universities. CSIRO (the Commonwealth researchers, business and the community. There are also 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations, covering Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is one of the virtually all aspects of agriculture. The more than 50 medical largest and most diverse research agencies in the world; it research institutes in Australia provide a direct link between has more than 50 sites in Australia and elsewhere. The other laboratory-based research and clinical practice. large public research organisations are the Defence Science and Technology Group and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. The DST Group is charged 6

Destination and collaborator of choice Australia is a land of dramatic landscapes, cosmopolitan The Australian Government partners with other countries cities and rich heritage. Its unique geography and natural to support scientific and research collaborations of beauty, combined with a dynamic research environment, mutual benefit. It maintains dedicated education and offer researchers unparalleled career and lifestyle research staff as overseas representatives in key posts. opportunities. International collaboration is also supported through a range of funding programs, among them those of the International research organisations, as well as two national research councils. The Australian Research multinationals, seek out Australian researchers and Council provides competitive grants for all disciplines other institutions as collaborators. Universities in Australia attach than clinical medicine and health; the National Health and high importance to fostering international relationships, Medical Research Council funds clinical medicine and health going an extra mile to build trust and shared expertise. research and is involved in more than a dozen international Beyond direct partnerships, Australia also has strong collaborative efforts. International researchers are eligible links with countries in the Asia–Pacific region, offering to apply for funding through an Australian organisation for collaborators another pathway for engagement. most funding schemes. 7

Rakini Devi (Doctor of Creative Arts candidate), The Two Madonnas, Mexico City, April Antarctic ice 2014. Photo: Niña Yhared

A snapshot of Australian research This publication provides a snapshot of the range of exciting makes it all possible. In the final section of the publication and innovative research being undertaken in universities each of our universities is listed along with a brief summary in Australia. It is impossible to cover everything that is of its research strengths and the qualities that make it a happening, so we have chosen a number of examples to destination and collaborator of choice. highlight the talent and diversity in the research sector. As will become apparent, in areas as different as the The examples are arranged into themes that demonstrate environment, health and communities Australian university how research is tackling the many and varied challenges research is not just making a difference: it is leading the society faces. One of the main purposes of the publication world. is to highlight the ways researchers collaborate nationally and internationally, delivering amazing results for Australia and our partners. Each theme provides insights into the breakthroughs coming from Australian research, the leading lights in our institutions, and the excellent infrastructure that Health and medicine

Photo: Monash University WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 9 Australian Our universities have formidable expertise in biology and medicine, but integral to the nation’s success in health and medical research is our capability in chemistry, physics, universities are mathematics, computer science and materials science. Health and medical research constitutes Australia’s largest and most celebrated research renowned for field. The majority of Australian universities are active in the field, and many universities work together to solve global health challenges. Multidisciplinary teams come together their health and from universities, hospitals, independent medical research institutes, government science medical research, agencies and industry to tackle these complex problems. Australian medical research has resulted in internationally recognised breakthroughs. which covers The Cochlear implant, the cervical cancer and influenza vaccines, and spray-on skin for the treatment of burns are just a few of Australia’s most noteworthy successes. Among areas from the our Nobel prize–winning scientists are Professor Barry Marshall and Dr J Robin Warren (stomach ulcers), Professor Peter Doherty (the immune system) and Professor Elizabeth fundamentals of Blackburn (chromosomes). Internationally renowned medical researchers have also biological systems been recognised through the awards; examples are Professor Patrick McGorry (mental health), Professor (cancer vaccination), Dr Fiona to new drugs, Wood (burns treatment), Professor (public health) and Sir (immunology). medical devices The Australian Government has identified health and medical research as a priority area for investment. When it is fully operational, the Medical Research Future Fund, and therapies, and announced in 2014, will see a doubling of the amount of funding available. Beyond this, preventive and specific investments in Alzheimer’s research, tropical health and diabetes will continue to cement Australia’s position as a leader in these areas. The newly announced Biomedical community health. Translation Fund will invest in Australian discoveries and assist in translating promising research into better health and economic outcomes. Health and medical researchers in Australia have access to excellent facilities and support structures. For instance, facilities provided nationally are enabling excellent genetic research using techniques such as genomics, phenomics and bioinformatics, and imaging and microscopy resources are continually being updated to ensure that our universities are at the forefront of international trends. The creation of a dedicated health and medical beamline at the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne has also enhanced our capability. 10

The Tasmanian Devil. Photo: Darran Leal

Cancer and other diseases Australian researchers are seeking new treatments for developing and testing a vaccine with the aim of re-establishing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, cancer healthy Tasmanian devil populations in the wild. Researchers and malaria. These diseases are the leading causes of death have also identified a second transmissable facial cancer in many nations, and research into prevention, causes and affecting Tasmanian devils and are working to incorporate this treatments is a priority throughout the world. Australia’s second cancer into the vaccine. international research partnerships ensure that we remain The ithree institute (infection, immunity and innovation) at the forefront of this research, making discoveries that at the University of Technology Sydney brings together an have an impact on individuals everywhere. internationally renowned team that aims to improve our An international collaboration involving researchers from understanding and control of infectious diseases in humans and the University of , the University of New South animals. Using the university’s Microbial Imaging Facility, which Wales and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research has has the most advanced microscope in the world for studying identified the mutational processes that prompt tumour the cell biology of microorganisms, the researchers have development in 30 of the most common cancers. By recently published ground-breaking results in Nature. They have pinpointing the basic genetic cause of tumour development, discovered the function of a major group of proteins from an this ground-breaking research, the results of which have ancient family that is vital for life on earth. been published in Nature, could have dramatic implications Researchers at the University of continue to for early diagnosis, treatment and prevention. be at the forefront of therapies and strategies designed to help Research led by the University of is expanding our people with HIV. The Director of the Kirby Institute, Professor understanding of an extremely rare type of transmissible David Cooper, has been involved in the development of every cancer, known as devil facial tumour disease, that has affected existing combination anti-retroviral treatment for HIV on the about 85 per cent of the Tasmanian devil population. The market. Crucial research done at the institute has persuaded cancer has led to the species being listed as endangered, the World Health Organization to recommend earlier and extinction is a possibility. Australian researchers are now treatment for millions of HIV-infected people. 11

Swinburne’s Magnetoencephalography machine. Photo: Swinburne University

Mind and brain Diseases of the brain and mind now account for more implement innovative training for school staff educating than 40 per cent of all illness. Through basic, translational high-need students. and clinical research Australian universities are pioneering Researchers at Deakin University have recently devised new approaches to reducing the burden of these diseases a way of diagnosing autism in very young children by throughout the world. In ERA, 18 of Australia’s universities assessing their gait. Using a high-tech mat containing were rated as well above world standard in the disciplines of electronic sensors, the researchers have successfully neuroscience or psychology. measured the footfall and gait of children aged as young Macquarie University is leading Australia’s involvement as two years, creating a simple test that can be performed in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, a study in a non-laboratory setting. This breakthrough will enable sponsored by the Michael J Fox Foundation. By combining management and intervention strategies to be delivered new imaging approaches with collection of biological earlier and improve the tailoring of treatment. samples and behavioural data, the initiative aims to identify In partnership with the National Imaging Facility and new biomarkers for future diagnostics, prognostics and the Victorian Biomedical Imaging Capability, Swinburne treatments. Macquarie University is the only Southern University of Technology has made significant investments Hemisphere participant in this 32-site global study. in infrastructure for brain and psychological sciences The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Bond research. The university’s multi-modal centre houses state- University is a multidisciplinary research and education of-the-art neuro-imaging facilities, including facilities for facility dedicated to assisting people on the autism spectrum magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography, as well as their families, caregivers, educators and other electroencephalography and trans-cranial magnetic professionals involved in their support. The centre was stimulation. These facilities, and the associated expertise, established as a result of the great demand for evidence- will place Swinburne at the forefront of efforts to better based and specialised treatment programs. For example, understand brain function in health and disease. it has worked with Education Queensland to devise and 12

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science. Photo: Nils Versemann, Shutterstock.com

Fundamental bioscience Expanding our knowledge of fundamental biological The La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science is a global processes is integral to improving health and wellbeing. research leader in molecular science, biotechnology and Australian universities are taking advantage of our world- , and its research is making an important class research infrastructure to shine a light on the most contribution to Australia’s emerging bioeconomy. Working basic building blocks of all living organisms. Researching with industry partners, the institute is developing vaccines, the dynamic and complex nature of living systems therapeutic and diagnostic products to help offset the requires expertise in a range of disciplines and is central increasing cost of medical treatments. Researchers at to the creation of new treatments and medical devices. Murdoch University draw on its established record in basic life sciences to investigate the interactions between The ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano adaptable pathogens, drugs and the human host to develop Science and Technology is a national innovator in bio- personalised and precise interventions. nano sciences, bringing together Monash University, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Molecular Science the University of New South Wales and the University and Biotechnology Institute is a multidisciplinary centre of , along with partner organisations from for research in the medical, environmental and material around the world. The centre has assembled a variety of sciences. The institute supports a number of world-leading expertise, spanning chemistry, pharmaceutical science, technology platforms that are providing unprecedented biomedical imaging, diagnostics, systems biology and insights into the functioning of cellular systems as well as social theory. Researchers are pushing the boundaries the tools for translating new findings into therapies. The of nanomedicine, seeking new ways to target drugs to institute is also the centre of innovation for Australia’s a tumour or an affected organ while having minimal largest biopharmaceutical company, CSL Limited, providing interaction with other cells. a direct link between the university and industry. 13

Photo: University of Canberra

Sports medicine and exercise science Research into sports medicine and exercise science been recognised as Australia’s premier research centre focuses on the integration of exercise and physical activity for sports injury prevention, being one of only four such into healthcare, sports performance, disease and injury centres worldwide to be selected by the International prevention and rehabilitation. Australian universities are Olympic Committee as a member of its Medical Research at the forefront of this field and have some of the most Network since 2010. Its researchers have particular comprehensive sport and exercise science facilities in expertise in injury epidemiology and prevention and the world. clinical sports medicine. The centre has forged strong collaborative relationships with industry and peak Research conducted at the Institute for Sport, Exercise bodies; examples are the Australian Football League, the and Active Living at University spans the sport Australian Rugby Union, Cricket Australia, Sports Medicine and active living spectrum, from participation to high- Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee and the performance sport, building on close partnerships with Australian Institute of Sport. global leaders such as the Australian Institute of Sport. The institute is leading the field when it comes to understanding Taking advantage of its proximity to the Australian Institute the relationships between exercise, physical activity, and of Sport, the University of Canberra has established the chronic disease prevention, including the mechanisms Research Institute for Sport and Exercise. Researchers whereby exercise can prevent, reduce or reverse disease there are drawing on expertise in psychology, physiology, progression. biomechanics and coaching pedagogy to advance Australia’s high-performance sports research. The Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sports Prevention, based at Federation University Australia, has WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 14

Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle. Photo: John Gollings

Health services and connections with the community Health services research is a multidisciplinary scientific field providing sexual health, community housing and Indigenous that brings together health and medical and social science health services—to improve clinical practice. The university’s researchers in collaboration with institutions engaged in the researchers have also been instrumental in the design delivery of health services. A particular focus is the delivery and building of eight ‘smart living’ apartments, which are of and access to care that is essential to achieving better purpose-built with cutting-edge assistive technologies for health in the community. people with disabilities. Australian universities are pioneering new approaches through The University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute their partnerships with local health services. For example, the houses a collective of internationally renowned researchers University of Newcastle has direct access to health service in human reproduction, pregnancy and child health, organisations and the community through the Hunter Medical developing interventions to improve health outcomes for Research Institute, a multidisciplinary partnership between the mother and child in pregnancies complicated by obesity and university, Hunter New England Local Health District and the diabetes. One of its research priorities, Born too Soon, is community. Clinical trials are an integral part of the model and improving outcomes for babies born before term and aims the institute’s building has its own clinical trials centre, which to accurately predict and prevent pre-term birth. is designed to relieve pressure on hospitals and provide easy Examining risk factors such as genetic markers, immune access to monitoring equipment for patients. parameters and lifestyle factors, the institute is involved Similarly, the Southgate Institute at Flinders University works in ground-breaking research that will improve the lives of closely with a range of organisations—including those families around the world. 15

CASE STUDY at the Charles Candidate. Photo: Photo: Candidate. Alice Gibson, PhD Alice Gibson, Amanda Salis and Associate Professor Associate Professor Perkins Centre with Perkins Patient consultation Patient University of Sydney HEALTH AND AND MEDICINE HEALTH for example, psychological make-up, education, cultural norms, cultural norms, education, psychological make-up, example, for — facility, funded by the University of Sydney and the Australian Government, Australian Government, the University funded by of Sydney and the facility, with technologies that connect and support participating researchers in the and rural metropolitan university’s campuses. experts from the arts and social sciences, architecture, business, education experts business, architecture, from the arts social sciences, and and environmental life and the physical, engineering and IT, and social work, The researchers look at problems sciences in a collaborative environment. more sustainable of creating healthier, with the goal from all angles, communities. At the heart of the centre is a state-of-the-art research and education Perkins Centre at the UniversityPerkins of Sydney brings together outstanding our understandingminds to improve impact of other factors of the on these conditions and the agricultural and food environment, the built economic pressures, industriesdepend. on which we best minds in the medical sciences with The centre combines the university’s It has never been more important to find solutions to obesity, cardiovascular cardiovascular been more importantIt has never to find solutions to obesity, often approached from a medical These conditions are disease and diabetes. the Charles In contrast, concentrating on their biology. solely perspective, diseases on the rise Combating 16 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES excellence of biomedical mass critical Melbourne’s CASE STUDY Mesoblast, Acrux, BiotaandStarpharma. giants toMelbourne, among them corporate inattracting hasbeeninstrumental of expertise Australia’s biotechnologycompanies, includingCSLLimited, whichisinParkville. This depth diagnostics, andantibiotics. instruments ishometomany microsurgical of Melbourne Recaldent®, retinalimaging, ofRotavirus, thediscovery andthedevelopment ofvaccines, technical innovations—for example, thebionicear, colony stimulating factors, Relenza®, intheprecincthaveOrganisations createdandcommercialisednumerous medicaland between cliniciansandresearchers. facilitates collaboration Mental Health, andCSIRO. This co-locationofhospitalsandresearchinstitutionsinParkville Research, theMurdochChildren’s ResearchInstitute, theFloreyInstituteofNeuroscienceand ofMelbourne,the University MonashUniversity, the Walter andElizaHallInstituteofMedical research, practice, intheprecinct. teachingand training Among theresearchinstitutionsare About 10,000scientists, cliniciansandtechnicalstaffareengagedinbiomedical andhealthcare ofresearchexcellenceworldwide. few suchconcentrations is oneofvery Hemisphere. intheSouthern breadth ofbiosciencedisciplinesarewithoutparallel Infact, this andthe biomedicalprecinctandsurrounds students intheParkville and postgraduate The sheernumber oflife sciencesresearchfacilities, researchers, teachers, andundergraduate Linear accelerator sectionof the Australian Synchrotron.the Australian Photo: ANSTO 17

CASE STUDY Photo: Monash University Photo: HEALTH AND AND MEDICINE HEALTH Monash Vision Group’s bionic eye. bionic eye. Vision Group’s Monash electrical impulses to stimulate cells in the retina. The impulses are passed along the The impulses are passed electrical cells in the retina. impulses to stimulate where they are interpretedoptic nerve to the vision processing centres of the brain, This technology aims to address degenerative disorders of the eye as an image. including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. sight to people with macular degeneration, glaucoma or ocular disease. sight to people with macular degeneration, a consortiumAustralia, that Vision In parallel researchers and clinicians from Bionic the Bionics Wales, the Universityincludes the University of New South of Melbourne, a bionic eye has developed Australia and Data61, Research Eye the Centre for Institute, consisting of a camera transmits that is attached to a pair of glasses and radio signals Electrodes on the chip convert the signals into to a microchip implanted in the eye. MiniFab and Grey Innovation, has developed a direct-to-brain has developed cortical prosthetic MiniFab and Grey Innovation, uses a digital cameraThe eye mounted on glasses to prototype device—a bionic eye. transferring Once processed, capture images before them to a vision-processing device. of tiny a number by where it is received transmittedthe image is wirelessly to the brain, visual cortex. that are implanted in the brain’s of a small fingernail, each the size tiles, to restore the retina and the optic nerve,able it might be Because the device bypasses Thanks to two ambitious research projects being carried out in Australia, there could Australia, ambitious research projects being carriedThanks to two out in and clinical blindness some people with untreatable be light at the end of the tunnel for vision impairment. Alfred Health, a collaboration Monash University, between Vision Group, The Monash The gift of sight 18 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY Director, MenziesSchoolofHealthResearch three dollars insavings topublicthree dollars healthspending. dollartheMenziesSchoolspendsitcreates For every rheumatic fever, melioidosis andchildmalnutrition. and eliminate malaria, tuberculosis, pneumococcaldisease, region, Menziesisalsohelping treat Australia’s neighbours disease. Inviewofitsproximity tothe heart Asia–Pacific and chronicconditionssuchascancer, kidneydiseaseand nutrition, substanceabuse, childhealthanddevelopment, manyThe research covers areas—for example, mentalhealth, inthe in morethan20countries works Asia–Pacific region. 60 Indigenous communities in Australia. Internationally, it withmorethan atthefront line,Menzies works partnering region to respondtoglobalhealthconcerns. with also works inthe Australia’s neighbours Asia–Pacific dedicated toimproving Indigenoushealthandwellbeing; it Menzies Schoolis Australia’s only medicalresearchinstitute Indigenous andtropicalhealthmedicalresearch. The leaderin isa national andinternational Darwin University Through theMenziesSchoolofHealthResearch, Charles Leading theway onIndigenoushealth Professor Alan Cass Professor Alan lives of hundreds ofthousands people. meaningful, measurable impactandimproving the andhospitals. ishaving a Ourwork health services aredeliveredincommunities, will change how services with Indigenouspeopletodeliverresultsthat partnership in We andworking aredoingresearchthatmatters surely, we aregainingground. There isnoquickfixinIndigenoushealth, but slowly,

Charles DarwinUniversity Charles acute bronchiolitis. Photo: examining ababy with McCallum Dr Gabrielle 19

CASE STUDY HEALTH AND AND MEDICINE HEALTH Food and agriculture

High-throughput phenotyping Smarthouse at The Plant Accelerator®, University of Adelaide. Photo: LemnaTec GmbH WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 21 Food security is a Australia is globally recognised as an innovator in agricultural production through its wide-ranging expertise and ability to apply new technologies. In fundamental challenge the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector, research and development has helped Australian agriculture double its productivity in the past 25 years. facing the world, and Research in Australian universities focuses on important aspects of food and agriculture—for example, adding value to production, the question of how to effectively managing natural resources, and responding to the threats improve the productivity of climate change and invasive species. We have national strengths in plant biology, evolutionary biology, and environmental science and and sustainability of all management. Our universities also excel in areas such as crop and pasture production, veterinary science and forestry. Professor Graham agricultural industries is Farquhar was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2015 for transforming our understanding of the world’s most important biological important to Australian reaction — photosynthesis. researchers. Australia’s success in this field has been achieved through strong partnerships between universities, governments and industry. The various Cooperative Research Centres and Rural Research and Development Corporations cover virtually all the food and agricultural industries. The CRCs have developed important new technologies, products and services; in the case of the RRDCs, the Australian Government provides dollar-for- dollar matching of industry contributions, adding considerable value to the economy and local communities. Our understanding of how to harness the natural environment is greatly improving as a result of new approaches to mapping Australia’s soil quality, water flows and climate variability. Research infrastructure is delivering real- time information to researchers and is creating whole genome sequences for important crops. For example, there is a nationwide project collecting genetic information about soil microbial communities, creating a reference map that can be linked with other data. This map is augmenting ecological knowledge of the Australian continent and enriching land management strategies. 22

Photo: University of Queensland

Growing our future Research investment is required to produce as much development, extension and training activities that focus on food in the next 40 years as we have produced in the mixed farming systems. The ARC Industrial Transformation previous 10,000 years. Researchers at Murdoch University Training Centre at Charles Sturt is training the next are involved in all areas of food security, from improving generation of grain scientists and producing high-quality production, quality and storage to biosecurity policies. The results for the grains industry. Research projects focus on university has particular expertise in animal production and cereals, pulses and canola and investigate both human and nutrition and has links to the Sheep CRC and meat quality animal uses of grains. The centre is a partnership between programs at the RRDC Meat and Livestock Australia. By the university and several organisations, among them Sunrice investigating how zoonotic diseases are spread, researchers and GrainGrowers Ltd, as well as a number of RRDCs. are also helping farmers in South East Asia develop control The density and diversity of agricultural production programs that are cost-effective and culturally sensitive. systems surrounding CQUniversity’s regional campuses Charles Sturt University is a leading player in international foster close links with industries and primary producers in research in agricultural, veterinary and environmental Bundaberg, Australia’s biggest vegetable production region, science. Its Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, and Rockhampton, Australia’s beef capital. Industry-focused in alliance with the New South Wales Government, is research work spans post-harvest fruit quality, irrigation improving the lives of rural communities through research, efficiency, precision horticulture and livestock management. 23

Southern Cross University researcher Steven Purcell and Kiribati Fisheries officer delivering training. Photo: Simon Foale, James Cook University

For example, university researchers collaborated with University of the Sunshine Coast in carrying out a wide industry to develop a hand-held non-invasive device for range of international research projects in aquaculture, assessing the eating quality and maturity of tree crops such horticulture and forestry in developing countries. as mangoes. Using this device, farmers can assess fruit-eating The University of Southern Queensland has world-class qualities other than sweetness, such as dryness, acidity, research groups in climate science, irrigated agriculture firmness and starch content. and engineering in agriculture. Industry gains of more than Southern Cross University is involved in several international half a billion dollars a year are attributed to advances in projects designed to improve the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural systems and technology developed by the fishers in the Asia–Pacific region. With assistance from the university. Working with the RRDCs, the university is Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the improving industry productivity and profitability, affecting university is helping to rehabilitate degraded catchments in more than 1,000 cotton farms, 4,000 cane farms and and Vanuatu and providing information on and training in an estimated 20,000 wheat growers. The university’s post-harvest processing to fishers in Tonga. In the Philippines research has led to water use efficiencies for the cotton the university is working with international partners to and horticulture industries, saving hundreds of millions of improve the rehabilitation of crucial watersheds and so dollars each year. assist with sustainable land use. ACIAR also supports the 24 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES farming SMART CASE STUDY agricultural scientistsandfarmers. agricultural data isalsobeingusedinclassrooms across of toinspirethenextgeneration Australia oris unwell. example,health information—for whenacow isgivingbirth SMART Farm andeartags;monitor cattlebehaviour throughGPScollars thisgives themimportant sow ofthingssuchaswhentofertilise, seedormove can cattle.understanding Farmers valuable insightsintoplant, scales, atvarious soilandclimateinteractions improving our plant growth andcoverage, temperature, airhumidityandwinds. offers This information living mapofgrowing conditions, aboutsoilmoisture, collectingandsendinginformation createa andweather stationsonthefarm ofsensors Data gatheredfromanarray management aretestedatthefarm, andscientists. providing real-timedatafor farmers Technologies toimprove developed by crops, researchers pastureandlivestock between theuniversity,collaboration CSIRO, andsmallenterprises. andnumerous large The SMART (orSustainable Manageable Farm Accessible Rural Technologies isa Farm) community.with the farming science,agricultural anditsregionallocationinNewSouth Wales reinforces itslinks sector. recognisedasoneof UNEisinternationally in Australia’s topuniversities totherural of New Englandtake precisiontechnologiesstraight from theUniversity With 7,000sheepand100cattle, ishelpingresearchers aSMARTAustralia inrural Farm Professor DavidLambwith adrone. Photo: ofNew England University 25

CASE STUDY AgBot II. Photo: QUT Photo: AgBot II. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE FOOD QUT’s AgBot II prototype is a lightweight robot with sophisticated algorithms II prototype is a lightweight AgBot QUT’s sensors. crop conditions from multiple soil and that extract information on weed, AgBot II will help reduce losses in Designed to work in autonomous groups, outcomes. environmental agricultural control and improve production through weed assessing soil and fertiliserAgBot II will also apply crop management, site-specific for crop condition to determine fertiliser needs. Adept a Baxter and an researchersQUT are also working with research robots, robots to interpret technologies to enable their environment to develop Guiabot, within alongside humans robots to workThe research will allow safely using vision. its already taught Baxter to use They have complex and changing environments. from plants. computer vision to identify and pick red capsicums Agriculture, humankind’s oldest and most important economic activity, is receiving a oldest and most important humankind’s Agriculture, economic activity, field of robotics. endeavours—the helping hand from one of our newest its world-leading is applying robotics expertiseQUT create robots that will plant, to further maintain and harvest precision agriculture developing crops, and weed, transformingpotentially farming. farmer’s farmer’s best friend Robots, a Robots, 26 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES medicine Food as CASE STUDY has thepotentialtoprovide greatbenefitstothepeople of theregionandelsewhere. ata75,000-treeorchardand commercialharvest plumhashaditsfirst The QueenGarnet concentrations. problems suchashighbloodcan reverse pressure, blood fattyliver sugar andabnormal effective againstobesity.anthocyanins arevery Testing plumjuice hasalsoshown thatpurple times thelevels ofanthocyanins found inothertypesofplums. agents, As anti-inflammatory plum,The QueenGarnet Queenslandandtestedby grown USQ, inSouthern hasuptofive Queensland. Southern disease andahostofotherhealthproblems, of accordingtoresearchdoneattheUniversity foods couldbethekey tounlockingobesity,Purple highblood pressure, cardiovascular Photo: PtyLtd Nutrafruit 27

CASE STUDY

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE FOOD challenges of a systems-based approach to scientific discovery. Researchers wine—from understanding throughout the entire value chain of are active the interactions to sensory of vines with the environment research and consumer preferences. Wine Production, Innovative Centre for Training ARC In 2015 the university launched the The university is also part of the Australian and internationalworking companies. with closely Wine Research Institute the Australian which brings together CSIRO, Cluster, Wine Innovation Australian Research and Development Institute. and the South state-of-the-art which provides Australia, research In collaboration with Bioplatforms Cluster is pioneering Wine Innovation new approaches the field, ‘omics’ infrastructure in the to industrial characterisation yeast through metabolomics and systems and development insights into the wine industryThis research provides yeast-based and other biology. a working while also providing the advantages and example of manufacturing, Researchers at the University of Adelaide have a nose for what makes a good glass of red what makes a nose for ResearchersAdelaide have at the University of wine and grapeAustralia’s research capability is concentrated near the More than half of wine. best wine regions. of the world’s to some the researchers close proximity enjoying university, a good drop The DNA of Cultures and communities

Australopithecus sediba. Photo: Brett Eloff, courtesy of Professor Lee Berger and Wits University WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 29 Research into cultures From literature to the performing arts, history and philosophy, a knowledge of the humanities helps develop informed and critical thinkers. In addition, the and communities development of effective policies is dependent on the knowledge the social sciences provide. Working in partnership with other disciplines, these fields of aims to interpret the research create vital insights that are central to delivering real-world outcomes. Australian universities are home to scholars who are internationally human experience — acknowledged experts in the cultural, economic and political systems of discovering, preserving the Asia region and the world. Our national strength in historical studies is complemented by our excellence in fields such as law, archaeology and and communicating language studies. Australia is also at the forefront of new approaches to understanding how the digital age is changing our social and economic about the past and environment. Research in these fields is embedded in communities and answers a deep present to enable a need to understand our identity. Communities throughout the world are deeper understanding making use of legal, historical, genealogical and social databases that have been made possible through the work of researchers and cultural institutions. of society. Further, Australia’s relationship with our Asia–Pacific neighbours is enriched by our researchers’ commitment to studying and better understanding societies’ histories, customs and beliefs. Australian researchers have access to research infrastructure of the highest quality, enabling them to assemble, combine and analyse information and produce holistic answers to complex questions. Our eResearch infrastructure provides all the tools needed for cutting-edge analysis and links collaborators in virtual communities nationally and internationally. 30

Professor Nicholas Evans and Jimmy Nébni holding a village meeting in Bimadbn, Papua New Guinea. Photo: Julia Colleen Miller

Understanding our world The Hawke Research Institute at the University of South where researchers are exploring the importance of the Australia is recognised as Australia’s largest and most connections between ‘country’ and Indigenous peoples’ innovative social science, creative arts and humanities identity, spirituality, community and cultural governance. The institute. Researchers work to tackle contemporary university collaborates with national academic institutions, social problems, crossing disciplinary boundaries to teaching and research communities, governments and investigate matters such as child protection, gender industry and has a strong focus on participatory research. and violence, and education and literacy. The institute’s The benefits of Notre Dame’s research are far-reaching: research on mobility and migration is supported by the it has influenced national strategies enabling Indigenous European Union (in the form of the Hawke EU Centre for people to transition to higher education as well as providing Mobilities, Migrations and Cultural Transformations) and a framework for national and regional strategic planning. focuses on the global challenges caused by the increasing Health outcomes for Indigenous communities in the displacement of people and communities in the 21st Kimberley have also been positively impacted by the work century. The institute is fostering transdisciplinary research of the Nulungu Research Institute. of the highest quality while influencing public debate at The world-class expertise of archaeological researchers at local, national and global levels. La Trobe University is helping unravel the mysteries of our Aboriginal culture and wellbeing are a particular research past. These researchers are responsible for several important strength of the University of Notre Dame Australia, archaeological breakthroughs, among them finding significant 31

Xi Hsu working on his final exhibition in the UOW Postgraduate studio. Photo: University of Wollongong

early human remains in South Africa. La Trobe is also home contemporary considerations. For example, they are to one of the world’s few magnetics laboratories, which exploring how cultural mores or power relationships, has a focus on archaeological and fossil records. The lab is which are often evident in medical contexts, compromise part of a Melbourne-based research network in African individuals’ autonomy and influence treatment. palaeoanthropology and evolution that links researchers The University of Wollongong houses one of the few from La Trobe University, Monash University and the multidisciplinary schools in Australia that encompasses University of Melbourne. In collaboration with partners both pure and applied research in the visual, performing such as the University of Johannesburg and the University and media arts, creative writing, English and journalism. of Liverpool, researchers are doing fascinating archaeological The school’s mission is to inspire creative thinking, learning work in South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Israel, Armenia, and art practices through multidisciplinary education Bulgaria and Australia. and research in contemporary creative arts. One The Australian Catholic University is one of Australia’s current research focus is nature, networks and events in leaders in religious studies. Its research ranges from biblical contemporary arts and the links to social transformation. studies to moral philosophy and the phenomenology of Researchers at the university are highly regarded both religion. Researchers investigate fundamental questions nationally and internationally, and the school produces a associated with what it means to be human, extending variety of high-quality artistic creations. the traditional fields of philosophy and theology to 32 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY stone tointimidatingsubjects(suchasscience)anddevelop History, would itexcitestudentsaboutlearning, beastepping- could have asimilareffect onstudents. studenttookBig Ifevery scientific fields, ofstudy promptinghimto wonderifthecourse manyprovided different abroadcontextfor understanding and onhistory Bill Gates. changedhisperspective BigHistory theattentionof approachhasattracted This interdisciplinary oftheuniverse. single, story understandable anthropology, physics, biology, andeconomicstotella history Instituteareweaving togetherinsightsfromastronomy,History oftheworld’s history.understanding attheBig Researchers sciences, socialsciencesandthehumanitiestodevelop anew fromthe togetherexperts a fieldofresearchthatbrings ofBigHistory, istheintellectualbirthplace University Macquarie andourhumanityinanentirely newway.Earth thecosmos,is takinganinnovative approachtounderstanding seek toanswer,around theworld but one university Australian from? Where arewe going? These arequestionsresearchers cometobe? How didtheuniverse Where didhumanscome Big History and thehumanworld. domainsofthephysical world,three large thebiologicalworld disciplines, toexploreprojectsthat crossthe allowing researchers questionstouchingmany important is continuing topursue But theresearchdoesn’tstopthere. Institute The BigHistory classrooms andonlinein andtheUnitedStates.Australia broadly available in school tomake BigHistory University withMacquarie thinkingskills?Gateshasnow partnered critical Photo: University Macquarie creator ofBigHistory. Professor DavidChristian,

33

CASE STUDY CULTURES AND AND COMMUNITIES CULTURES 34 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES of language The dynamics CASE STUDY interrelated standpoints—how theyareputtogether,interrelated how theyarelearnt, how theyareprocessed acquire andexploitlanguagestoachieve different ends. Languagesareinvestigated fromfour together philosophers,The centrebrings psychologistsandroboticiststoexplorehow ourminds the ARC CentreofExcellencefor theDynamicsofLanguageareinvestigating thiscomplexpuzzle. how theyevolve,dynamic natureoflanguagesmakes itdifficulttounderstand at but researchers aroundus.what we feel moreabouttheworld andwhatwe wantandtoquestionlearn The humansdo: everything we use ittotellthepeoplearoundus tovirtually Language iscentral documentation projectsin Australia, Papua NewGuinea, , Vanuatu, China and Laos. in erosion oflinguisticdiversity and Australia language Asia: ontargeted areworking researchers New Zealand, China, Singapore, the isreversing andtheNetherlands. Germany Oneofitspriorities inthe UnitedStates, ofresearchorganisations witharange collaborates theUnitedKingdom, University, ofQueensland. andtheUniversity ofMelbourne theUniversity The centrealso inthecentre arethe NationalUniversity,Australian partners University the Western Sydney technology-assisted dementiatreatments. centre’s investigations have robotsand ledtothedevelopment ofadvancedlanguage-learning so quickly, why languageevolved, andhow tohelppeoplewithcommunication disorders. The topics, diverse focus languages onvery suchashow itisthatchildrenmanagetolearn Researchers and how theyevolve. Western SydneyUniversity Photo: The MARCSInstitute, CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES CASE STUDYCASE 35

Digitally A transformation is under way in humanities and social science Burglars at work: research. Digital technologies are making research easier and Shocking suicide at transforming Castlemaine, Image more efficient, allowing for new ways of working, opening up new criminal PN02/06/77/00. questions and creating new knowledge. Photo: Pictures studies Collection, State The Prosecution Project at Griffith University is an example of Library of Victoria how Australian universities are at the forefront of this digital revolution. By using modern technology to access the vast archives and media resources available today, the project aims to map the changes in prosecution over time and analyse them in relation to evolving social attitudes. By digitising records from all Australian states (whose archives are among the most complete in the world) and combining them with other digital resources, the project will provide foundational knowledge of how crime has been prosecuted in Australia. It will also tell us much about Australian history—how people lived, how they behaved, how they dealt with conflict and tragedy, and how legal and political institutions responded to crime and its consequences. Astronomy and space science

Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. Photo: Fred Kamphues WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 37 Astronomy and Australia is internationally recognised as a world leader in astronomical research, a reputation that has been built over many years. Our vibrant research astrophysics involves community is a central player in global research endeavours and international space missions. And our location in the Southern Hemisphere gives us one of the the study of everything world’s best vantage points for astronomical observation. beyond Earth—planets, Australia has a range of established world-class radio and optical telescopes (such as CSIRO’s Parkes and Compact Array telescopes and the Anglo-Australian stars, galaxies, black holes, Telescope) and exciting new instruments (such as the Murchison Widefield Array, the Australian National University’s SkyMapper telescope, and CSIRO’s Australian dark matter, quasars, Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder). Beyond our domestic capabilities, we have access to leading international facilities (such as the Gemini, Keck, Subaru and cosmology, the Big Bang, twin Magellan telescopes) and we are part of international consortia such as the and so on. It is through Square Kilometre Array and the Giant Magellan Telescope. Astronomical research in Australia covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum, astronomy that we will from low-frequency radio waves over infrared, visible and ultraviolet light to high-frequency x-ray and gamma rays. Australian researchers have played leading come to understand roles in major astronomical endeavours (among them studies of the large-scale the emergence of life structure of the universe and the discovery of gravitational waves) thanks to their expertise in theory, computation and modelling. In ERA, nine of Australia’s and the final fate of universities were rated as well above world standard in astronomical and space sciences. the universe itself. Along with his collaborators, astrophysicist AC, current Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2011 for discovering that the expansion of the universe is accelerating as a result of a mysterious force called Dark Energy. Australian space scientists participate in a large number of international missions, and our research institutions provide vital spacecraft-tracking and data-download infrastructure for the United States and European space programs. Our researchers benefit from the range of infrastructure investments that provide accessible, accurate and timely Earth observation and positioning data. 38

Nobel Prize winner and ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt. Photo: Fairfax Media

The techniques and technologies of astronomy and space of optical fibres that is giving Australian astronomers the science are intertwined with those of other fields such first ‘Google street view’ of the cosmos—incredibly detailed photonics, materials science, robotics, signal processing, views of huge numbers of galaxies. and data visualisation and interpretation. The best example CAASTRO is uniting Australia’s and the world’s top of the benefits of this interrelationship is the invention of astronomers. It has seven Australian university partners, Wi-Fi, which came about through CSIRO’s pioneering work along with CSIRO and the Australian Astronomical in radio astronomy and is an internationally recognised Observatory. The international partners include two Max Australian innovation. Planck Institutes in Germany, the California Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona in the United Understanding our universe States, the University of Oxford and in the , France’s Laboratoire de Physique The ARC Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics, Nucléaire et de Hautes Energies, India’s Raman Research known as CAASTRO, is an international leader in wide-field Institute, and the University of Toronto in Canada. astronomy. With access to next-generation telescopes and The Australian National University has a long history advanced instrumentation, it has brought together unique of research and technical activity at the leading-edge of Australian expertise in radio astronomy, optical astronomy, astronomy and astrophysics. It operates Siding Spring theoretical astrophysics and computation to look at the sky Observatory in New South Wales, which is one of the in a new way. The researchers are developing innovative world’s darkest astronomical sites. The observatory is home ways of processing enormous volumes of astronomical to many telescopes, among them SkyMapper, the university’s measurements and of visualising complex data sets. For state-of-the-art automated wide-field survey telescope that example, they have created an instrument based on bundles represents a new vehicle for scientific discovery. SkyMapper’s 39

The two-degree field instrument used on the Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. Photo: Fred Kamphues mission is to robotically create the first comprehensive are involved in frontier astrophysics, using the finest digital survey of the entire southern sky. The university international facilities and the superior data-processing has a wealth of expertise in a broad range of areas, such facilities provided by the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. as galactic archaeology, cosmology, planetary science, and The researchers are leading important projects on the studies of supernovae and black holes. Square Kilometre Array and its precursor instruments and Astronomy research at Swinburne University of Technology are promoting the capacity of local industry to support the spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum, and researchers design, construction and operation of the SKA. there have expertise in galaxy formation, pulsar surveys, The University of Tasmania continues to have a pivotal role globular clusters, supermassive black holes, Big Bang in maintaining and improving the geographic coordinate cosmology and dark matter. They have overturned a system for the Australian continent. Through regular longstanding belief that supermassive black holes are always observations using very long baseline interferometry, the a constant percentage of the mass of all the other stars in precise location of the university’s 26-metre telescope with their galaxy; instead, they discovered that these monster respect to other telescopes worldwide has been measured black holes are hungrier than previously thought, eating so and monitored to centimetre precision. As well as much that they grow faster than the galaxy around them. providing important scientific information on the rotation This discovery was made possible by using data gathered of the Earth, the movement of continental plates and from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope the effects of earthquakes, these measurements provide in Chile and the WM Keck Telescope in Hawaii. the fundamental reference frame for all other types of The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research geographic positioning techniques. is a joint venture between the University of and Curtin University. Researchers at the centre 40 space junk us from Saving CASE STUDY The CRC is helping scientists find and track Earth-orbiting debris that could be at risk of thatcouldbeat debris Earth-orbiting The CRCishelpingscientistsfindandtrack intheOscar-winning thekindofeventwe portrayed don’texperience movie Gravity. Centre for SpaceEnvironment Managementisaimingtocleanupspacemake sure Bullock,It mightnothave ClooneyandSandra George but Research theCooperative allowing up harmlessly. ittofallbackintotheatmosphereandburn The centre’s ultimate goalistohitthespacejunkwithlasers, slowing itsorbitand andCommunicationsof Information Technology, and Optus. Systems, Lockheed Martin, the NASA Ames ResearchCentre, Japan’s NationalInstitute agencies, among themthe NationalUniversity,Australian RMITUniversity, EOSSpace companies andspace ofuniversities,The CRCinvolves aerospaceindustry aconsortium damage.around theEarth, but itisbigenoughtodoserious ofoldrockets, parts areinorbit.bolts tolarger The junkismostly moving inlow orbits estimatethatmorethan300,000piecesofspace junk,Researchers from tiny screwsand colliding withsatellites. 41

CASE STUDY

Photo: Swinburne University Photo:

plane of stars of Serpens in the constellation and lie 4,000 light-years (the Snake). away Astronomers also members at Swinburne were of an international team rare square galaxy with a striking to an that discovered a resemblance emerald-cut diamond. there must be a small companion planet orbiting the pulsar. Despite its small size, this planet size, Despite its small be a small companion planet orbiting the pulsar. there must from this density that the planet The team deduced greater mass than Jupiter. has a slightly ‘the diamond planet’. made of pure carbon—leading to the name was probably most of whose matter star, of a once-massive The team thinks the planet is all that remains Way’s The pulsar and its planet are partof the Milky the pulsar. was siphoned off towards star that has been transformed into a small planet made of diamond. The researchers, The researchers, star that has been transformed into a small planet made of diamond. first detected States, the United Kingdom and the United Italy, Germany, Australia, from radio star called a pulsar using the CSIRO telescope at Parkesan unusual in New South radio up their discovery telescope in the United with the Lovell followed and Wales in Hawaii. WM Keck telescopes Kingdom and one of the the astronomers concluded radio waves, On the basis of the modulations in the pulsar’s Astronomers at Swinburne University of Technology think they have found a once-massive a once-massive found think they have Technology Astronomers at Swinburne University of The jewels The jewels of space 42 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY Kilometre (theotherbeinginSouth Array Africa). is The observatory of Western Australia, isoneoftwo sitesselectedtohosttheSquare The MurchisonRadio-Astronomy Observatory, intheMidwest region ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ investigate five fundamentalquestionsabouttheuniverse: telescopeeverand mostcapable constructed, radio helpingscientists project involving institutionsfromover 20countries. Itwill bethelargest telescope The SquareKilometre radio isanext-generation Array we see aroundustoday. objectscreated—theseedsoftheuniverse clearest viewofthefirst astronomers,arguably theworld’s first couldprovide for humanitythe of desert Western Australia, hometo peopleswhowere Aboriginal oftheuniverse. next bigstepforward inourunderstanding The remote have astronomers beencontemplatingthe For morethan20years The SquareKilometre Array, aglobalendeavour global science and engineering project tofruition. global scienceandengineering this tobring withgovernments andindustry inpartnership working of University Technology ofSydney—have andthe University been of University Western Australia, ofMelbourne, theUniversity Swinburne inception. University, CSIRO and universities—Curtin Australian the hasbeeninvolvedAustralia intheSquareKilometre sinceits Array stability, andfavourable weather andclimate. quietness,astronomy becauseofitssuperbradio upperatmosphere landscape offlat, redplainsand deep blue skies.radio Itisideal for situated ona350,000-hectarecattlestationintheclassic Australian ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Was Einsteinright? Are we aloneintheuniverse? giantmagnetic fieldsinspace? What generates How energy? dogalaxiesevolve andwhatisdark formed? Howblack holesandstars were thefirst Candy Animation Organisation/Eye array. Photo: SKA low-frequency aperture of SKA1widefield Artist’s impression 43

CASE STUDY ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCE AND SPACE ASTRONOMY Advanced technologies

Photo: QUT WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 45 Australian research is Industry needs innovative high-value products that are competitive in the global marketplace and technologies that enable more efficient, economical producing technologies and sustainable ways of doing business. Using breakthrough technologies, Australian universities are developing that are transforming innovative solutions to complex technical challenges. This work requires both the development of theoretical and technical knowhow as well as the skills existing industries and to design, invent, test and apply smart devices. Australian expertise spans creating the industries the value chain, from the development of new materials to the creation of complete prototypes. of the future. This Advanced technologies constitutes a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative area of research, bringing together expertise from the chemical, mathematical research is fundamental and physical sciences, engineering and information technology. A range of ARC Centres of Excellence are bringing together outstanding researchers to economic growth to push the boundaries of technological innovation. Industry and research in a broad range of organisations are working side by side in Cooperative Research Centres to develop new products, processes and services. The new Industry sectors, such as energy Growth Centres will help inform the research sector of industry needs and commercialisation opportunities. and resources, the Technological breakthroughs made possible by Australian research have changed the world. Among the successes are Wi-Fi, the photovoltaic solar cell, service industries, health the black box flight recorder, ultrasound, polymer banknotes, continuous-wear and medicine, security contact lenses and the Nanopatch vaccination-delivery device. The research infrastructure available in Australia is world-class, from and agriculture. fabrication and imaging facilities to clean rooms. The national network ensures that researchers in both industry and academia have access to the expertise and tools needed to perform cutting-edge research. Our facilities have attracted international research partners such as US Department of Defense and NASA and have become portals for accessing Australian science. 46

Carbon Fibre Pilot Line

New industries

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Robotic Vision aims to Research at the molecular and nano scales is playing build on Australia’s enviable reputation in this transformative an increasingly important role in the development of field. The centre will become a focal point for international novel medicines, personal care products, foods, materials activity, partnering QUT, the University of Adelaide, the and industrial processes. Molecular scientists at Flinders Australian National University and Monash University with University are working with industry partners on projects overseas institutions such as the University of Oxford, as diverse as desalination refinement, plastics manufacturing Imperial College , ETH Zürich, Inria and the Georgia and energy technology. For example, researchers are Institute of Technology. The centre will deliver the science creating new materials such as photoactive membranes, and technologies that will turn cameras in robots into carbon nanotubes and microbe-resistant coatings. powerful sensing devices capable of understanding and Both Deakin and Flinders Universities are working in responding to environments that were previously too the new area of high-tech security, partnering with the complex or chaotic for robots. Australian Department of Defence. Researchers at Flinders are pioneering new approaches to fingerprinting with Deakin University is playing a central role in accelerating quantum dots and human identification using microfluidics. the transformation of Australia’s manufacturing industry The Defence Systems Integration and Robotics Lab at into a vibrant, future fibre–oriented sector. The university Deakin University is developing state-of-the-art technologies is establishing an Industrial Transformation Research Hub for remotely disarming improvised explosive devices. in Future Fibres at its Institute for Frontier Materials, building on extensive work during the past two decades By harnessing the natural shape of water droplets, a in fibre research and development, including establishment researcher at the Australian National University has invented of the globally unique carbon fibre research facility Carbon a way of making microscope lenses that can magnify up Nexus. The hub will focus on developing novel fibre to 160 times yet cost less than a cent. The lenses are technologies, working with innovative small and medium compatible with many devices, including the smartphone. enterprises and connecting with international research The mobile phone microscopes could greatly assist science leaders. Its activities will focus on advanced carbon fibres, and medicine in developing countries, particularly in the case nanofibres and high-performance novel fibres. of remote medical diagnosis. 47

3D printing of a small jet engine. Photo: Monash University Centre for Additive Manufacturing

Current industries The aerospace industry is seeking new materials that are CQUniversity’s longstanding research expertise in railway lighter, stronger and cheaper to manufacture and that engineering and manufacturing is boosting the competitive will help halve the industry’s carbon emissions by 2050. position of the rail industry. The university’s focus is Monash University is leading the way in the field: one of its technologies that integrate data and information systems projects involves developing a new aluminium alloy that will with real-world industrial and engineering hardware. make aircraft 30 to 40 per cent lighter and twice as fuel Important achievements are the development of new efficient, yet still structurally sound. Projects such as this have technologies for long-haul coal trains, train derailment attracted international aerospace heavyweights as partners, prediction, real-time monitoring of rolling-stock condition, among them Microturbo, the European Space Agency and and advanced traction control systems. Research on Bombardier. At the 2015 Australian International Airshow, intelligent networked systems was instrumental in the Monash and its spin-off company Amaero Engineering university receiving a top rating for applied mathematics revealed the world’s first 3D printed jet engine, made using research in ERA. a high-powered laser and fused powdered metal. Since 2007 the University of Sydney has been collaborating with Rio Tinto to develop and implement a fully autonomous remotely operated mine. The collaboration has resulted in a number of major research advances aimed at improving the safety and productivity of such mining sites. One particular advance is the creation of autonomous mining drill rigs, which allow the operator to be located anywhere in the world. The next phase of this work will focus on step-change improvements in safety, predictability, precision and efficiency. 48 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES system calling your digestive Hello, it’s CASE STUDY lead investigator, Professor KouroshKalantar-zadeh fromRMIT. tailor ourdietstoindividualbodies andimprove ourdigestive health,’ says theproject’s in any 12-monthperiod, thistechnologycouldbethesimple toolwe needtomethodically overall health. halfof ‘With nearly Australia’s populationcomplainingofdigestive problems for assessing bowel diseaseandcouldpotentially beusedas key biomarkers inflammatory Intestinal gaseshave beenlinked tocoloncancer, bowel syndromeand irritable sensor, microprocessorandwireless high-frequencytransmitter. ofselectedintestinalgasesthroughaswallowableconcentration capsulewithabuilt-in gas possibilities for diagnosis, treatmentandhealthanalysis. The newtechnologymeasuresthe capsules thatcansenddatafrominsidethegutdirecttoamobile phone, openingnew have atRMITandMonashUniversities developed high-techgas-sensing Researchers Photo: RMIT University 49

CASE STUDY Photo: Deakin University

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ADVANCED staunch allies for a growing number of Australian law enforcement agencies. Australian enforcement law of number a growing staunch allies for specialists from controlled OzBot was designed by the remotely 14.5 centimetres tall, At only carrying of climbing stairs, Intelligent Systems Research and is capable Centre for a Deakin’s the OzBot has been joined Since its genesis several years ago, person a car. towing and even OzBot Jnr. little brother, a sturdy by such as the Special AustralianOzBots are already in service police units, of in a number An OzBot was used the bomb response units and police negotiators. Operations Group, potential OzBots’ to bring Melbourne a 44-hour siege in suburban in 2012. to an end with applications in areas such as domestic in other fields is also becoming clear, management. and environmental aeronautics enforcement, law They might not look like Robocop, but the Deakin University–designed the but OzBots are proving Robocop, They might not look like OzBots save OzBots save the day 50 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY Computers for thefuture Computers predictions. aheadofindustry thisachievement came10years transistor: working breakthrough wasachieved whentheycreatedtheworld’s smallest bit, afundamentalbuilding block ofaquantumcomputer. Another quantum touseasingleatominsiliconcreateworking world quantum computerintoreality. scientistsinthe They were thefirst thedreamofaworking goalsinturning a number ofimportant and Melbourne, ledby Professor MichelleSimmons, have achieved Technology ofNewSouth fromtheUniversities researchers Wales Centre ofExcellencefor QuantumComputationandCommunication have thepotentialtorevolutionise entireindustries. At the ARC Capable inparallel, ofprocessinginformation quantumcomputers particles, like individualatoms. the ‘bits’ ofdatausedfor thecalculationsarestoredonquantum We needanewtypeofcomputer—aquantumcomputer—inwhich usingcomputer-aidedpharmaceuticals design: thatisjusttoocomplex. no computeraswe know ittoday willever beable toinvent new unable tosolve becausetheylacktheprocessingpower. Forexample, calculations, problems theyare but therearestillsomeimportant ofcomplex anarray usesiliconchipstoperform computers Modern race to gettherefirst,”race to Professor Simmonssays. We now know exactly whatwe needtodointheinternational “The greatthingaboutthisarchitectureisitgives usanendpoint. computing architecture, providing system. apathway toapractical patented andpublished amethodtomake afull-scalequantum one ofthetoptenscientificbreakthroughs2015. Theteamsalso device insilicon, afeat namedby theUK’s InstituteofPhysics as Last year, unveiled quantum-logic theworld’s theresearchers first Photo: UNSW Michelle Simmons. Professor

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CASE STUDY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ADVANCED 52 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY processes: notonly have surgeons morecontrolover whereto The BioPen advantagesover considerable offers current and grow intofunctioningtissuetorepairthedamagedsite. they multiply anddifferentiate muscle intonerve, orbonecells a three-dimensionalframework. Oncethecellsaredelivered, solidifies eachlayer ofgelasitisapplied, eventually building section. An ultraviolet lightattachedtotheBioPen curesand the surgeon ‘draws’ withthegeltofillindamagedbone BioPen’s ontothebonesurface, nozzleasitisextruded and layer ofgelmaterial. The two gelsarecombinedinthe inside abiopolymer thatisprotectedby asecond, outer Facility, NationalFabrication Australian cellmaterial delivers device, usingthe designedandfabricated This world-first withstemcells. of3Dprinting which combinestheprinciples hand-helddevicecalledthe developed arevolutionary ‘BioPen’, of based attheUniversity Wollongong. haveThe researchers the Science,ARC CentreofExcellencefor Electromaterials at thankstoresearchers damaged bonesareonthehorizon Customised implantsdesignedtoreplacediseasedand surgery and recovery.surgery implants whiletheywork, meaning patientsspendlesstimein place thecell-loadedmaterial; theycanalsocreatecustomised Rewriting bone surgery bonesurgery Rewriting of Wollongong Photo: University 53

CASE STUDY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ADVANCED Environment

The RV Investigator. Photo: CSIRO WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 55 Australia’s We have the third-largest ocean territory on the planet, extending from the tropics through subtropical waters to the Antarctic continent. The land’s extraordinary biodiversity is equally impressive: more than 80 per cent of our flowering plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are found nowhere else on Earth. environment Our environmental scientists are internationally renowned, marine research, from coral reefs to Antarctic sea ice systems, being an area of particular provides expertise. We have national strengths in ecology, evolutionary biology and plant unrivalled biology as well as niche capabilities in areas such as ecological applications, soil sciences and environmental science and management. Our researchers opportunities are working across disciplines to design sustainable urban environments and conserve our natural heritage. for researchers. University research in Australia plays a vital role in helping decision makers in industry and government. From the coast to the inland, oceans to freshwater, the atmosphere to soils, our research is delivering solutions to the environmental challenges the world faces. Australian experts are well-regarded members of a range of international advisory bodies, linking Australia to the leading science and policy forums in the world. Australia’s marine research capability has been greatly boosted by the introduction of a new research vessel, RV Investigator. Our environmental observation and data-generation infrastructure is among the world’s best, and we have pioneered new techniques of data integration that allow data to be brought together from diverse domains to improve our understanding of the natural and built environments. Major international projects rely on data from Australia’s marine, atmospheric and terrestrial observation systems, and we are acknowledged leaders in the delivery of open-access data to researchers. 56

Australian Transect Network field staff in the Gammon Ranges, South Australia. Photo: Emrys Leitch

Sustainable natural and urban environments The GeneCology Research Centre at the University of vegetated sites in Australia from excessive groundwater the Sunshine Coast is an interdisciplinary centre operating pumping. It will maintain food security and biodiversity, in genetics, ecology and physiology, in both plant and prevent soil erosion and protect areas with a high tourism animal systems and in terrestrial and aquatic environments. value and cultural significance. Scientists conservatively Research is delivering discoveries relating to the virulence estimate that investing in these early warning systems and of disease agents, propagation of rare and endangered protecting these ecosystems will contribute $90 million to plant species, and the application of advanced genetics to the Australian economy alone and could potentially impact marine protein sources, cellular science and biodiscovery. 25 per cent of the world’s population, or 1.8 billion people. For example, the centre is currently working on the manipulation of hormones in order to change the sex of Development of northern Australia is the focus of crustaceans, which could help boost seafood production, considerable attention in both research and policy as well as developing a chlamydia vaccine for livestock and terms. Charles Darwin and James Cook Universities are koalas that will improve both farm productivity and native spearheading research affecting current and future planning species conservation. for this diverse, sparsely populated region. One of the main Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney are impediments to development is the variable and dynamic investigating processes and technologies to improve the nature of northern Australia’s tropical, subtropical and arid way we manage and preserve the planet’s favourite water environments. Research infrastructure, such as the Terrestrial source—groundwater. The research project uses an early Ecosystem Research Network, is providing vital information warning alarm system attached to trees that gives an alert that is improving our understanding of how northern when excessive groundwater is being extracted. Over three Australia’s ecosystems function. Using this information, years, the project will protect 20 of the most vulnerable Australia’s universities are helping local communities diversify 57

Computerised Tomography scan of the cranium of an adult platypus. Photo: National Imaging Facility

and strengthen their economic activity while protecting their Geoscience is an important part of environmental research unique environment. and is a notable strength at Southern Cross University. In the area of geochemistry, projects are investigating Researchers from the Institute for Land, Water and biogeochemical cycles at the local, regional and global scales. Society at Charles Sturt University are not only improving The university’s expertise is playing an important part social and environmental sustainability in Australia’s rural in improving water quality and the management of river and regional areas: they are also working to improve systems in Australia and internationally. livelihoods and environmental outcomes in developing countries. The institute’s researchers work in the fields A national urban intelligence initiative led by the University of eco-agriculture, communication, education, regional of Melbourne and involving over 50 research institutions development, cultural heritage, tourism, modelling and the is helping researchers, planners and policy makers make arts to guide environmental policy and decision making. informed decisions about Australia’s cities, towns and One of the institute’s particular strengths is its expertise neighbourhoods. AURIN, the Australian Urban Research in water quality and delivery and, through partnerships Infrastructure Network, is giving researchers access to with state, territory and federal governments as well as thousands of geospatial data sets from multiple sources to local land services organisations, researchers are delivering answer the big questions of city and town planning. Factors water interventions designed to save some of Australia’s such as electricity and water supply, placement of new urban threatened species from extinction in catchment areas and settlements, developing economic hubs to ensure maximum river systems. The majority of this research is conducted in employment, designing walkable neighbourhoods and the Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin, but the researchers are impacts on the natural environment are being investigated also involved in projects in countries such as China, Austria, using cutting-edge analytical, visualisation and big data Italy and India. techniques. 58 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES Barrier Reef Barrier the Great Protecting CASE STUDY environmental factors to study impacts on tropical marine organisms. tostudyimpactsontropicalmarine environmental factors which hasaccesstotheSeaSimin Townsville, can manipulate whereresearchers ofQueenslandand Universities inthe centre,Western arealsopartners Australia NationalUniversity,Australian Park ReefMarine Authority, theGreatBarrier andthe reefstudies.when itcomestocoral The Science, InstituteofMarine Australian the The centreishostedby JamesCookUniversity, themostcitedinstitutioninworld and theimpactofhumansonreefs. reefs. managementtopalaeontology areasfromfisheries Researchatthecentrecovers Reefand othercoral ensure thesustainable useandmanagementoftheGreatBarrier seekingto inninecountries frommorethan150organisations together researchers 130 developing nations. The ReefStudiesbrings ARC CentreofExcellencefor Coral reefsaroundtheglobeprovide for over foodcoral security 250millionpeoplein beauty: Reef isvitalnotonly becauseofitsnatural theGreatBarrier Conserving Wall ofChina), this World iconistheonly livingthingvisible Heritage–listed fromspace. communities, habitatsandspecies. Stretching2,300kilometres(longer thantheGreat ofecological as well ashundredsoftropical islandsandishometoauniquevariety ecosystems intheworld. Itconsistsofover cays 3,000individualreefsystemsandcoral Beautiful andvibrant, Reefisoneofthemostcomplexnatural Australia’s GreatBarrier James CookUniversity Photo:Bridge, Tom

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CASE STUDY ENVIRONMENT Feral pigs fighting. Feral Invasive Animals Invasive CRC Photo: Thomas Thomas Photo: Garrett, range of researchers from industry, universities and government to improve universities to improve and government range of researchers from industry, Newcastle, The Universities of Canberra, pest management techniques. Adelaide and New England are participants in the centre. Queensland, Researchers animals through are working to reduce the impact of invasive new and humane technologies and smarterdeveloping integrated tools for management. asking members, projects is mobilising community many One of the centre’s animals in various regions using the many them to record and map invasive the problems record the location of pest animals, which can FeralScan apps, science project Through this citizen and control actions. they are causing, land managers helping priority target pest animal areas can be identified, hotspots Australia.throughout Feral animals pose a serious threat to Australia’s landscape, livestock, native native livestock, landscape, Australia’s Feral animals pose a serious threat to and feral pigs are foxes wild dogs, carp, Rabbits, security. animals and food costing billions across the country, just some of the species wreaking havoc of dollars in reduced agricultural the resulting in productivity and potentially flora iconic native fauna. and extinction of many Animals Cooperative Centre brings Research together a broad The Invasive agriculture and biodiversity Protecting Australia’s 60 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY Tasmania, gateway to Antarctica The centre is working at the forefront of some of the most crucial attheforefront ofsomethemostcrucial The centreisworking inthehandsofgovernments,information andthecommunity. industry andastrongrecordofplacingrelevanttimely decades ofexpertise The ResearchCentrehas Antarctic ClimateandEcosystemsCooperative Ocean. with theSouthern biodiversity, andinvestigating the anditsinteractions Antarctic cryosphere resources, ofwildmarine are thesustainable harvest managingmarine CSIRO andthe Australian Antarctic Division. Examplesofresearchfocus Ocean and with Antarctic environments. inclosepartnership Itworks marine, oftemperate Southern humanities toadvanceourunderstanding together thephysical andbiologicalscienceswiththesocial and Marine Antarctic Studies, of attheUniversity Tasmania, brings researchinstitutions. ofcollaborative and avariety The Institutefor Antarctic researchers, andishometothe Antarctic Gateway Partnership Tasmania and ofmarine concentrations hasoneoftheworld’s largest climate andoceansystems. 14 millionsquarekilometresandithasaprofound effect ontheworld’s coldest, continentonEarth, ithasanicesheetcovering highestanddriest compareswith Antarctica anditswildbeauty.No placeonEarth The of how intolocalinfluences. globaleffects translate scales,research atfinerspatialandtemporal improving ourunderstanding thefoundation ofnewocean-relatedscienceandenableIMOS dataform Ocean. circulationintheSouthern seals inordertobetterunderstand innovative approachesIMOShastaken istaggingelephantand Weddell collaborators.climate sciencecommunity anditsinternational Among the open oceansandmakes allitsdataavailable tothe and marine Australian equipmentthroughout Australia’s observation coastaland operates System, Observing which institutional, Marine Integrated multidisciplinary of The University Tasmania multi- alsoleads theworld-renowned intheirfields. experts scientists arerecognisedasinternational environmental, facingtheplanet, legalandeconomic concerns andits Science Institute ofMarine McMahon, Sydney seal. Photo: Clive tagged Weddell A 61

CASE STUDY ENVIRONMENT 62 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES CASE STUDY inside the rings—from thegenesinplants,inside therings—from insectsand of thehighercarbondioxide levels oneverything into circularplots25metresindiameter. The impact act ascontrolsandthreethatreleasecarbondioxide EucFACErings, consistsofsixcarbon-fibre threethat similar tothosepredictedfor thenext35years. carbondioxide, ofatmospheric elevated concentrations ofwoodland to isexposing tracts change experiment tobuild,planning andtwo years thiscomplexclimate forest.in natural Having taken of morethanfive years project forest-scale carbondioxide enrichment first CO2 Enrichment, orEucFACE, experiment, theworld’s ontheEucalyptus Free Environment hasembarked Air Institutefor the The university’s Hawkesbury timemachines. areinfactatmospheric University inwoodland nearthe monolithic rings Western Sydney with halfadozen 43-metrecranes. These strange, high)complete buildings (ninestories unfinished high-rise 25 metres across; fromtheground, theviewsuggests From above itlookslike sixStonehengecircleseach timemachines Atmospheric concentrations ofcarbondioxide. concentrations eucalypt-dominated ecosystemswillreact tohigher ourunique,a majorgapinourunderstanding—how universities.international The projectaimstoredress of fromarange and studied byAustralian researchers oftrees—isbeing tothegrowth rates microorganisms Sydney University Photo: Western 63

CASE STUDY ENVIRONMENT Resources and energy WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 65 Australia is endowed The nation’s success in mining, exploration and efficient energy has been based on years of world-leading research and development. Universities in with an abundance of Australia are responsible for many of the innovations and advances being adopted by resource and energy industries globally. mineral resources— Australian universities are bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and the changing needs of the mining industry worldwide. Research including the world’s focuses on developing new and modified mining methods and processes largest reserves of lead, and state-of-the-art mining equipment, as well as ensuring the safety of employees and the community. Research into sustainable mining practices nickel, uranium and zinc. is also an area in which Australia leads the way. The world’s prosperity relies on secure, affordable and sustainable energy Mining accounts for that is delivered through a mix of sources and technologies. Researchers in Australia are experts in solar, wind, geothermal, clean-coal and ocean- nearly 10 per cent of power energy generation and are spearheading new battery, biofuel and gross domestic product fuel-cell technologies. The aim is to create intelligent grids that connect and integrate all kinds of energy sources. and employs more than Australian universities excel in fundamental and applied research to support large-scale reduction of greenhouse gas and other emissions. We 250,000 people. are producing novel energy solutions for process industries and the power generation and electricity distribution industries at both the domestic and the international levels. Resources and energy research is well supported in Australia through infrastructure ranging from laboratory-scale equipment to pre-pilot facilities capable of scaling-up processes and larger demonstration and prototype facilities. Access to information about the mineralogy and composition of our continent has been instrumental in geology being recognised as an area of national strength. 66

Photo: University of Western Australia Photo: AuScope

Mining, exploration and efficient energy Researchers at the University of Western Australia and CRCMining is a collaboration between industry giants Curtin University are benefiting from their location close and Australia’s top universities in mining research—the to Australia’s mining heartland to perform high-impact Universities of Western Australia, Queensland and research, bolstering Australia’s economic powerhouse. Newcastle and Curtin University. The organisation is Mining research is one of Curtin’s core capabilities, and responsible for developing many breakthrough technologies the university partners with some of the world’s largest being used on mine sites around the world, from payload- resource companies, such as Chevron, Woodside, Shell, BHP measuring to collision-detection systems to first-generation Billiton and Rio Tinto. Curtin’s expertise extends beyond drill automation. Employee safety has been improved as the hard science of mineral exploration: researchers are a result of innovations such as the SmartCap, a baseball also investigating areas associated with the social license cap that continually monitors the wearer’s brainwaves to to operate—an increasingly important aspect of resource determine their level of fatigue-induced impairment. development and operation. The vast area taken up by windows on buildings could soon The University of Western Australia’s reputation as a become a source of electricity, using technology that turns world leader in resources research is founded on a depth them into transparent solar panels. ClearVue glass, being and breadth of expertise in a wide range of disciplines. developed commercially using research from Edith Cowan As just one example, researchers are creating 3D mineral University, is an intelligent glass technology that converts maps using integrated surface and subsurface sensing data. the ultraviolet and infrared components of sunlight into This work provides the mineral-mapping capabilities that electricity while allowing visible light to pass through. This better equip the industry for the challenges of sustainable new product was made possible through the university’s exploration and mining. expertise in integrating microelectronics and photonics. 67

The Reflux Classifier Photo: FLSmidth

The first commercial trials of the product are taking place replacements for plastics, resins and chemicals. An important in South Africa, where ClearVue glass is being installed in a advantage is the university’s unique pilot-scale research and government office building in Pretoria. development infrastructure. Large-scale test bed and pilot plant operations at the Researchers at the University of New South Wales recently University of Newcastle are a central part of the university’s set a world record in solar energy efficiency, converting success in energy and resources research. Researchers are over 40 per cent of the sunlight hitting a solar system responding to the challenges of rapidly emerging issues of into electricity. This milestone is the latest in a long line resource sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of achievements by UNSW solar researchers spanning associated with energy and resources infrastructure. For four decades. Among these achievements are the first example, the Reflux Classifier is an award-winning industrial photovoltaic system to convert sunlight into electricity with machine that separates fine particles on the basis of either over 20 per cent efficiency in 1989 and world records of 23 and 24 per cent efficient solar cells in 1990 and 1994 density or size; this technology solves previously intractable respectively. More recently, the team has developed a solar industrial problems and saves millions of dollars in the global cell processing technology that will allow lower quality mining and minerals processing industry. silicon to outperform more expensive materials. The biorefinery industry is considered an important growth sector for the world, and researchers at QUT are positioning Australia as a leader in the sector. They are pioneering new technologies to convert crop waste into high-value bioproducts such as transport fuel and greener 68 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES exploration Innovation in CASE STUDY exploration expenditure. exploration exploration,quality ofdiscoveries madeinmineral withoutsubstantialincreasesin continent. andthe research resultsthatareincreasingboththerate Itisdelivering systemson every researchintomineral staffperforming centre hostsinternational recipients, studentsarescholarship doctoral andthe more than30international andstudents: researchers destinationforThe centreisanattractive international careerresearchers. students andearly for worldwide the centre, providing opportunities agateway tominingandminerals with baseofover companiesintegrates 60nationalandinternational membership andtheGovernment of University Australia, Curtin Western Australia. A diverse industry, exploration between themineral a collaboration of theUniversity Western oncost-effective, working exploration.enterprise high-qualitymineral The centreis management. The Centrefor Exploration Targeting isauniqueappliedresearch innovative andresource exploration researchanddevelopment inmineral industry.exploration focused on groupintheworld Itishometothelargest Western isaglobalcentreoftechnicalinnovation forAustralia theminingand Dom Howman at the Curtin Schoolof Dom Howman at theCurtin Jason Valuri, Stephanie Tressler and Mining. Photo: University Curtin 69

CASE STUDY Lochiel Park, South Australia. Australia. South Lochiel Park, RESOURCES AND RESOURCES ENERGY Photo: University of South Australia University of South Photo: The centre is taking advantage of the transdisciplinary expertise of its researchers and interact live energy with new communities to examine how and sustainability The researchers are measuring the social factors associated with technologies. residents, for including the value proposition works, precinct a sustainable how is This research and the behavioursthe choices they make they demonstrate. reducing the carbon footprint the tools for of urban systems. providing Carbon Living CRC is a partnership government The Low industry, between Australia and South Wales, the Universities of New South organisations, CurtinUniversity and CSIRO. Technology, Swinburne UniversityMelbourne, of The Low Carbon Living Cooperative Research Centre is blending social sciences Carbon Living Cooperative Centre is blending Research The Low and precincts of sustainability creating buildings and technology research by are putting Australia, in South ‘living laboratories’, Three carbon living. and low waste and transport solutions under the microscope. water, integrated energy, Low carbon carbon Low living 70 WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHIN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES solar power plant Australia’s largest CASE STUDY project beingbuilt NewSouth inwestern Wales. The AGL SolarProjectwillcreate ofQueenslandistheleadresearcherfor a$450millionsolarfarm The University electricity grid. electricity ofsolar powertechniques toassistinthedesign and integration stationsintothe of NewSouth theUniversity Walespartner modelling willdevelop newenergy collect andanalyse datafromtheresearchplantandmain power stations. Project strategies. andoperational performance, storage Itisalsobuilding acentreto energy by technologiesand building aresearchplantatitsGattoncampustotesttracking ofthepower thedevelopment andoperation plants issupporting The university have capacityofupto155megawatts of electricity. ageneration two solarphotovoltaic by constructing energy power stationsthatbetween themwill built attheutilityscale. solar The aimistoincreaseknowledge relatingtolarge-scale Hemispheretobe intheSouthern solarpowerAustralia’s largest plantandthefirst Photo: AGL 71

CASE STUDY University Photo: Griffith Photo:

RESOURCES AND RESOURCES ENERGY grid. Revolutionary in design, the Sir Samuel Griffith the Sir Samuel is an example of genuine Centre Revolutionary in design, grid. leadership the university’s showcasing in the practical energysustainable alternatives, panels 1,124 solar by The centre is covered research. application of environmental fuel cells constitute a second power hydrogen energythat supply to the building; stored energy is used to chill water for At night, of a rainy day. source in the event system to run the next day. the main air-conditioning the centre derives in partThe concept for from the principal node of the National which has its headquarters at Griffith Hydrogen Materials Facility, Reference The facility is a state-of-the-art laboratory on hydrogen that focuses University. expertise and its researchers storage have materials, in materials development, projects span the disciplines of Research microelectronics and microfluidics. applied mathematics and engineering. biology, chemistry, physics, Griffith University is home to Australia’s first Australia’s Griffith research and teaching facility relying University is home to arraysthe power it off technologies to keep and hydrogen on photovoltaic entirely It’s ‘off the grid’‘off the It’s WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 72

The University of Adelaide is one The Australian Catholic University Scholars at The Australian National of Australia’s Group of Eight research- has seven research institutes, all University lead global thinking on intensive universities. Researchers at the established in 2014. The Mary MacKillop issues of national and international university are seeking to address some Institute for Health Research, the Institute significance and students go on to of the greatest global challenges in areas for Health and Ageing and the Institute become leaders in their home countries such as sustainable energy, disease for Positive Psychology and Education and on the world stage. Founded by prevention, paediatric and reproductive concentrate mainly on health, especially the Australian Government in 1946 health, climate change adaptation and nursing, human movement and sports to apply the best minds to the biggest mitigation, maintenance of biodiversity, science, psychology, public health, ageing, questions and advance Australia’s and agriculture and food security. The positive psychology and wellbeing. international standing, ANU has grown 2015 ERA results confirmed the high The Institute for Religion and Critical to become one of the world’s foremost quality of the university’s endeavours, Inquiry, the Institute for Religion, Politics research-intensive centres of higher with 82 per cent of its research and Society and the Institute for Social learning. It is consistently ranked in the subfields achieving a rating of above or Justice focus on religion and religious top 100 universities in the world by a well above world standard. Adelaide studies, philosophy and social justice range of international measures, and 90 is also one of the highest ranked (including political science and ethics). per cent of research from its scholars universities for commercialisation and Research in theology is complemented is rated above world standard or well industry contract income in the country, by research into the politics, history, above world standard by the Australian with hundreds of applied research sociology and philosophy of religion. Government’s ERA initiative. ANU is engagements with external partners. The Learning Sciences Institute Australia recognised as a leading contributor to The university also leads or is an active concentrates on improving the learning public policy formulation and debate. The participant in many government-funded outcomes, wellbeing and life chances of university’s location in the nation’s capital, Centres of Excellence and Cooperative children and young people, especially alongside the Australian Government Research Centres and attracts among those experiencing disadvantage, on and national cultural and scientific bodies, the highest levels of Rural Research and the margins or at risk. and its focus on national policy make Development Corporation funding in http://research.acu.edu.au/ it a unique resource and partner for Australia. government and the parliament. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ www.anu.edu.au/research UNIVERSITY VIGNETTES 73

At Bond University centres of The University of Canberra is CQUniversity is a multi-campus research excellence are clustered around a creative and innovative tertiary university having its roots in northern evidence-based health care, exercise institution, with a bold vision and regional Australia. Its research agenda and sport science, business and law. The a commitment to make significant is driven by this power of place since university’s research profile has grown breakthroughs in research. Ranked it is through generating research- rapidly since 2008 and now includes by both the Times Higher Education based knowledge and solutions that a $14 million Collaborative Research and QS World University Rankings CQUniversity plays a central role in Network project and numerous in the top 4 per cent of universities the development of regional Australia. Australian Research Council and globally, and listed among the top The university’s research strengths are National Health and Medical Research 100 universities under the age of well aligned with Australia’s national Council fellowships and program grants. 50 by QS in 2015, the University of research priorities, spanning agriculture In the next five years the university plans Canberra carries out valuable research and food security, environmental sciences, to increase its research work in priority to solve real-world problems. Its areas engineering, advanced technologies, areas where it will have an impact on the of focus—environment, governance, health, economics, education, national and international communities communication, education and health psychology and cultural studies. Being and will continue to ‘punch above its —are supported within four university a comprehensive and fully engaged weight’ as a research institution. The research centres and several faculty- university, its research agenda also aims aim is to build the research workforce, based research centres. Its research to enhance post-secondary teaching double the number of higher degree by culture is based upon a dynamic and and learning practices, and the university research students and produce graduate collaborative environment, producing sees partnerships with its regional researchers who are well prepared high-quality and high-impact work that communities, industries and government for diverse careers as research and makes an early and significant difference as a vital part of this. innovation leaders. to the world. A strong research focus http://www.cqu.edu.au/research http://bond.edu.au/researchers and the development of strategic national and international partnerships, as well as commercial opportunities, underpin its achievements and are key to its future impact in research. http://www.canberra.edu.au/research WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 74

Charles Darwin University Charles Sturt University is a multi- Curtin University focuses its is a research-intensive university campus, regional university in NSW with resources on investing in areas of high- headquartered in Darwin. Its primary recognised internationally competitive quality research and creative production interests are northern Australia and research strengths in agricultural science, that have relevant and significant impacts Asia, and its research is recognised horticultural production, food and wine on communities. The multidisciplinary and internationally. The Times Higher sciences, crop and pasture production, collaborative nature of the university’s Education ranking places the university veterinary science, animal production, research programs is made possible by in the top 50 universities in the world education, curriculum and pedagogy, solid research partnerships with industry, under 50 years old, and the Australian environmental science, applied ethics, the presence of leading research staff, Government ranks it at or above philosophy, religious studies, criminology, and the diversity of research centres world standard in 75 per cent of its nursing and marketing. The university’s and institutes. Curtin’s primary areas research disciplines, among them researchers work in consultation and of research are closely interwoven and medical and health, environmental, collaboration with end-users, industry, accessible across the university’s four biological, information and computing the professions and communities for the academic faculties—Curtin Business and agricultural and veterinary sciences. public good. CSU has a proud tradition School, Science and Engineering, Health Given its research expertise in northern of delivering high-quality research that Sciences, and Humanities. Through Australia and its presence in 20 creates new knowledge, benefits people’s targeted research, Curtin aims to Asia–Pacific countries, Charles Darwin lives, enhances the profitability of regional influence public debate and policy University will play an important role industries and helps communities grow on issues that matter to society. in promoting the social and economic and flourish. Through its higher degree http://www.research.curtin.edu.au development of the region. by research programs, CSU is training http://www.cdu.edu.au/research the next generation of researchers and professionals who use critical thinking and seek to influence the world for the better. CSU has campuses in Albury- Wodonga, Bathurst, Canberra, Dubbo, Goulburn, Manly, Orange, Parramatta, Port Macquarie, Wagga and Wangaratta. http://www.csu.edu.au/research-csu UNIVERSITY VIGNETTES 75

Research is a cornerstone of activity Edith Cowan University conducts In partnership with industries, at Deakin University. A significant world-class research that focuses on governments and research institutes, investment over the past five years has people, partnerships and results. Within Federation University Australia begun to yield results in terms of the the university, research institutes of engages in a wide range of applied quality of research outputs, reputation international standing are dedicated to research designed to benefit the and research culture. There has been an benefiting communities in the areas of communities the university serves. This explosion in the number of research- digital forensics and security, exercise approach has led to a world-first real- intensive staff and teaching-and-research as medicine, education and electron time visualisation of integrated land and academic positions. This rapid growth, science. A collaborative and supportive water resources; a new carbon capture coupled with high aspirations, has environment encourages research laboratory to assist Australia’s energy led to a new phase of planning to excellence through partnerships and industries in their transition to a low- sustain and build on the gains. Using its engagement. This approach has been carbon economy; and the hosting of industry, government and institutional internationally recognised: in 2015 the only Australian injury research and networks, Deakin is striving to build Edith Cowan University was named prevention centre endorsed and funded on its global research footprint across in the Times Higher Education 100 by the International Olympic Committee. four key themes: Improving Health Under 50 Rankings, and in the QS The biomedical research team is part and Wellbeing; Designing Smarter World University Rankings by Subject of a worldwide quest to find genes and Technologies; Enabling a Sustainable it was named in the top 200 for new treatments for high blood pressure, World: and Advancing Society and communications and media studies and and the university’s work with the Fiona Culture. The objective is to make education and training. The QS rankings, Elsey Cancer Research Institute supports a difference, through world-class which are based on reputation and research into the role of immune cells innovation, to the communities the research citations, demonstrate that the in cancer. Additionally, the university university serves, be they local, national university continues to be a world leader demonstrates growth and success or global. in these subject areas. in developing innovative multimedia http://www.deakin.edu.au/research/ http://www.ecu.edu.au/research/ concepts, artificial intelligence and image overview processing, as well as a long history of mathematics and optimisation research. http://federation.edu.au/research WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 76

Flinders University has a vibrant Griffith University was established James Cook University has an and constantly evolving research over 40 years ago with a focus on the explicit focus on research into the community that operates within a Asian region as one of its founding critical challenges facing natural range of disciplines broadly housed principles. The university’s research and human systems in the tropics, under five research themes, each and partnerships are strongly linked worldwide. It has internationally containing a number of research to Asia to address critical issues in recognised research strengths clusters, institutes and centres. The the region, such as politics, security in environmental science and Biomedical and Clinical Sciences theme and development, drug discovery management, coral reef science, includes ophthalmology, pharmacology and infectious diseases, water and ecology, biology and biochemistry, and cardiovascular medicine and is environmental sciences, climate change plant and animal science, earth home to the Flinders Centre for adaptation, and sustainable tourism. sciences, tropical health and medicine, Innovation in Cancer. The university The newly established Menzies Health medical microbiology, high-speed also has a strong tradition in Culture Institute Queensland at the university’s wind engineering, Indigenous and Society research, its particular Gold Coast campus is ideally co-located knowledge, archaeology and strengths being in law, creative writing, with Gold Coast University Hospital to linguistics. JCU initiated the State of criminology, archaeology and sociology. address critical health issues both for the Tropics project—a partnership of Health and Human Behaviour south-east Queensland and the Asian twelve leading research institutions provides new perspectives in areas region. The university has also had a from around the world—with a such as obesity prevention, forensic long history of research excellence focus on environmental, social and psychology, and cancer treatment and in the social sciences and humanities, economic issues relating to the prevention. Molecular Science and focusing on criminology and crime tropics. One of the university’s Technology encompasses everything prevention, education, and music, the defining features is its tropical from plant biology to clean technology arts and the Asia–Pacific region. Griffith location: the Australian campuses are while working with industry partners has also invested substantial resources adjacent to two UNESCO World on projects such as desalination into expansion in the natural and Heritage areas—the Great Barrier refinement. Finally, the university has a physical sciences, especially in areas such Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics strong Water and Environment theme as engineering and IT. rainforests of northern Queensland. that takes in groundwater, ecology and http://www.griffith.edu.au/research/ http://www.jcu.edu.au/research/ water recycling. research-excellence http://www.flinders.edu.au/research/ UNIVERSITY VIGNETTES 77

La Trobe University encourages Macquarie University is a world- The University of Melbourne enjoys innovation, specialisation and recognised research collaborator, with an outstanding reputation, and world collaboration and has a history of one out of every two of its research rankings consistently place it as Australia’s excellence and an enduring social publications being co-authored with leading comprehensive research- conscience. Among the current research national and international collaborators. intensive university. The university attracts focus areas are Building Healthy Home to some of the world’s pre- and cultivates the best and brightest Communities (equity, wellbeing and eminent researchers, the university is a researchers from around the world. social inclusion); Securing Food, Water hub of research excellence in a variety It collaborates with industry, other and the Environment (solutions for of disciplines. More than 120 of its institutions and research organisations, global challenges); Sport, Exercise researchers have produced highly cited the community, government and not- and Rehabilitation (health and better papers ranking them as researchers in for-profit organisations to achieve performance); Transforming Human the top 1 per cent for their research research outcomes with global impacts. Societies (mobility, societies and social field. In the past five years Macquarie It has 10 discipline-specific faculties, five and cultural change); and Understanding has built on its outstanding reputation institutional interdisciplinary institutes Disease (the molecular, cellular, individual through specific investment in areas of and is affiliated with many independent and population perspectives). The national and international significance, research institutes, teaching hospitals university’s disciplinary excellence is and it continues to recruit top-class and other institutions. The university has also reflected in programs in English, researchers for five future-shaping many specialist research centres and is a theatre, drama, history, international research priorities—Healthy People, key collaborator or partner in numerous development, linguistics, education, Secure Planet, Resilient Societies, national centres, including Cooperative philosophy, archaeology, and physical, Prosperous Economies, and Innovative Research Centres, ARC Centres of mathematical and computing sciences. La Technologies—with a view to producing Excellence and NHMRC Centres of Trobe University’s aim is to respond to research that has world-changing Research Excellence. crucial questions for the future of human impacts. Additionally, Macquarie is the http://www.unimelb.edu.au/research/ societies and their environments. host institution of, or has a major node http://www.latrobe.edu.au/research in, five ARC Centres of Excellence, hosts the Australian Hearing Hub, and applies its cutting-edge research in a Macquarie- owned private hospital. http://www.mq.edu.au/research.php WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 78

Monash University is a comprehensive, Murdoch University has a long and The University of New England research-intensive university ranked among proud tradition of delivering quality is dedicated to identifying and the top 1 per cent of universities in the research expertise across multi- delivering innovations of value to world. As Australia’s largest and most disciplinary areas. Translational in nature, society and industry in Australia international university, it has five Australian its research activities are inspired by and internationally, with a particular campuses that are complemented by a local, industry-based partnerships and emphasis on inter-disciplinary strong presence in Malaysia, India, China, Italy large-scale international collaborations research for tackling complex and South Africa and a depth alliance with to address the unique challenges of problems in rural and regional Warwick University in the United Kingdom. our time. Murdoch University is now Australia. This research involves Its numerous research achievements in a regional centre for investigation extensive engagement in large-scale recent times have seen it recognised as into the crucial areas of food security, collaborations within the university, the lead institution in some of the most sustainable development and health nationally and internationally, prestigious grant schemes in Australia, with futures. Its academics are world leaders and is underpinned by thematic ARC Centres of Excellence (in bio-nano and produce high-quality, international research priorities such as food and science and technology, advanced molecular research in select fields that challenge water security, climate change and imaging and technology, and integrative brain global social and scientific needs. environmental sustainability, health function), Cooperative Research Centres Research themes include animal and and wellbeing in rural communities, (in urban water management and alertness, human health and welfare; climate Australia’s regional history and safety and productivity), and Industrial variation, environmental and natural regional identity, and regional and Transformation Research Hubs (in high- resources; and primary food production; rural development in countries of value additive manufacturing, bioprocessing all supported by broad contributions the Asia–Pacific region. For more advanced manufacturing, and computational from researchers in arts, humanities than four decades the university has particle technology). The university’s and social science. These themes enable provided international leadership in research excellence is underpinned by the translation of basic science into livestock genetics through centres outstanding research infrastructure: in the public policy, education, food security, such as the Animal Genetics and past decade more than $500 million has water security and biosecurity, energy Breeding Unit, currently celebrating been invested in facilities in regenerative renewables, politics and governance its 40 year anniversary, and the medicine, electron microscopy, biomedical in the Indo-Pacific region. Murdoch Agricultural Business Research imaging, nanofabrication, eResearch, University is helping to change the world. Institute and also hosts the Sheep visualisation, advanced manufacturing and http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Research- and the Poultry Cooperative green chemistry. capabilities/ Research Centres. http://www.monash.edu/research http://www.une.edu.au/research UNIVERSITY VIGNETTES 79

The University of New South The University of Newcastle The University of Notre Dame Wales, Australia aspires to be harnesses the capacity of its world-class Australia has campuses in Western Australia’s global university, improving researchers to foster innovation and Australia and New South Wales and and transforming lives through deliver impact in its region and across the clinical schools in New South Wales excellence in research and education world. The university’s global reputation and Victoria. Research initiatives are and a commitment to advancing a is built on areas of disciplinary strength predominantly community driven, with just society. Ranked in the world’s top including science and engineering, the underlying purpose of turning 100 universities, UNSW is a founding health and medicine, and energy and evidence into action. A variety of member of the Group of Eight and the resources, and is a leader in Indigenous research is supported, strengthening prestigious Universitas 21 international engagement in education and research. senior research capability and network. It is the only Australian member Fields of emerging excellence include mentoring early career researchers of the Global Alliance of Technological applied mathematics, social work, creative in many disciplines. Particular effort is Universities and is also a member of the industries, earth sciences and nutrition directed towards the areas of health Association of Pacific Rim Universities and dietetics. Championed by two (including medicine, nursing, health and a partner in the PLuS Alliance. flagship research institutes, the Newcastle sciences, physiotherapy and health UNSW is a leader in innovation, focusing Institute for Energy and Resources and education), Indigenous research, on areas critical to the future—from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, education, philosophy, theology and quantum computing, climate change, the university drives engagement ethics. Three research centres support renewable energy and sustainable cities and collaboration in partnership with this research—the Nulungu Research to business, public health and human industry, business and government Institute, the Institute for Health rights. UNSW’s graduates are highly to deliver cross-disciplinary research Research and the Institute for Ethics sought after by employers. The university translated into word-class innovation. and Society. http://www.nd.edu.au/ has strong ties with industry and leads The university is currently ranked in the the country in ARC Linkage grants, top 3 per cent of universities globally by numbers of student start-up programs, both the Times Higher Education and QS technology millionaires and top CEOs. world rankings and UON was ranked Through its bold 2025 strategy, its focus in the top 8 of Australian universities for the future is on the three priorities of for research rated at ‘well above world academic excellence, social engagement standard’ in the latest ERA assessment. and global impact. http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research- http://research.unsw.edu.au/ and-innovation WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 80

The University of Queensland, QUT is a major Australian university As a global university of technology, ranks in the world’s top 50 that ambitiously positions itself as a design and enterprise, RMIT universities as measured by the QS university for the real world of today University works with its partners World University Rankings and the and tomorrow. It engages in high- to create innovative solutions that will Performance Ranking of Scientific impact research in selected areas transform the future. Through a focus on Papers for World Universities. UQ’s to achieve public, commercial and application and transformation, research research community excels, partnering practical benefits for the community is undertaken in specialised areas of with global research institutions, and for its partners. The main research strength that underpin the curriculum. industry partners, and government areas are biomedical engineering and Among these specialised areas are and non-government organisations health technologies; biomolecular advanced manufacturing and fabrication, in 48 countries to achieve important science; chronic disease intervention; advanced materials, biomedical and outcomes in research fields of national data science, computational health innovation, design and creative and international significance. The 2015 modelling and simulation science; practice, global business innovation, ERA reaffirmed UQ’s exceptional digital media; educating and engaging information and systems engineering, quality of research, with 100 per cent children and youth; health systems; social change, and urban futures. These rated at world standard or above, injury prevention and management; clusters of research excellence are being and 95 per cent rated above or well innovation; materials science and deployed to deliver significant economic, above world standard. With many engineering; plant biotechnology; societal and environmental benefits. notable discoveries to its credit, UQ robotics and computer vision. QUT is By connecting its areas of research is a leading source of expertise in backing its aspirations with significant excellence and using that excellence to many strategically important areas of and continuing investment in people respond to crucial local, national, regional research. By pursuing excellence in and high-quality support and facilities and global challenges, RMIT is making a discovery, learning and engagement, for its researchers. It has invested difference. This is borne out by the 2015 UQ is committed to transforming our more than half a billion dollars in QS rankings, in which RMIT was placed successes into far-reaching benefits for state-of-the-art infrastructure and in the top 100 universities in seven people globally. collaborative work environments in disciplines—architecture, art and design, http://www.uq.edu.au/research/ the past six years. and five engineering and technology http://www.qut.edu.au/research areas. http://www.rmit.edu.au/research UNIVERSITY VIGNETTES 81

At the University of South Southern Cross University aims The University of Southern Australia, research is inspired by to create research and research Queensland delivers internationally challenges and opportunities, partnered training that has global relevance recognised research, innovation and with end-users and communities, and and global impact. Its research is practice across a broad spectrum underpinned by excellence. The spirit of focused on creating knowledge in its of disciplines, from agricultural to enterprise defines research at UniSA. areas of research strength including mathematical and physical sciences. The research culture is vibrant, outward- environmental sciences, plant sciences, Its three campuses are located in facing and responsive. The university geoscience, forestry, gambling differing geographic and socio- engages meaningfully and creatively with research, marine science, business, economic settings, providing a close its peers, industry and the community education and tourism. In the 2015 and direct relationship between the in ways that are aligned and responsive ERA report the university received university and current developments to state, national and international the highest possible rating, ‘well above in Australia’s regional communities. priorities. Powered by 97 per cent of world standard’, for geochemistry, The university is recognised for its research being world class or above, oceanography, environmental science long-term excellence in agricultural its thematic, transdisciplinary approach and management, zoology, crop and and environmental research and brings together a breadth of research pasture production, complementary emerging strengths in regional systems, expertise in new and innovative ways and alternative medicine, nursing and digital futures, mathematical sciences that focus on end-to-end approaches forestry sciences. A rating of ‘above and biomedical sciences. These areas and real-world solutions. Across diverse world standard’ was gained for soil of research align with national and areas, from cancer and societal and sciences, ecology, fisheries science, civil international challenges that must be global transformations to energy and the engineering, resources engineering overcome if the world is to sustain its environment and the development of and extractive metallurgy and human growing population. future industries, the university’s leading- movement and sports science. A rating http://www.usq.edu.au/research edge research is delivering rich, robust, of ‘at world standard’ was gained for multi-faceted and end-user relevant tourism and policy and administration. outcomes. http://scu.edu.au/research/ http://www.unisa.edu.au/Research/ WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 82

The University of the Sunshine Swinburne University of The University of Sydney is one Coast is Australia’s youngest and fastest Technology is an internationally of the world’s leading comprehensive growing university and aspires to become recognised research-intensive university research and teaching universities, one of the world’s top 100 young that is focused on delivering research consistently ranked in the top 1 per cent universities within five to 10 years. It is that creates economic and social impact. of universities in the world. For more rapidly developing regionally relevant, Its researchers are producing innovative than 160 years it has been producing yet nationally and internationally research solutions to real-world the next generation of thought leaders significant, research that focuses on six problems across a range of disciplines for the benefit of society. Its research areas—aquaculture, forestry, animal and and sectors. In 2015, Swinburne was is motivated by the ‘big picture’, taking human health, environmental science listed in the world’s top 400 universities a problem, looking at it from all angles and management, human factors and in the prestigious Academic Ranking and bringing together the world’s most sociotechnical systems, and the social of World Universities and one of the talented researchers and scholars in aspects of sustainability. Central to world’s top 400 universities by the multidisciplinary teams. Its research research development at the university Times Higher Education University strategy is framed around a distinct set is the establishment of productive World Rankings 2014–2015. Swinburne of high level areas of focus, including partnerships with leading research is committed to delivering world-leading the pressing health challenges of our institutes, universities and end-user research outcomes and innovations in time (including diabetes, obesity and organisations, both nationally and abroad, select areas of science, engineering and cardiovascular disease), mental health with an emphasis on bolstering existing technology. In 2016 Swinburne will be and neuroscience. In creating the first areas of research strength. launching a number of exciting initiatives university in Australia, the University of http://www.usc.edu.au/connect/ to drive its future research achievements. Sydney’s founders recognised the power research-and-innovation Its new ‘Innovation Precinct’ in Hawthorn, of education and research to change Melbourne will be a hub of world-class society. That belief is held just as strongly research-led innovation activity, and its today. http://sydney.edu.au/research/ new Research Institutes will focus on big challenges facing industries and society. Swinburne’s research future is bright. http://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/ UNIVERSITY VIGNETTES 83

The University of Tasmania is the The University of Technology At Victoria University research fourth oldest university in Australia Sydney is Australia’s number one focuses on three interdisciplinary established in 1890. Its campus locations young university, boasting a worldwide themes—sport, health and active allow it to engage with the Tasmanian reputation of producing ground-breaking living; education, lifelong learning and community and utilise the best of its research, programs of innovation, workforce development; and sustainable island’s natural and built resources commercialisation outcomes, and access industries and liveable cities. The to deliver high quality research to the best graduates. With over 350 university’s research strength is evident outcomes. The university provides partnerships in more than 40 countries, in six institutes and five centres—the international leadership in five thematic UTS is ranked 28th in the world on Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics; areas: Environment, Resources and international outlook in the Times the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Sustainability; Creativity, Culture and Higher Education 2015 rankings and Living; the Institute for Sustainability Society; Better Health; Marine, Antarctic has key technology partnerships with and Innovation; the Victoria Institute and Maritime; and Data, Knowledge leading universities in greater China, for Education, Diversity and Lifelong and Decisions. This leadership is India and Europe. Its world-leading Learning; the Victoria Institute for demonstrated through its research research centres span a range of local Strategic Economic Studies; the Mitchell institutes, including the Menzies Institute and international expertise, among them Institute for Health and Education Policy; for Medical Research, the Institute for health, data science, sustainability, social the Centre for Applied Informatics; Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), the futures, and future work and industry. the Centre for Cultural Diversity and Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits http://www.uts.edu.au/research-and- Wellbeing; the Centre for Environmental (CODES), and the Australian Centre teaching Safety and Risk Engineering; the Centre for Research on Separation Science for Strategic Economic Studies; and the (ACROSS). The university is also a leader Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention of the ARC’s Industrial Transformation and Management. The university Scheme, focusing on cutting-edge conducts research across the spectrum, research for new technologies, economic with a particular focus on applied and and social transformation and the training translational research. of young and emerging researchers to http://www.vu.edu.au/research/ foster end-user focused research. research-focus-areas-expertise http://www.utas.edu.au/research WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA’S UNIVERSITIES 84

Founded in 1911, The University Western Sydney University The University of Wollongong of Western Australia is one of the undertakes research that changes recognises that in this time of world’s top 100 universities. In the past lives. Research that creates meaningful unprecedented change, universities have century it has built up an impressive change in the economy, in communities an obligation to lead and contribute to array of high-tech infrastructure, research and in the environment can come only society. Having emerged as a benchmark equipment and longitudinal research through research based on the needs for Australia’s next generation of data, drawing collaborators from around of those working in our economy, living universities, UOW courses and research the world. The university aims to harness in our communities, and seeking to capacity are geared towards excellence its expertise and engage with local and preserve our environment. This is the at a global level. Ranked amongst global partners (government, industry, research Western Sydney University the world’s best modern universities, other researchers and the wider undertakes—research directed beyond UOW is fostering research that crosses community) to resolve the great 21st the university to create impact and disciplinary boundaries, placing it at the century challenges our planet and our value for our partners. Western Sydney forefront of work that is tackling global species face. The university is engaged University is connected to Australia’s social, economic and environmental in a number of strategic research largest urban region, Western Sydney. challenges. As the Australasian member areas—plant sciences and sustainable The university shares the region’s of the University Global Partnership food production; ecology, evolution and diversity and size. Forty per cent of the Network, the university’s strong the environment; energy and minerals; community speak a language other than international outlook is demonstrated Indigenous knowledge; medicine and English at home. Only 26 years old and by partnerships with peers and health; and radio astronomy and data already one of the world’s top 100 young industry, government, and community intensive science. universities, the university has four major based organisations around the world. http://www.uwa.edu.au/ campuses, 44,000 students and 3,300 Committed to emergent industries staff. The university is one of Australia’s and future jobs, UOW is one of a small largest research-led universities but takes number of universities responding a distinctive approach; it couples diversity to global concerns by harnessing its and scale with flexibility, focusing its research strengths, establishing its place research on the needs of communities as a leader in discovery and learning and extending from Western Sydney to India, transforming the world in which we live. China, the United States and elsewhere. http://www.uow.edu.au/research http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ research