With the announcement of 25 Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded Mid-Career Industry Fellowships today, Australian researchers are set to deliver research excellence with industry partners by developing new hybrid rail and belt conveying technology, recycling rare earth elements, and creating innovative digital platforms for people with disabilities.
The ARC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Johnson, said the Mid-Career Industry Fellowships Program drives research collaboration, translation and commercialisation outcomes across a range of industry settings.
“In its second year, the Industry Fellowships Program has created pathways for academic researchers to establish careers in industry and industry-based researchers to work in university settings, with the aim of increasing two-way mobility and skill-building.
“Through these collaborations, the ARC supports the transfer of skills, knowledge and ideas as a basis for securing commercial and other benefits of research, and delivering significant outcomes for industry partners and end-users,” Dr Johnson said.
Awarded under the ARC Linkage Program scheme, a total of $25.7 million for 25 Mid-Career Industry Fellowships has been awarded. In addition to the areas identified above, the successful research projects include:
University of Queensland ($1,111,820): to establish a world-leading program to monitor the prevalence of illicit vaping and illicit tobacco use in the Australian population by measuring wastewater. This information is vital for public health and law enforcement agencies to develop timely interventions to interrupt the illegal trade for a fairer and healthier Australia.
Monash University ($919,027): to develop skills and practices with evidence-based teaching resources and training materials to teach the Auslan sign language in Auslan and create a national network delivering preservice training to Auslan teachers.
Flinders University ($1,069,149): to lead on non-invasive, economically and socially responsible methodologies to better manage Australia’s groundwater, to help futureproof our groundwater supplies.
As previously announced, this scheme marks the first time that the ARC will provide all applicants, both successful and unsuccessful, with their scores, ranking and detailed assessments. This new process will be applied to all ARC schemes going forward.
For a full list of the awarded Mid-Career Industry Fellowships, and more on Industry Fellowships, please visit the ARC website.
