The program brings together PhD candidates and industry partners to support innovative solutions, building Australia’s future workforce, growth and prosperity.
PhD candidates Dave Matteo and Tomoko Okazaki are helping to deliver practical outcomes for Australian Rules Football (AFL) and Australia’s animal health sector respectively while building the next generation of research talent.
Using data to drive better decisions in elite sport
Dave Matteo is combining his passion for statistics and sport to help transform player evaluation in AFL.
Based at La Trobe University and working in partnership with Essendon Football Club, Dave’s research focuses on developing statistical measures to assess player performance and development over time. While clubs can already analyse individual game performance, measuring how players progress throughout their careers remains a challenge.
Through his research, Dave is creating evidence-based tools that can help clubs compare players at different stages of their careers, identify talent and potential, monitor development, and support recruitment and list management decisions.
As part of his industry placement, Dave works as a match-day analyst with Essendon Football Club, applying his research in a professional AFL environment and gaining valuable hands-on experience in elite sport.
A lot of the job-ready stuff has been really good in terms of showing me how to sell myself with these new skills I have as an expert in a very niche field,” said Dave.
It’s just giving me a lot of experience in an industry that no one gets experience in unless you work in professional sport.”
Strengthening biosecurity through research
PhD candidate Tomoko Okazaki is helping strengthen Australia’s biosecurity preparedness through research into the spread of serious animal diseases.
Based at Charles Darwin University and working closely with the Northern Territory Government’s Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Tomoko is investigating the role of biting midges in transmitting diseases that can affect livestock and other animals.
Her research focuses on understanding how these tiny insects move and spread diseases, knowledge that could help improve Australia’s readiness for future animal disease incursions, particularly in northern Australia.
The project highlights the benefits of an industry-integrated approach. Through direct access to laboratory facilities, expertise and real-world biosecurity challenges, Tomoko can apply her research in a practical setting while developing valuable industry experience and professional networks.
It gives me the opportunity to meet many researchers, peers and university students, which is beneficial for my career,” said Tomoko.
Professor Maxine Piggott, Tomoko’s supervisor and Professor of Tropical Biosecurity at Charles Darwin University, says the collaboration benefits both researchers and industry by building skills, strengthening partnerships and creating pathways for future employment.
