Maximising for Queensland farmers and enabling next-generation rechargeable aluminium-ion batteries are just two of The University of Queensland projects funded in the latest round of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects.
The Federal Government announced $12.8 million for 26 UQ research projects, the largest investment for any Australian university.
Importantly, partner contributions (including both cash and in-kind) took the overall total investment to $36.9 million.
UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj AC said the result was particularly pleasing as it demonstrated the relevance of UQ research to industry partners and helped bridge the gap between research and its application.
“ARC Linkage grants provide an opportunity for researchers to work with industry, community groups and government agencies to develop research projects that genuinely make a difference for Australian society,” Professor Høj said.
Other successful UQ projects include monitoring how alcohol promotion is targeting young Australians on social media, developing eco-friendly pesticides for crop protection and improving the experiences and outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in out-of-home care.
“The diversity of successful projects across many parts of the University reflects the breadth of research excellence at UQ and the desire of our researchers to create positive change,” Professor Høj said.
“I applaud our researchers who were successful in this ARC Linkage round and look forward to watching the developments that result from their research.”
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Bronwyn Harch also congratulated the researchers, and said their work complemented Queensland State Government efforts to better connect industry, business and universities through the Advance Queensland initiative.
“Collaboration between universities and industry accelerates the translation of research into products, services and solutions that our society needs to prosper,” Professor Harch said.
“I congratulate our researchers for not only securing this funding, but also for delivering partnered solutions to environmental, agricultural, economic and social problems for Queenslanders, Australians and societies around the world.”
In this round of ARC Linkage Projects, $78.1 million was provided to 175 new research projects at Australian universities.
