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Welcome to the November issue of Cooperative Research Australia’s newsletter. As the end of the year rapidly approaches, I’m delighted to give you an update of what’s been happening from our headquarters in Canberra.
Collaborate Innovate Part Two: 31 March - 1 April 2022
We were grateful to have so many of you participate in part one of the Collaborate Innovate conference either at the Hubs in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, or online. The program was testament to the work of the outstanding Program Advisory Group, and we are immensely grateful to all our partners, speakers, and delegates for their generous flexibility in the face of Covid disruption to bring together an excellent conference. It was wonderful to have more than 300 people join.
We have now confirmed that part two will take place 31 March – 1 April 2022 in Canberra, with the Innovation Showcase at Parliament House on 31 March. This is Budget week, so we are looking forward to presenting an active program of Parliamentary engagement for our members, as well as the 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards, workshops, in-person community of practice meetings, and of course the annual CEOs/Chairs event.
We are really looking forward to welcoming you back to Canberra and will hold a Cooperative Research meets Parliament Day ahead of the conference for those who wish to participate.
Don’t forget if you missed the October conference program, you should have received an online access link to catchup on sessions. Registrations are available that will give you access to the recording of the whole program. More information is available here.
Senate Committee
Jordan Gardner and I were invited to give evidence at the Senate Economic References Committee Inquiry into the Australian Manufacturing Industry earlier this month. The link to the hearing is here. We made the case that the CRC program has made – and continues to make - a substantial contribution.
Communities of Practice/Interest Groups
We are delighted to have expanded our communities of practice to cover more interest areas and member categories. We now have groups for Business Managers, Education Managers, Research Leaders, Communication and Marketing Managers, Round 22 CRCs, Round 11 CRC-Ps, a Collaborative Research forum for university members, a windup/spinoff forum, and of course our quarterly CEO gatherings. We welcome suggestions for topic-based and discipline-based communities-of-practice and look forward to bringing you further topical forums in 2022. Details on forthcoming forums and other events can be found on our events calendar. Keep an eye out for updates.
As we come to the end of the year, we have a newsletter packed with great stories from our members. I hope you enjoy the November edition of the newsletter.
Warm Regards,
Jane O'Dwyer
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Alumni Profile | Dr. Michele Akeroyd
Dr. Michele Akeroyd is no stranger to the CRC program. When she began working with CSIRO in Adelaide during her Honours year, she became fascinated by the program. “What really stood out and attracted me were the partnerships, the collaboration, and the applied science.”
She went on to complete her PhD with the CRC for Catchment Hydrology, CSIRO Black Mountain, and the University of Melbourne. She developed valuable skills in this highly collaborative environment. “It was really eye opening,” she said. “Not just in research processes and integrity, but in how you engage with stakeholders, how you think about making your research relevant to those stakeholders and finding the pathways to communicate and translate that science.”
She was also able to gain a lot of practical experience. “There were so many opportunities in terms of presenting and seminars which helped build my experience and exposure in terms of pathways to employment. I had the opportunity to go to universities overseas in the US, which was just fantastic in terms of building my scientific capability. I also picked up some collaborations with Queensland Parks and Wildlife. The people I worked with in Queensland, it was 25 years ago now, I still have relationships with.” This is a common theme within the CRC landscape, collaborative relationships that last a lifetime.
She shared some advice for students considering their PhD with a CRC. “Take advantage of all the opportunities that the CRCs can provide. Whether it's engaging with industry in terms of application, avenues to enhance your skills such as scientific integrity and being able to communicate your science to decision makers. Really just get in there and grasp it. Use that opportunity to build your skills, capability, and networks. It is something quite unique and an excellent opportunity.”
Likewise, Michele recommends finding a good mentor. “They can not only give you feedback on your performance, or how you can improve yourself, but they also connect you to other networks and opportunities. They can be a spokesperson for you.”
After her PhD, Michele took up roles in project management and policy development in various organisations including Water Research Australia and the Goyder Institute for Water Research.
A big priority for Michele at Water Research Australia was to cultivate the next generation of industry-savvy researchers. “We made sure that each of our PhDs and Honours students worked across the entire research ecosystem. A lot of those students ended up getting graduate positions in water utilities and other industry partners. Developing the capacity of the future work force was really key.”
At the Goyder Institute, Michele’s experience in collaborative research helped to communicate important research with policymakers. “It's how you build those relationships and trust. You provide the advice in a way so that you have solutions. The real art is presenting it in a way which resonates with decision makers, so you're answering their questions and turning it into language they understand.”
She is currently a Director at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
“In my current role, I'm responsible the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs. While they're not a CRC program, we certainly want to embed a lot of those principles about CRCs in terms of partnerships, collaboration, that applied science, the connection between science and end-users, and have a real focus on engaging with the end users to inform what the activities are where the focus needs to be.”
She concluded by sharing some candid advice for budding leaders in the nexus between industry and research.
“Be authentic. People will see through you pretty quickly, especially in leadership positions, where it’s so important to build relationships and trust, being authentic is fundamental.”
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Bidding for a CRC or CRC-P?
Bidding for a CRC or a CRC-P is a very competitive process. Not all bids make themselves known to Cooperative Research Australia but those that do are more competitive. We can help you make the connections and introduce you to the people you should be talking to.
We host regular roundtable information sessions for each bidding round and to help guide you with the bidding process. The most recent bidding roundtable is available here.
Our website is also a great resource and has a list of all current bids available to view here. If you have a bid and would like it featured in the newsletter please let us know.
If you are currently preparing for, or thinking about a CRC or a CRC-P bid in the current or a future round, Cooperative Research Australia is here to assist you, so please get in touch with us here.
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Many thanks to those who joined us at our forum last week 'Collaborating for Impact: Research pathways through CRCs and CRC-Ps' where attendees from Cooperative Research Australia’s Research Partner Member organisations joined us to cover topics of research collaboration, and enhancement of research efforts through involvement in Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) or Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-Ps) through universities.
We had over 280 attendees hear from fellow researchers who have effectively and impactfully collaborated with industry partners for their research projects.
Special thanks again to our speakers:
Professor Sharath Sriram: RMIT University / CRC-P with Sleeptite
Associate Professor Marta Yebra: The Australian National University / Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC
Associate Professor Michael Whelan: Queensland University of Technology / Autism CRC
We run regular forums, roundtables and communities-of-practice for our members. If you are interested to join our mailing list or learning more about these events please click here
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Flipping the gut microbiome-autism link on its head
A collaborative Autism CRC study, led by Mater Research and The University of Queensland, has challenged the growing popular belief that the gut microbiome drives autism. The study’s findings may put the brakes on the experimental use of microbiome-based interventions that some believe may treat or minimise autistic behaviours.
The researchers found changes in the gut microbiome of people on the autism spectrum appear to be due to “fussy eating”, which is more common among autistic children due to sensory sensitivities or restricted and repetitive interests.
The internationally significant findings have been published in the journal Cell. A research snapshot and frequently asked questions have also been developed for the autistic and autism communities.
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AACo & Food Agility CRC to revolutionise how farmers measure, manage and trade carbon
- $6.5million collaboration led by AACo and Food Agility CRC
- Remote sensing tool to accurately and affordably measure soil carbon in rangelands
- Livestock could become a net carbon sequesterer
- Opens the door for savvy, sustainable rangeland farmers to trade carbon
A $6.5million collaboration led by AACo and Food Agility Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) aims to revolutionise how rangeland farmers measure, manage and trade carbon.
The three-year project was announced today as a cornerstone initiative in AACo’s Sustainability Framework.
The Rangelands Carbon Project also includes Cibo Labs, FLINTpro (Mullion Group), Carbon Link, University of Technology Sydney, Federation University and Charles Sturt University.
The team is devising a remote sensing tool to accurately and affordably measure soil carbon in Australian rangelands, which make up 75% of the country’s landmass.
This will reduce reliance on expensive soil tests, which can cost millions and are a major barrier for farmers who want to manage soil health and participate in the growing carbon market.
Food Agility CRC CEO, Richard Norton, said the data-driven initiative would help the red meat industry and the nation meet net-zero emissions commitments by 2030 and 2050 respectively.
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The HILT CRC welcomes Australia’s leadership of the global heavy industry working group
The Heavy Industry Low-emissions Transition CRC (HILT CRC) is delighted with the announcement from the Federal Government at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) in Glasgow that Australia will co- lead the global Mission Innovation Net Zero Industry Mission, on de-carbonising industry. The HILT CRC ais looking forward to taking a lead role in supporting Australia’s participation in achieving the outcomes of this mission by providing tangible research and projects to share internationally.
The HILT CRC is the national research centre focussed on reducing emissions from Australia’s Iron and Steel, Alumina and Aluminium and Lime and Cement Industries. Together, these sectors account for about twenty per cent of Australia’s total national emissions.
The HILT CRC was awarded $39M by the Australian Government in June 2021. This is in addition to the $175M of cash and in-kind commitments from the HILT CRC’s 55 Industry Partners. Our Core Industry Partners are AdBri (formerly Adelaide Brighton Cement), The University of Adelaide, Alcoa, The Australian National University, Boral, The CSIRO, Curtin University, The Fortescue Metals Group, Grange Resources, Liberty One Steel, Roy Hill and South 32.
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Strengthening reconciliation in natural hazards research
Natural Hazards Research Australia are prioritising reconciliation with First Nations peoples by establishing a Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan will guide reconciliation priorities both within the Centre and across the natural hazards research sector. First Nations peoples are being sought for contributions to the plan.
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New research partnership to champion water security for Northern Australia
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, Hon. David Littleproud recently announced a new $10 million partnership between the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and three northern based universities and industry to develop a comprehensive program of research focused on water security in Northern Australia.
Charles Darwin University (CDU), CQUniversity Australia (CQU) and James Cook University (JCU) will partner with the CRCNA to jointly deliver flagship research activities which will address water infrastructure and security knowledge gaps and improve governance models and decision-making around water resource allocations across the north.
CRCNA CEO Anne Stünzner said the investment partnership will deliver several transformative research initiatives for the region.
“This partnership acknowledges the full potential of Northern Australia and this co-investment is a vital opportunity to demonstrate that agricultural growth and environmentally healthy and sustainable eco-systems can coexist in a water context."
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World’s first alternative sugarcane processing facility tipped for north Queensland
The CRCNA has partnered with the Mackay-based firm, Townsend Industries, to establish a pilot facility to test a new sugarcane processing system to deliver a variety of high-value products.
The $1.7 million-dollar project was officially launched at the Townsend Industries project site in Mackay by Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, Hon. David Littleproud.
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WA joins Future Fuels CRC
The Western Australian Government has joined the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), continuing on its path to becoming an industry leader in hydrogen.
The Future Fuels CRC is an industry focused research, development and demonstration partnership supporting the decarbonisation of Australia's energy networks through the use of low carbon fuels, including hydrogen and biomethane.
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Development and Demonstrations of Cooperative Perception for Connected and Automated Vehicles
Cooperative perception, or collective perception (CP) is an emerging and promising technology for intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and its development and demonstration has been the focus of a recently completed iMOVE project.
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This PhD thesis focuses on understanding how Electric Vehicle owners currently use and charge their vehicles through the analysis of local and overseas usage data
Transportation accounts for about 24% of direct carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion globally. Demand for transport is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Without major initiatives to decarbonise the sector, carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector could increase by about 75 percent by 2050, as estimated by the International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT) in 2020.
It is imperative that the transport sector adopt sustainable, net carbon zero options to support global efforts to restrict global warming to 1.5° Celsius. Electrification of transport has been identified as one of the major pathways for reducing emissions.
As such, this PhD is aimed at studying consumers preferences towards EVs, current and emerging charging behaviours of EV owners, and the average consumer’s willingness to use their EVs to provide energy services through smart charging program, including V2G. The outcomes expected from this PhD are:
- Identifying consumer preferences towards EVs in laggard markets and variations in preferences over multiple years
- Investigate the role of smart charging technology, include to V2G, in terms of consumers’ willingness to adopt EVs
- Understand driving and charging behaviour of current EV owners in Australia and overseas
- Assess the feasibility of using a fleet of EVs to provide energy services in Australia, based on consumer preferences, and charging/driving behaviour
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Digital health to help redesign decision making in NSW hospitals
A new $1.5million research project through the Digital Health CRC (DHCRC) is set to apply health informatics solutions to decision making in hospitals to deliver safer and more effective patient care.
The project will evaluate and improve clinical decision support tools in both regional and metropolitan hospital settings and is three-year collaboration between Sydney Local Health District (LHD), eHealth NSW, Murrumbidgee LHD, NSW Health, University of Sydney, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Alcidion.
“With hospitals on the frontline of Australia’s healthcare delivery, this project aims to support clinical staff who are faced with an enormous number of decisions when treating patients – navigating the ever-growing array of drugs, tests, techniques, medical technology and health data now available,” said DHCRC CEO Dr Terry Sweeney CMG.
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Research collaboration to reduce environmental impact of textile dyeing
Dyeing is one of the most polluting and energy intensive processes in textile manufacturing. Australian textile technology expert Xefco and Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) have embarked on a new $700,000 manufacturing research project, co-funded by the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), to develop new atmospheric plasma techniques to improve conventional textile dyeing processes, both in terms of energy efficiencies and eco-friendliness.
“Together, they will rethink how dyeing and functional coatings can be applied in textile manufacturing, and make sure that innovation, sustainability and the environment are taken into consideration from the outset.” Dr Matthew Young, Manufacturing Innovation Manager at IMCRC
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CRC CARE and Latin Resources using clay minerals to reduce methane emissions
CRC CARE and Australian mineral exploration company Latin Resources are teaming up to reduce methane emissions. Latin will fund a 3-year, $3.2 million project to develop innovative methane reduction technologies using the clay mineral halloysite from the company’s Cloud Nine project in Merredin, WA.
The project will focus on modifying halloysite/kaolinite minerals to develop material-based emission reduction technologies, including feed supplements for cattle, spreadable material, and halloysite shale for inhibiting and adsorbing methane.
Commencing in January 2022, the project will be led by CRC CARE CEO Professor Ravi Naidu.
For more details, read Latin Resources’ announcement of the collaboration to the Australian Stock Exchange.
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Fresh boost of funding to research that will strengthen natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction across Australia, New Zealand and globally.
The first round of research projects from Natural Hazards Research Australia gives a fresh boost of funding to research that will strengthen natural hazard resilience and disaster risk reduction across Australia, New Zealand and globally.
While the Centre has been busy finalising its research priorities that will guide future round of research, a small first round of nine new projects will commence, to meet the Australian Government's requirements for funding the Centre, as agreed to earlier in 2021. An additional two rounds of research projects will follow in the first half of 2022, based on partner needs and the final research priorities. The funding of these new projects ensures that natural hazards research activities can continue while the broader research priorities and program are developed.
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Project to unlock softwood income stream for beef graziers
Evaluating an opportunity that has the potential to meet growing demand for softwood timber products plus create an additional income stream for Northern Australia’s graziers, is the focus of a new CRCNA research collaboration.
The three-year Silvopastoral trials for commercial pine systems in North Queensland project, led by Timber Queensland, brings together forestry and livestock production experts and environmental and carbon consultants to assess potentially transformational farming systems.
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Meetings, Events and Conferences
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Join the mine closure conversation at #CreatingConnections2021
Join over 70 presenters for the inaugural virtual CRC TiME Forum #CreatingConnections2021from 29 November to 1 December. All partners are welcome to join the discussion and create more connections in the mine closure sector. Perth and Brisbane hubs will also be holding in-person evening networking events on Tuesday 30 November, included in your registration. Group discounts available
We have a stellar line up for our opening session on Monday 29 November. Hear Andy Lloyd, Chair of Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd deliver the opening address 'Innovation in Closure Planning Partnerships and Execution' followed by a panel session with Kim Ferguson BHP Global Practice Lead and International Council on Mining and Metals - ICMM Closure Chair, Terry Hill CEO, Pilbara Development Commission, James Purtill Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner and Brenton Barker, CEO of the Ely Trust, bringing their experiences from Australia and across the globe.
Andy will discuss the Developing East Arnhem Limited and Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd models, highlighting the key role of governments partnering for economic development activity; the increasing standards of rehab he has seen in his 30 years in the mining industry, and why provisions need to be generous to cover contingencies during mine life (not just at closure) with strong TO and Government involvement; and the need for decades long closure planning, with appropriate models for progressive handover of control from mining company to the community to assist the building of expertise and capability beyond the mine life.
Partners, check out our program and register now below. Each partner organisation has 1 complimentary registration with a 10% discount for three or more attendees and 25% discount if 5 or more attend from your organisation.
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Showcasing CRC collaborations to advance smart, sustainable food-system solutions
Thu 2 Dec 2021, 12.30-3.10pm AEDT
Future Food Systems CRC projects bring industry, academic and government partners together to solve real-world challenges. In this event, we showcase a cross-section of exciting collaborations presented by our industry partners and research experts.
Sessions will cover:
- Specialist food-industry clusters and fostering trade, through projects such as our ‘Commercialising native rice’, ‘Coffs analytics’ and ‘Blockchain for smart trade’ collaborations;
- Novel tech and data-enabled solutions for future farming systems, as exemplified by projects with WBS, Perfection Fresh, LLEAF and Hort Innovation;
- Innovation in value-added foods and precision nutrition goods through projects with Sanitarium, WA DPIRD, Bruker and EcoMag.
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Webinar : Riding the Wave to Zero Emission Energy
Wednesday 8th December, 11.30am – 1.30pm (AEDT)
The Blue Economy CRC’s Offshore Renewable Energy Systems (ORES) program aims to advance the technological and commercial readiness of emerging offshore renewable energy technologies, so they can fulfil their potential to decarbonise offshore industries, including aquaculture, and export energy as electricity and hydrogen. Commercialisation opportunities include the design and development of renewable energy conversion devices; microgrid technologies for producing electricity and hydrogen offshore; optimal solutions for offshore energy storage. In addition to energy production, the ORES program will also focus on essential resources for aquaculture such as freshwater and oxygen.
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The 2021 Crawford Fund Annual Conference
13-14 December 2021, Canberra
The 2021 Crawford Fund Annual Conference is titled “Food & Nutrition Security – The Biosecurity, Health, Trade Nexus,” and is being held on 13 and 14 December 2021 in Canberra.
The hybrid conference will explore the specific risks to plant, animal, and human health, how these factors are putting global food and nutrition security in peril, and the emerging technological and management solutions to overcome these threats.
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Congratulations to the 2021 winners of the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science
This year, prizes were awarded to seven recipients from across diverse disciplines, including:
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The Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
The University of Sydney’s Professor Edward C. Holmes was awarded the 2021 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for his transformative role in the scientific response to COVID-19.
The Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation
The University of Sydney’s Professor Tony Weiss AM received the 2021 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation, recognising his pioneering research and commercialisation of synthetic tropoelastin-based biomaterials, which can accelerate and improve the repair of human tissue.
Prize for New Innovators
The University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Michael Bowen received the 2021 Prize for New Innovators. He has been instrumental in driving scientific discoveries relating to serious brain disorders that lack effective treatments.
Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year
Professor Sherene Loi, medical oncologist and Head of the Translational Breast Cancer Laboratory at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, received the 2021 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year. She was recognised for translating scientific findings into innovative treatments that can improve the survival of breast cancer patients in Australia and around the world.
Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year
Dr Keith Bannister, Principal Research Engineer in Space and Astronomy at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has been awarded the 2021 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year. He was recognised for his pioneering research into fast radio bursts – short, sharp pulses of radio waves that last a few milliseconds and are extremely hard to detect, which is now solving several of the big astronomical mysteries of our generation.
Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools
Mudgeeraba Creek State School’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) specialist and primary teacher, Mrs Megan Hayes received the 2021 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools. Mrs Hayes is recognised for her outstanding work in championing the importance of STEM education for primary children, both in her community and at a national level.
2021 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools
Head of Agriculture at Barker College, Mr Scott Graham received the 2021 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools. Mr Graham is changing the way agricultural science is taught at secondary schools, by developing unique programs to engage students and emphasise the positive difference agriculture makes to society.
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Jobs, Fellowships & Scholarships
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Natural Hazards Research Australia launches education program
Exciting new funding opportunities are now available through Natural Hazards Research Australia for postgraduate students and early career researchers to support their activities and create a strong, collaborative research network.
The Centre is committed to supporting and promoting a strong intellectual cohort of researchers who can deliver usable outputs to partners and the wider community. To facilitate this, the new education program – comprising Postgraduate Research Scholarships and Early Career Researcher Fellowships for now – has been designed to support the future generations of natural hazard and emergency management researchers.
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The RACE for 2030 Industry PhD scholarship Program is now accepting applications for 2 PhD scholarships
- Fast track to Zero Carbon Ready Buildings:
- Optimal planning and operational strategy for biogas power generation system design in wastewater plants:
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