Welcome to the April issue of our CRC Association Newsletter
Ministerial Changes
The big news in Canberra in recent weeks, of course, was the Ministerial reshuffle. Karen Andrews, who has been a great supporter of the CRC Program, has been appointed Minister for Home Affairs, and Christian Porter appointed Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
We thank Minister Andrews for her championing of collaborative research as Minster. We look forward to working with Minister Porter and his team to cement the importance of the CRC program in the innovation ecosystem and recognise the potential to further strengthen collaborative relationships between research, industry and government to advance Australian prosperity.
University Research Commercialisation Discussion Paper
The CRC Association has made a submission on University Research Commercialisation on behalf of our members. Our submission is focused on CRCs in the wider innovation ecosystem and their 30-year impact, the culture of industry-academia research in Australia, support for an industrial PhD Program to facilitate a cultural change; and lessons from the CRC experience to create a stronger innovation culture in Australian industry and businesses. A copy of our submission is now available on our website.
Looking for CRC Alumni
We are very keen to track down and profile our alumni (including those who completed PhD and Postdoctoral work in a CRC or worked in a CRC) ahead of the 30th Anniversary of the CRC Program. These are the people in who the long-term and ongoing impact of the CRC Program is embodied. If you are alumni or can assist in reaching out to alumni via your networks, please let us know. We’re asking alumni to get in touch with us at alumni@crca.asn.au
New Website and Jobs Board
We have launched our refreshed website and we hope that it is easier to navigate. The new website makes it easier to find news, jobs and scholarships, events and services. We welcome your feedback, as we will keep improving it over coming months.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition of the newsletter.
Warm regards,
Jane O'Dwyer
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Dr Michael Crawford, CEO of the CRC for High Performance Soils
When it comes to living and breathing CRCs, there are few that could claim to have more experience than Dr Michael Crawford, CEO of the CRC for High Performance Soils.
From a short chat on the phone, it quickly became apparent that he has a real lived experience of how the CRC program has grown and developed. His passion for collaborative research was also readily apparent, and his desire to see it continue long into the future.
Dr Crawford’s story starts in 1994 as a PhD student at the CRC for Soil and Land Management, one of the very original CRCs. He was attracted to doing research that had a real-life benefit and not just doing research and writing papers “that would only be read by other scientists”.
Even back then, CRCs had a major focus on sustainability, with Dr Crawford’s PhD focused on how to increase the below ground input of carbon into soil under pastures. The benefit of this being improved soil fertility and soil structure and an increase in soil carbon sequestration, thus helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the best aspects of doing a collaborative PhD he remembers is being able to freely access people, knowledge and equipment between the CRCs partners as needed. Not only did this improve the quality of his research, it also gave him a wider perspective, especially in how his research would be used in agriculture.
Graduating in 1997, he left with three important things. First, a qualification as a scientist. Second, an excellent insight into the benefits of collaborative research. Third, a wide-reaching network that he is still a part of almost 25 years later.
Following this, Dr Crawford had a well-respected career in the Victorian public service as a scientist and research director. Even then, he says that he never really left CRCs, with his organisation often being partners or collaborating with various agricultural CRCs.
In 2017, Dr Crawford was appointed CEO of Soil CRC. As of today, the CRC has already produced some outstanding results in research and helped to facilitate the establishment of a bipartisan Parliamentary Friends of Soil group. One thing he is particularly focused on however, is facilitating his own CRC’s PhD students getting the best possible experience out of their time with the CRC.
Through ensuring that students are gaining experience beyond their own narrow theses, Dr Crawford is setting up his students to have multiple great career options and great networks post graduation.
His advice for students considering studying a collaborative or CRC PhD is simple. Take it, and take full advantage of the opportunity.
Looking at his own story, he can’t be more correct.
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Bidding for a CRC? Let us know
Bidding for a CRC or a CRC-P is a very competitive process. Not all bids make themselves known to the CRC Association 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.
Are you currently preparing for, or thinking about a CRC or a CRC-P bid in the current or a future round? The CRC Association is here to assist you, please get in touch with us here.
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DRILLING DATA UNLOCKS MINERAL POTENTIAL IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
The East Tennant area in the Northern Territory is set to become one of Australia’s most exciting exploration frontiers, according to the first release of data from the MinEx CRC National Drilling Initiative (NDI) campaign. The preliminary data, which is from 10 drill holes MinEx has drilled on the Barkly Tableland east of Tennant Creek, provides new insight into the mineral potential of this previously underexplored region of northern Australia.
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New explainer video series to inform natural hazards mitigation decisions
Emergency managers and policy makers have a new resource to help guide mitigation funding decisions. The explainer video series, which draws on Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC research at the University of Western Australia, begins with simple economic concepts and progresses through different principles across ten easy-to-follow lessons. The series covers types of economics analyses and their data requirements, how to evaluate mitigation options (including costs, benefits and value for money), how to integrate intangible values and how to account for uncertainty.
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Diversity and Inclusion in the Fire and Emergency sector
Research completed by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and Victoria University is highlighted in a new report describing the benefits, rationale and future of diversity and inclusion in the fire and emergency sector. Titled Gender balance in fire and emergency, going beyond ‘it’s the right thing to do’ – the case for change, the report was produced by Male Champions of Change in partnership with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council. It builds on CRC research about understanding what effective diversity and inclusion looks like in emergency management agencies, how this can be measured and ways for it to be more successfully implemented. This is a great example of the ways in which Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC research is successfully driving change in the sector.
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Energy Renaissance to deliver defence-grade cyberssecure Battery Management System with CSIRO and IMCRC
Energy Renaissance, an Australian lithium-ion battery manufacturer, announced that it will develop a defence-grade cybersecure Battery Management System (BMS) for its superStorage family of batteries that are to be manufactured in Tomago, NSW.
The A$1.46 million BMS project is jointly funded and developed by Energy Renaissance with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC). The BMS will monitor and report on the battery’s usage, lifespan and faults through a mobile network to Energy Renaissance and their customers. Communicating through an inverter, the system will enable secure real time data, analytics and remote management to drive down the risk of battery failure and operating costs for grid-scale energy storage users.
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What’s it like to go for a spin in a driverless car?
More than 60 people have test driven Australia's most advanced cooperative and automated car – ZOE2. During March, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and QUT invited a few people to see the car in action.
The study is investigating public participants’ experiences behind the wheel of a cooperative and (highly) automated vehicle (CAV). The goal of the study is to explore participants’ interactions with the vehicle while in automated mode as well as the transition (handover) between manual and automated mode and vice versa.
Participants each undertook a 30-minute drive in ZOE2. During the 30 minutes they moved between fully automated driving, and the participant taking and giving back control of the vehicle.
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Testing of Australia’s current gas network pipes for use with hydrogen is now a reality
Thanks to Deakin University and Future Fuels CRC’s research project RP3.1-07 Hydrogen test bed – plastic pipe network. The testing of Australia’s current gas network pipes for use with hydrogen is now a reality.
Hydrogen is one pathway to enable Australia’s energy sector to adapt its infrastructure to net zero emissions fuels, and Future Fuels CRC is providing the new knowledge and facilitating its use by industry to make this happen
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Industrialised Building and the education of future professionals
Sustainability. Affordability. Quality. Demand. These are just some of the challenges facing today’s construction industry. They are also things that need to change for the industry to succeed in the future. A closer look at Industrialised Building and undergraduate education within Building 4.0 CRC shows that it will play a major role.
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Mapping Australia’s gas regulations enables future hydrogen and biomethane industry
Future Fuels CRC has released a full report and database of regulations to share exactly how Australia’s current gas regulations can be modernised to enable hydrogen, biomethane and other potential future fuels.
This research thoroughly assessed Australia’s current regulatory framework to identify the regulations that will require modernisation to facilitate the use of future fuels within Australia’s energy networks and align them with the goals of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy. This study builds on the initial work completed as part of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy and creates a comprehensive regulatory map of relevant legislation across the natural gas production and supply chain which may be impacted by the addition of future fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane.
The research was delivered by RMIT, University of Sydney and GPA Engineering supported by our industry and government participants APA, APGA, ATCO, AusNet Services, ENA, Energy Safe Victoria, Jemena and the South Australian Government.
The study’s report summarises the key issues and the direction of possible solutions. The study also created a database that holds details of legislation by state and territory, as well as Commonwealth legislation and applicable Australian standards. The database is designed to be readily updated as these regulations continue to evolve.
The Australian energy industry and regulators benefit from this study by ensuring that any regulatory changes required for future fuels are identified early so that appropriate regulatory changes can be initiated and delivered. These changes will enable the many highly-regulated pilot projects happening across Australia to expand and develop under a modernised and effective regulatory environment.
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After the pandemic: Improving Sydney metro freight logistics
This study will develop and evaluate practical, viable and effective initiatives for improving the deliveries within the Sydney metropolitan area in the COVID and post COVID periods.
Increased working from home as well as growth in shopping and entertainment in local areas resulting from COVID-19 has changed demand patterns and hence goods distribution patterns in Sydney’s metropolitan area. This creates the need to implement new initiatives for improving the efficiency and sustainability of goods transport across the city.
A greater understanding of current distribution operations and networks is required to identify initiatives that are likely to improve the performance of deliveries.
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Autism CRC receives $6 million investment from ILC grant
Autism CRC is to receive $6 million for two major projects to help improve health services and education and employment outcomes for autistic Australians under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program. This grant was announced by then Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Anne Ruston, and then Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert.
Autism CRC will work closely with many parties to deliver these projects, including numerous organisations already within our CRC network. We will again use the national stakeholder collaborative project model that has underpinned our CRC Program work. These two projects will build upon and deepen the impact of some major assets successfully delivered under the CRC Program.
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The VR/AR advantage: real-time training and support for Australia’s Fluid Power Industry
A new research collaboration between HYDAC Australia, Deakin University, and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC) will see immersive reality experts develop a virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) training solution that will teach and guide maintenance staff and trainees in real-time how to safely service and maintain important hydraulics systems and components.
HYDAC Australia, a global leader in hydraulics and automation control solutions, engaged Deakin Motion Lab last year to design and build a virtual training environment that would enable them to engage, educate and instruct trainees working with HYDAC products anywhere.
Building on Deakin University’s previous work, this 12-month IMCRC co-funded research project focuses on enhancing the features and functionality – 3D content generation, product visualisation and user interaction – of the current prototype to accelerate the commercialisation of HYDAC’s overall VR/AR training solution.
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A directory of opportunities
Through Building 4.0 CRC, our partners have access to a wealth of research expertise across a wide range of disciplines and research areas. And through its new Research Capacity directory, the CRC has begun an initiative aimed at off-setting the pandemic's isolating effects, attempting to make this “match-making” function better than ever…
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Q-smart: A New Idea for Quarantine
New, fast moving strains of coronavirus are calling for Victoria’s quarantine program to be further strengthened. In collaboration with partner Lendlease Digital and industrial technology giants, Siemens, Building 4.0 CRC has brought new thinking to the table – submitting a proposal to the government for Q_smart: a healthy, connected and flexible quarantine solution.
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Game changing appointment for Australian Space R&D
Australia’s rapidly emerging space sector has received a major boost with the appointment of a leading Aerospace Engineer previously involved in high profile NASA space missions including the recent rover landing on Mars.
In a move that will substantially strengthen Australia’s space sector, Dr Carl Seubert, a Senior Aerospace Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been appointed as the Chief Research Officer at SmartSat CRC.
Dr Seubert’s appointment will accelerate SmartSat’s R&D program by driving innovation in the space sector and bolstering collaboration between Australian companies and global space organisations.
He has been a key figure in high profile NASA missions including the Perseverance rover landing on Mars in February. Dr Seubert’s expertise and leadership will turbocharge Australia’s space capability as it strives to become a leading player in space exploration.
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Soil CRC announces Penelope Wensley as new Patron
The Soil CRC has announced the National Soils Advocate, the Honourable Penelope Wensley AC, as its new Patron. The announcement was made at the Soil CRC Participants Meeting held online on 24 March and attended by close to 200 participants of the CRC.
Penny Wensley follows in the footsteps of the former National Soils Advocate and inaugural Soil CRC Patron, the late Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd).
The late Major General the Hon Michael Jeffery played an important role in 2016 in ensuring the Soil CRC bid was successful. He acted as an advisor to the bid team and was a critical part of the team that presented verbally to the assessment panel. As Patron, he continued to promote the objectives and capabilities of the CRC, whilst also providing valuable input to its directions and activities.
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Join us in April for our Autism Month webinar series
Our collaborative network of researchers and experts are back for another series of webinars to celebrate Autism Month 2021. With more than six years of research and development behind us there is so much to talk about. Join us as we share the latest research, resources and outputs for autistic people across the lifespan and across the spectrum. This year’s webinars include:
· Launch of the Australian Autism Research Council 2020-21 Research Priority Update
· Writing and transitions
· Health, assessment and diagnosis
· Interventions for children on the autism spectrum
· Autism at work
· Autistic scholars panel
All webinars are free and include live Q&A sessions.
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CRC ORE Annual Assembly 2021
Registration is now open for the CRC ORE Annual Assembly 2021. This is the final showcase event to be held by CRC ORE and it is a one day event, not to be missed.
Concluding operations this year, CRC ORE will take the opportunity to share details on outcomes achieved and lessons learned while focusing on our Assembly theme of Innovation Delivered.
Keynote speaker Professor Robin Batterham, Kernot Professor of Engineering at The University of Melbourne, will deliver a presentation on 'Innovating yesterday, today and tomorrow'.
The Annual Assembly 2021 presenter line up also features leaders from across CRC ORE's Essential Participant group who will provide insights on industry issues and discuss their experiences on CRC ORE projects and site implementation studies.
Join Participants and industry leaders in Brisbane in the Grand Rooms at The Calile Hotel on Wednesday 12 May 2021, from 8:30am to 4.30pm AEST, followed by canapes to 6:30pm.
Register now to secure your place at #AnnualAssembly21: https://crcore.org.au/annualassembly2021
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Australasian Honey Bee Conference 2021
The CRC for Honey Bee Products is working with the Bee Industry Council of Western Australia (BICWA) to host the Australasian Honey Bee Conference 2021 (Perth, 30th June to 1st July).
This conference will bring beekeepers and researchers together under the theme of ‘Better bees, better business’. With the growing interest in honey bees, as well as the changing landscape, it’s more important than ever for beekeepers, researchers and honey bee enthusiasts to unite.
Parts of the conference will be live-streamed, and there will also be workshops and tours before and after the conference.
We believe this will be the biggest showcase of honey bee research in Australasia and invite everyone with an interest in honey bees to join.
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Collaborate Innovate 2021 is scheduled to take place from 9th to 11th of August in Canberra. We are optimistic that the vaccine role out will be well underway allowing us to meet in person and are looking to offer a hybrid conference for those who are not able to travel and attend in person.
The conference is a valuable learning and networking opportunity that should not be missed.
An updated program will be announced soon.
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Jobs, Fellowships & Scholarships
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Building 4.0 CRC
Industry Manager (Full-time, fractional appointments considered)
Building 4.0 CRC is seeking a full-time Industry Manager to ensure that our industry partners obtain value from the CRC. Responsibilities include developing research projects, identifying commercial opportunities and likely partners, negotiating contracts, managing legal and intellectual property matters, and embodying the central conduit between the CRC and its industry stakeholders. This is a Melbourne-based position with occasional interstate travel. We’re looking to appoint as soon as possible.
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CRC TiME
Research Director
As the CRC TiME Research Director you will lead the development and execution of research that aims to address complex challenges underpinning mine closure and relinquishment. Your role is critical in building and fostering relationships with our key stakeholders and partners, building projects that effectively use the leading research capability from across the CRC partnership and will provide strategic advice on the prioritisation of research within a collaborative framework. Driving high quality research outcomes, the Research Director will ensure effective planning and management of long term research projects, including assessing and determining the direction and quality of the research and delivery models that enable high impact research and commercial integration.
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This Food Agility Industry Postgraduate Program research project aims to build on an environmental dataset from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) and initial quantitative analysis conducted as part of a previous Food Agility project, Valuing the Environment in Viticulture, to understand the relationships between self-reported management actions, production and resource use metrics, profitability and long-term resilience.
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