UNSW secures five Australian Research Council Linkage Grants of more than $3.5 million

Study in Australia: Researchers from the faculties of Engineering, Science, and Arts, Design & Architecture at UNSW Sydney have received more than $3.5 million to work with industry and government partners.

While congratulating the researchers, UNSW Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise (DVCR&E) Professor Merlin Crossley said, “ARC Linkage Projects play an important role in supporting national and international strategic research partnerships between researchers, industry and government. It’s wonderful to see five UNSW projects receive funding to develop work with their industry and government partners."

“From converting textile waste into new products to developing a wastewater process that operates with near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, our researchers will work with strategic partners to drive innovation for the benefit of all," added Prof. Crossley.

Australian Research Council Linkage Grants Details

Associate Professor Min Zheng from UNSW Engineering was awarded $1,464,484 to work with Western Australia Water Corporation and Melbourne Water Corporation on a zero-emission nitrogen removal process.

“Two major Australian water utilities, which together serve about one-fourth of the country's population, have pledged to adopt this process. This will help provide lasting economic, environmental and social benefits to Australian communities,” Assistant Prof. Zheng said.

Associate Professor David White from UNSW Science was awarded $861,170 to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to develop meta-expertise in facial recognition technology.

“Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) can protect Australian passports from identity fraud and improve identity management in society. However, to responsibly use AI, we need effective human oversight and there currently isn’t a clear definition of this role,” Assistant Prof. White said.

Dr Andrew Yip from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture was awarded funding of $504,292 for a project that will co-design Aboriginal Digital Museology Frameworks in the Southern Gulf. Dr Aron Michael from UNSW Engineering received $481,098 for a project that will work with Finisar Australia to develop next-generation optical switch engines.

Professor Alison Gwilt and Chief Investigator Dr Zoe Veness from Arts, Design & Architecture secured $220,473 for a project that aims to create a framework to turn waste clothing into new products.

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