A total of 25 mid-career researchers are gearing up to collaborate with industry partners as they embark on a diverse range of projects funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC).
These projects span various fields, including the development of hybrid rail and belt conveying technology, recycling rare earth elements, and creating innovative digital platforms for individuals with disabilities, the government said in a media release.
Dr Richard Johnson, the ARC Acting CEO, emphasized the significance of the Mid-Career Industry Fellowships Program in fostering research collaboration, translation, and commercialization outcomes across different industry sectors.
“In its second year, the Industry Fellowships Program aims to facilitate the establishment of academic researchers’ careers in industry settings and vice versa.”
“This initiative fosters two-way mobility and skill-building, ultimately driving impactful outcomes for both academia and industry,” stated Dr Johnson.
Under the ARC Linkage Program scheme, a total of $25.7 million has been allocated for 25 Mid-Career Industry Fellowships.
Some notable projects include the University of Queensland’s initiative to monitor illicit vaping and tobacco use through wastewater analysis, a crucial initiative for public health and law enforcement agencies.
Monash University’s project seeks to advance the teaching of Auslan sign language, while Flinders University focuses on sustainable groundwater management to safeguard Australia’s water resources.
Importantly, this year marks a significant change in the ARC’s evaluation process, with all applicants, successful or not, receiving detailed feedback on their proposals.
This transparency aims to provide valuable insights for researchers and improve future grant applications.
For further details on the awarded Mid-Career Industry Fellowships and additional information on the Industry Fellowships Program, interested parties are encouraged to visit the ARC website.
