Australian researchers are urged to begin a range of research projects including finding innovative ways to develop resilient supply chains to better assist the economy, following today’s announcement of Australian Research Council (ARC)-funded Linkage Projects.
In a media release, 57 successful innovative research initiatives totalling more than $28 million have been awarded under the ARC Linkage Projects scheme.
Aside from assisting the Australian economy, the projects are also aimed to reconnect Warlpiri communities with past documentation and recordings of their cultural heritage.
Judi Zielke, chief executive officer of the ARC, stated that the ARC Linkage Projects scheme encourages Australian researchers to cooperate with industry partners and community organisations to develop practical solutions in industry settings.
“For example, one of the ARC’s Linkage Projects awarded today comprises researchers working with Surf Life Saving Australia to develop a smartphone rip-detection tool and an online education game to help reduce the number of drownings in rips at Australian beaches each year,” Zielke noted.
The ARC CEO added that another team is working with Qantas Airways to create and test solutions to combat jet lag in order to directly influence operations for extremely long flights, increase passenger alertness and sleep quality, and lower the risk of accidents caused by exhaustion.
Southern Cross University received a grant of $303,617 that will conduct research to promote awareness and the diversity and number of people on the Australian Organ Donor Register in order to help meet Australia’s rising demand for organ transplants.
The University of Newcastle clinched $506,031 to promote greater environmental responsibility by increasing understanding and awareness of vulnerable species in Australian communities.
In partnership with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the National Archives of Australia, Macquarie University, which received $362,322, is set to unearth and analyse records relating to listeners and viewers over the broadcaster’s first 50 years.
Meanwhile, Griffith University garnered $507,466 to fund its project that will investigate robotic assistance for precise and painless dentistry using units installed at health centres and aged-care facilities.
Griffith’s goal is to improve oral healthcare for the Australian community and facilitate access in remote and rural areas.
For more information on the ARC Linkage Projects, please visit the ARC website.
