This milestone includes 25 projects led by regional universities across Australia, highlighting the growing innovation in regional areas.
The program helps PhD students work closely with industry on research projects, building the skills they need to turn university research into practical and commercial outcomes. It also supports Australian industry by funding research that addresses real-world challenges, with a goal to support 1,300 industry PhDs by 2032.
Successful projects were awarded $13 million in funding for:
- 39 Industry Linked projects
- 39 Industry Research projects
Successful projects include the development of a quick test to detect bowel cancer, the use of new ceramic materials in electrolysers, batteries and fuel cells to support clean energy, and more allied health services in aged care homes to improve health and wellbeing for older residents.
Alicia is a PhD student at Flinders University who is working with industry partners Howard Chandler and Health First Systems to develop a quick test to detect bowel cancer risk to make screening easier and more accessible.
"We definitely couldn't do this project without the National Industry PhD Program. We do a lot of research in the clinical and academic space, but what we miss is the link to experts in the industry. This linkage is making a difference to projects as it gets them to the translation point," Alicia said.
"We will be working together to make a test that is suitable for people to use to look after their bowel health.
"The program creates that strong link between the university and industry partner. We were lucky to have established a relationship with industry early, but the program strengthens that connection. I'm able to have experts from the university as well as the industry experts to help me grow and continue this research."
To date, the program has invested more than $43 million in 265 projects.
To find about more about the program and successful projects, visit National Industry PhD Program.
