Five Monash researchers have received a combined total of more than $2.95 million in the latest round of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects scheme.
The Linkage Projects scheme provides opportunities for Australian researchers to collaborate with industry partners and community organisations to innovate new solutions and secure commercial and other benefits of research.
The five Monash recipients are:
- Professor Huanting Wang – Faculty of Engineering
- Associate Professor Michelle Dunstone – Faculty of MNHS
- Associate Professor Natalie Trevaskis – Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dr Alexandra Pavlova – Faculty of Science
- Professor Douglas MacFarlane – Faculty of Science
Professor Huanting Wang was awarded $689,098 to develop advanced, protonic ceramic electrolysis cells to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production and carbon dioxide conversion using renewable energy.
Associate Professor Michelle Dunstone was awarded $411,960 to develop the application of protein nanopores to enable rapid, on-the-spot multiplex identification of DNA samples. This aims to improve current methods which are often slow and require DNA amplification and specialised laboratories.
Associate Professor Natalie Trevaskis was awarded $615,316 to design a roadmap of the required characteristics for lymphatic targeting, and to identify novel lipid nanoemulsions that work synergistically with lipid biomimetics to enhance lymphatic imaging.
Dr Alexandra Pavlova was awarded $724,622 to uncover how genome science can help preserve four endangered species, and develop innovative approaches that aid conservation decision-making and improved conservation training.
Professor Douglas MacFarlane was awarded $510,000 to design and test new high-performance electrolyte compositions with advanced thermal stabilising additives for safe, long-term battery operation. The project aims to develop sustainable large-scale energy storage technology to support the Australian energy sector with transitioning to renewables.
The partner organisations involved in the research projects include the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Woodside Energy Group and Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Rebekah Brown, said the ARC Linkage Projects scheme offers crucial opportunities for researchers to engage and collaborate with industry to further Monash's research impact.
"This round of funding across a broad range of projects reflects the breadth of research capabilities and the depth of talent we have at Monash. Congratulations to the researchers on this fantastic outcome."
