UNSW outperforms in Linkage grants

UNSW Science has helped UNSW outperform every other university in the country to receive $10.5 million for industry-based collaborative research projects in the latest funding round from the Australian Research Council (ARC).

Thirty UNSW projects received support – the highest number nationally – in the Linkage Project scheme, which teams university researchers with industry, business and community partners to forge innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems.

The UNSW winners were among 251 projects that received more than $88 million over the next four years in the funding round, announced by Minister for Education Christopher Pyne. Under the scheme, industry partners must also make a significant cash and/or in-kind contribution to their projects.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Les Field said: “This is a great result for UNSW – the Linkage program reflects our strong engagement with industry and with the end-users of our research".

"The successful projects come from across the University and these grants will support research into industry-relevant problems as well as translate good UNSW innovations into the community where they can be of real use,” he said.

UNSW Science winners include:

$450,000 to a team led by Professor Mark Willcox to study lipids in the tear film layer that covers the eye in collaboration with Allergan Inc

$400,000 to a team led by Professor Brett Neilan to study toxin production by cyanobacteria and algae that live in water supplies in collaboration with Diagnostic technology Pty Ltd

$390,000 to a team led by Dr Lisa Williams to study the psychological factors influencing blood donation in collaboration with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service

$380,000 to a team led by Dr Katherine Dafforn to study the design of artificial structures in marine environments in collaboration with NSW Fisheries and Lend Lease Pty Ltd

$310,000 to a team led by Professor Emma Johnston to study the impact of recreational boating facilities on the environment in collaboration with Transport for NSW

For a full rundown of the ARC Linkage Project winners, go to the ARC website.

Media contacts:

Steve Offner, UNSW Media, 02 9385 1583.
Deborah Smith, UNSW Science: 9385 7307, 0478 492 060, deborah.smith@unsw.edu.au