Driving discovery: UNSW receives $70m for two Centres of Excellence

Two new national research centres will unite leading experts to tackle challenges in ocean sustainability and quantum computing – areas critical to Australia’s future prosperity.

UNSW Sydney has been awarded $70 million by the Australian Research Council (ARC) to establish two Centres of Excellence, reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in transformative research.

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Our Future Oceans, led by Scientia Professor Matthew England, has received $35 million to investigate and manage rapidly changing ocean systems. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration, led by Scientia Professor Andrea Morello, also secured $35 million to overcome key scientific barriers to creating scalable, reliable quantum computers.

UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise), Professor Bronwyn Fox, congratulated the academics involved. “This is an exceptional achievement for UNSW and a powerful reflection of the extraordinary talent and dedication of our researchers,” Prof. Fox said.

“ARC Centres of Excellence unite the nation’s most brilliant minds to tackle the most pressing and complex challenges of our time. From breakthroughs in quantum technologies to deepening our understanding of our rapidly changing oceans, these Centres will push the boundaries of knowledge, strengthen partnerships with industry and other universities and deliver transformative research that helps secure a more resilient, innovative and prosperous future for Australia.”

Advancing knowledge for ocean sustainability

Oceans are changing at an accelerated pace, with costly impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities worldwide. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Our Future Oceans will bring together Australia’s leading ocean science and engineering communities to harness new and emerging technologies that address these challenges.

The Centre will comprehensively determine how oceans are changing, now and in the future, and develop solutions to promote ocean sustainability and a thriving blue economy.

Scientia Professor Matthew England said he was delighted to be awarded ARC funding. “This is the culmination of years of hard work and strategic planning from my outstanding team of chief investigators, alongside fantastic support from UNSW,” Prof. England said.

“Australia’s oceans are changing at an unprecedented rate, with marine heat waves, sea level rise, ocean acidification and toxic algal blooms all having a detrimental impact on our marine environment. Our Centre will generate new knowledge and new high-resolution ocean projections to help our marine communities and industries best prepare for the upcoming change.

“Our oceans are fundamental to Australia’s national interests – with this support from the ARC, alongside our partnerships with government, industry, and communities, we will help deliver the science needed to best protect our vital marine estate.”

Breaking barriers to reliable quantum computing

Quantum computing is set to revolutionise industries worldwide, with the global market projected to contribute more than $1 trillion to the economy over the next decade. The technology has the potential to dramatically speed up problem solving and strategic decision making across a broad range of fields, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, materials, energy and national security. However, existing quantum computers are still too error-prone and expensive for broad-scale use.

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration will address the key challenges that currently limit the development of viable quantum computers. It will serve as a major national research hub, enabling workforce growth and strengthening Australia’s leadership in quantum technologies.

Scientia Professor Andrea Morello said the ARC investment would support practical solutions to secure Australia’s position in the global quantum race.

“When we prepared the bid for the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration (QPI), we took an honest look at what needs to be done and what we have the capacity to do to make quantum computers a reality,” Prof. Morello said.

“We proposed an ambitious but realistic research program, and we assembled a stellar team, focusing on young and emerging talent, to future-proof Australia's place in the global quantum race. We are delighted to have been granted the opportunity and the responsibility to help bring quantum computing to fruition in Australia.”

Research to transform Australia’s future

The two UNSW Centres are among eight announced in the latest round of ARC funding. UNSW researchers are also involved in the Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels led by the University of Wollongong and the Centre of Excellence for Quality Work in a Digital Age led by Curtin University.

The ARC Centres of Excellence Program supports high quality groups of researchers working in areas of national and international importance for Australia. ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the Centres reflected the nation’s commitment to research that makes a difference.

“In these Centres, we see the value of bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives to address the complex challenges of our time,” she said.

“Their work will not only advance knowledge, but also strengthen our communities, inform public policy and help shape a more resilient and prosperous Australia. This investment is about fostering collaboration and ensuring that research serves the public good, now and into the future.”

Read more about the latest ARC Centres of Excellence here.