About The Wark
The Ian Wark Research Institute
(The Wark) was founded in 1994 and is one of the key research concentrations in the University of South
Australia (UniSA). Named in recognition
of eminent Australian scientist Sir Ian William
Wark, The Wark has
established a reputation for solving complex industry problems through
the application of excellent science and technology.
The Wark holds a unique position in the Australian research scene as the
government-sponsored Australian Research Council (ARC) Special Research
Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces. This status was awarded to
The Wark by the ARC in October 1999. It is also now the
headquarters of the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute
(AMSRI), a
virtual institute embracing outstanding research teams at UniSA, the
University of Melbourne, the University of Newcastle and the University of
Queensland.
The Wark is unusual in its creative and flexible approach to research and development, where a mixture of fundamental and applied research is conducted across a wide range of project areas. Research in The Wark embraces bio and polymer interfaces, colloids and nanostructures, materials and environmental surface science and minerals processing. Some of The Wark's research work is aimed at improving existing processes in industry whilst other efforts lead to new technologies.
A major function of the Institute is the education of graduate students and The Wark has a highly prized international reputation in postgraduate education with an outstanding graduate employment record. Currently, there are approximately sixty research students in The Wark who work with research staff, ranging from junior to senior personnel. The research students and staff are, together, supported by a strong administrative team.