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Media Release

May 30 2008

UniSA a powerhouse of industry linked research


University of South Australia researchers have been successful in attracting more than $2.5 million in Australian Research Council funding for research partnered with the end-users of that research across industry, business and government.

Partner organisations complemented the funding to the tune of $3.5 million through cash and in-kind contributions.

In the latest round of ARC Linkage grants announced in Canberra this week 10 research projects across the University’s four divisions won funding for the next three years.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Høj congratulated all staff who assisted with and applied for grants in this round and noted that the annual research income of $45 million in 2007 is set to grow further in 2008.

“This result which placed UniSA 6th amongst Australia’s 40 Universities is an outstanding result and typifies the incredible growth in research income at UniSA over recent years,” Prof Høj said.

“These outcomes reflect UniSA’s commitment to vibrant and relevant research and to our engagement with the users of that research - in this case our partners in Linkage Grants who have pledged total in-kind and cash contributions of more than $3.5 million to these worthy research projects.”

UniSA ‘s successful linkage projects cover a wide range of topics.

Prof Doug Brooks has won support for research into the development of a gene delivery system to access neuronal cells which have direct significance in treating disorders involving mental retardation among others.

Two projects from Prof Leonie Segal have been successful - the development of an evidence-based primary health care model to support best practice in chronic disease management and also the development of an evidence-based strategy to reduce child abuse and neglect and associated harms.

Also in health, Dr Jim Dollman’s research will explore the factors that influence diet and exercise patterns and behaviours in children from low socio-economic neighbourhoods.

Prof Carol Kulik from the Division of Business won support for a project focusing on the relationship between management activities and practice in diverse workplace environments on organisational outcomes.

In Education Arts and Social Sciences Professor Bruce Johnson will examine the teacher exodus and just which factors influence the development of resilience in early career teachers so that we can better retain teachers.

In the Division of Information Technology Engineering and the Environment Assoc Prof Jon Kellett has been funded to develop a model to assess risks to sustainable development early in the planning process. The integrated model will take account of a range of factors including social.

Dr John Boland’s research is a future-focused examination of our power needs and the development of a scientific design of planned power grid architecture to efficiently integrate green and carbon emission efficient power sources as they come on board.

Assoc Prof Daniel Fornasiero from The Wark™ will be looking into what impact low quality water and recycled water on minerals processing practices in a bid to promote sustainable water usage in the mining industry.

Professor Michael Taylor will be working with colleagues to assess the potential of Adelaide's northern rail corridor to support more sustainable patterns of travel and to uncover the mix of land use policies and transport infrastructure and governance likely to be most effective in urban Australia. 

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