The University of Sydney has been awarded funding for four collaborative research projects aimed at addressing pressing national challenges. These grants come from the Australian Research Council (ARC) under its Linkage Projects scheme, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships between researchers and industry stakeholders.
Professor Julie Cairney, the interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), expressed her congratulations to the grant recipients. “The ARC Linkage scheme recognizes the power of collaboration between researchers and the end users of their research in government, industry, or the community to address the challenges facing Australia and the world,” stated Professor Cairney. “These four projects will be crucial to Australia”s transition to green fuels and better outcomes for Australian workers, demonstrating the University of Sydney”s commitment to research that contributes to the common good.”
Research Projects Overview
The first project, led by Associate Professor Stephen Clibborn from the Business School, collaborates with the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman. This initiative aims to combat wage theft by analyzing the benefits and obstacles of collaboration among the labour regulator, worker representatives, and businesses. The team anticipates generating insights into enhancing employer compliance through innovative research methods embedded in a new state regulation initiative regarding wage laws. The expected outcome is improved compliance with wage laws, which will benefit state labour regulators, workers, businesses, and the legal framework.
The second project, directed by Professor Rae Cooper from the University of Sydney Business School, involves partnerships with multiple organizations, including the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and the Electrical Trades Union of Australia. This research will explore how early-career experiences impact the career intentions of workers in frontline occupations. The project aims to address issues such as poor working conditions and persistent labour shortages that hinder Australia”s economic productivity. By studying various occupations characterized by different gender compositions, the project seeks to provide evidence-based strategies for improving job quality and retention in these sectors.
Innovative Solutions for Green Energy
A third project, led by Professor Jun Huang from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, aims to develop nanostructured catalysts for converting carbon dioxide into synthetic methane, a green fuel. Collaborating with Seagull Cooling Technologies Asia Pacific and Jneutech Pty Ltd, this project targets the efficient production of green synthetic methane while utilizing existing liquefied natural gas infrastructure. Success could significantly advance Australia”s carbon neutrality goals and promote a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Finally, Professor Simon Ringer from the School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering leads a project focused on understanding hydrogen embrittlement (HE), a critical issue affecting safe hydrogen storage and transport. Collaborating with Kobe Steel and Carl Zeiss, this initiative will employ advanced microscopy techniques to study crack initiation and materials interactions with hydrogen. The aim is to design high-strength martensitic steels resistant to HE through a simulation-guided alloy design approach.
These projects reflect the University of Sydney”s commitment to addressing national and global challenges through innovative research and collaboration with industry partners.
