Eight researchers from the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (EAIT) have secured more than $3.6 million in the latest Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grants.
The funding supports nationally significant research and commercialisation projects which drive innovation and economic growth.
EAIT Investigator Grant Recipients
- Dr. Karl Bertling and his team from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science have secured more than $460,000 to advance the development of a quantum cascade scanner to identify biomarkers for early melanoma detection. This work aims to improve cancer survival rates, but also reduce overdiagnosis, minimise unnecessary treatments, and ultimately deliver better patient outcomes.
- Dr. Hima Haridevan from the School of Chemical Engineering was awarded more than $490,000 to develop eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic superabsorbent polymers for hydroseeding and hydromulch applications, enhancing soil moisture retention and erosion control.
- Associate Professor Ruth Knibbe from the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering received almost $200,000 for her work on printable zinc-ion batteries that aims to advance energy storage solutions for portable and wearable electronics. These batteries have potential applications in industries like consumer electronics and medical devices.
- Ms. Rachel Huang from the School of Chemical Engineering was awarded more than $289,000 for her work on sulphate-reducing bacteria to treat mining wastewater and recover valuable metals, improving the environmental sustainability of mining operations.
- Dr. Yuanshen Lu from the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering received almost $500,000 to research heat exchangers for supercritical carbon dioxide power conversion systems to improve energy efficiency and support sustainable power generation.
- Dr. Julius Motuzas from the School of Chemical Engineering received $366,000 to scale up pre-crystallisation technology for sustainable compound metal manufacturing. This aims to reduce waste and enhance production processes.
- Dr. Juliana Segura-Salazar from the Sustainable Minerals Institute received more than $316,000 to research manufacturing sand from ores (ore-sand) to reduce mineral waste and create eco-friendly construction materials, advancing the circular economy at the highest level of the waste hierarchy.
- Dr. Zhe Yang from the School of Chemical Engineering was awarded more than $450,000 to develop an ultra-efficient device for harvesting electricity from carbon dioxide potentially revolutionising carbon capture and energy production.
The AEA Ignite grants aim to boost investment in key sectors by focusing on adding value and developing skills that take advantage of Australia’s natural strengths, as outlined in the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (Priority Areas) Declaration 2023. EAIT researchers’ success in this highly competitive grant process highlights their important work to address global challenges in Australia's national priority areas, driving innovation and economic growth.
Read the full list of successful projects.
