Archived News for Research Sector Professionals
A new centrifuge at the University of New South Wales Water Research Laboratory can act as an environmental “time machine”, allowing researchers to preview the long-term effects on groundwater aquifers of activities such as coal seam gas and longwall mining.
Researchers can use the centrifuge to study the movement of water and contaminants through clay layers, called aquitards, which often surround aquifers. By subjecting core samples of aquitards and “cap rocks” – rock which sits above some aquifers – to centrifuge testing, researchers can determine how much water or contaminant will move into or out of an aquifer once it is disturbed by drilling or pumping bores.
“It’s basically like a time machine – you speed up gravity about 300 times beyond normal and that in turn speeds up the response of the aquifer to events such as water extraction and dewatering,” said Professor Ian Acworth, Director of the Connected Waters Initiative (CWI) Research Centre at UNSW.
Research predicts significant increase in kidney disease
Research released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation are expected to increase significantly over the coming decade.
Computer technology to assist in brain repair
Research conducted by a Curtin University engineer promises to find the solution to many of the human brain’s most complex problems, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, autism and strokes.
ICES awards UWA professor
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has awarded its converted Prix d’Excellence to Professor Carlos M. Duarte, Director of the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute.
University of WA appoints new Chair in Biodiversity
Internationally renowned plant conservation biologist Professor Stephen Hopper FLS will be stepping down as director of the world heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK, to take up a new Chair in Biodiversity at The University of Western Australia.
Australia and New Zealand submit SKA proposal
Australia and New Zealand have submitted a joint proposal to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The official submission is a crucial step towards the goal of hosting the world’s most powerful radio telescope.
CQU headhunts research team
A team of up to 50 researchers and research students, led by internationally renowned sleep researcher Drew Dawson, has left the University of South Australia to join Central Queensland University (CQU).
VU researchers receive $2.7 million for desalination projects
Victorian University researchers have been awarded $2.7 million in grants from the Federal Government and industry partners for three desalination projects.
Research grant to help stroke victims
Researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Institute are conducting research on how to assist stroke victims repair swallowing functions, which brake down in more than 50 per cent of patients.
Investment boosts wheat research
Research into wheat species diversification has received a major boost after the signing of an equity investment in HRZ Wheats Pty Ltd by one of the nation’s leading agricultural disease and pest control companies, Dow AgroSciences Australia Ltd.
Research finds forest logging increases risk of mega fires
Logging in Victoria’s mountain ash forests is increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires, according to an expert from The Australian National University.
Oil and gas research centre launched in NT
Construction of a new oil and gas research facility has begun in the Northern Territory.
SciVerse Scopus to be Citation Provider for ERA 2012
Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer, Professor Margaret Sheil, announced Elsevier’s SciVerse Scopus as the successful tenderer to provide citation information for the next round of the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative.
“ERA is a world-class research evaluation initiative based on a combination of expert review and indicators of research excellence,” said Professor Sheil.
“As citation analysis is one of the indicators used in ERA, it is crucial to appoint a suitable citation provider. Citation analysis is a widely recognised bibliometric tool for assessing the quality of scholarly research.”
Scopus provided the citation information for the 2009 ERA trial and the first full ERA exercise in 2010, which was the first ever comprehensive assessment of the research effort of Australia’s universities.
“In its continuing role as citation provider for ERA 2012, Scopus will help ensure the collection and analysis of citation data for ERA is accurate and not onerous for universities.
“The ARC welcomes our continued partnership with SciVerse Scopus, and acknowledges the strong business commitment that they have shown throughout the evolution of ERA.”
The ERA 2012 evaluation will open for submissions in March 2012. For more information visit the Excellence in Research for Australia initiative page.
Australia, Singapore pledge commitment to further scientific collaboration
Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote exchange between the two countries in the areas of health and medical research.
Oral Health CRC launched
The Federal Government has launched the new Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).
Eureka award winners announced
The Australian Museum has presented this year's Eureka Prizes, recognising the country's top scientific researchers & innovators, science leaders, and leaders in school science and science journalism & communication.
Medical research funding in NSW budget
The New South Wales State Budget has outlined $105.6 million for medical research in the 2011-12 financial year.
Water research collaboration expanded
A collaborative research body aimed at improving sustainability practices of water use in the fringes of Australia's largest cities has been expanded.
Government to hold information sessions on R&D credit system
The Federal Government is holding a series of information sessions to explain the processes and accessibility of new R&D Tax Incentive.
United States - Australia Solar Energy Collaboration Special Research Initiative - Request for comment
The Australia Solar Institute is interested in receiving feedback from the Australian solar research community in relation to a proposed Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) funded initially under the auspices of the United States – Australia Solar Energy Collaboration (USASEC).
Desalination research centre opens
Australia's first desalination research facility has opened in Rockingham, Western Australia, as a joint venture between State and Federal Governments, and participating research organisations.