From anti-viral facemasks to developing safer protective clothing for motorcyclists, Deakin University’s Research Hub for Future Fibres’ groundbreaking work is set to continue with a $5 million grant from the Morrison Government.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said Deakin University is home to one of 16 research hubs and training centres around the country sharing in the latest round of grants from the $74 million Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP).
“Deakin’s Research Hub for Future Fibres, first launched in 2016, is helping to transform the Australian manufacturing industry by developing novel fibre technologies to facilitate more sustainable, advanced manufacturing of fibre materials and products,” Senator Henderson said.
“The Hub is host to important advances in medical procedures, such as human tissue engineering, through to safer clothing for activities like motorcycle racing and better, lighter and cheaper carbon fibre materials for the automotive sector.
“This funding will enable the teams to continue their groundbreaking research and development, from right here at Deakin’s Geelong campus,” Senator Henderson said.
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the ITRP projects will create stronger research and industry connections in areas including energy, biomedical technology and agriculture.
“These facilities will bring together our finest research minds and leading businesses to tackle the key strategic challenges facing our nation, our region and the world,” Minister Tudge said.
“They will ensure we are getting the most out of our world-class research while transferring that information into real-world outcomes that will help our post-COVID economic recovery and strengthen our nation.”
“The training centres will also equip our future generation of researchers by giving students and postdoctoral researchers practical skills and experience through industry placements.”
For more information on the program visit the Australian Research Council site here.
20 July 2021