Three University of Sydney researchers from the Faculty of Engineering have secured over $1.5 million in Early Career Industry Fellowships from the Australian Research Council (ARC). 

The ARC Early-Career Industry Fellowships scheme offers the opportunity for early career researchers to collaborate with industry partners, which is crucial to ensuring Australia’s capability in addressing industry-identified challenges. 

In addition, two academics have secured over $2.1 million in Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. 

The ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowships scheme aims to support mid-career researchers to strengthen their industry collaboration skills, helping to enhance Australia’s research capability and deliver significant, actionable outcomes for industry partners and research end-users. 

“Congratulations to our outstanding researchers and their industry partners who have been recognised by the Australian Research Council with the award of these prestigious fellowships,” said Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Julie Cairney. 

“The ARC’s fellowship schemes have been a really important part of our discovery and innovation ecosystem in Australia. They invest in our best talent and recognise that the highest quality research and most impactful collaborations take time to carry out. 

“I’m thrilled our early and mid-career colleagues receive this fantastic boost to their careers, and we’re excited to host these excellent research programs here at the University of Sydney.” 

• Dr Jiaquan Li, from the Faculty of Engineering, with Truwater Technologies Pty Ltd and Aquaticus Green Hydrogen Pty Ltd ($515,109). Investigating the development of a practical and viable technology for converting carbon dioxide (CO2), using green hydrogen to produce green methanol for energy and chemical applications. 
• Dr Litianyi Zhang, from the Faculty of Engineering, with Roobuck Pty Ltd ($510,109). Addressing the critical need for reliable, cost-effective wireless connectivity in Australia’s underground mining sector. 
• Dr Chunrong Zhao, from the Faculty of Engineering, with AMSL Aero Pty Ltd ($504,209). Investigating the development of a sorption heat exchanger for the Vertiia electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. 

• Associate Professor Michelle Villeneuve, from the Faculty of Medicine and Health, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Australian Local Government Association Ltd, the Australian Community Industry Alliance Ltd, National Disability Services Ltd, the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and the National Emergency Management Agency ($951,717). A people-centred decision system for community-led emergency preparedness, developing an integrated, data-informed decision system to enhance emergency planning and responses for people with disability. 
• Dr Clara Tran, from the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Sydney Nano Institute, with Culturon Pty Ltd and Kleimac Pty Ltd ($1,181,797). Development of progesterone biosensors for on-farm detection, developing portable health monitoring tools for real-time measurement of hormones in fluids from cattle.