Four Curtin University researchers have been granted Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships to do research focused on new ways of addressing 21st Century challenges.
The four fellowships, totalling more than $2.85 million, are among 10 awarded to Western Australian universities, and 209 awarded to universities Australia-wide in 2012.
Professor Graeme Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development, said the grants were a strong indication of how internationally significant research carried out by Curtin University was contributing towards making tomorrow better.
“This funding builds on the quality work already carried out by our researchers, and includes research into improving the viability of renewable energy, and resolving key geological questions,” Professor Wright said.
“These projects will strengthen the work of researchers who have a bright future in solving problems and making discoveries that may improve the lives of all Australians.”
The Curtin University projects awarded ARC Future Fellowships are:
• Associate Professor Shaomin Liu received $822,856 to work to improve the viability of clean energy technology by investigating novel carbon dioxide tolerant ceramic membranes for oxygen separation.
• Professor Nigel Marks received $802,356 to look into transforming carbon onions into nanodiamond which could lead to a new technology for making diamond coatings and insight into how nanodiamonds form in space.
• Senior Research Fellow Dr Katy Evans received $682,146 to investigate subduction of elements with variable oxidation state. Her research will use studies of elements with variable oxidation states, including iron, carbon and sulphur to resolve key geological questions.
• Senior Lecturer Dr Lorenzo Ntogramatzidis received $545,528 to study a geometric theory for modern optimisation problems in control and estimation.
The Future Fellowships scheme began in 2009, to increase the opportunities for highly qualified mid-career researchers to work in Australia, rather than being attracted to overseas research organisations.
Contact:
Megan Meates, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 755, Email: megan.meates@curtin.edu.au
