Four research teams from the University of Sydney have been awarded grants through the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Linkage Projects scheme. These grants will facilitate partnerships with industry to develop research-driven solutions addressing significant national challenges.
Professor Julie Cairney, interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), expressed her congratulations to the successful recipients. “The ARC Linkage scheme recognises the power of collaboration between researchers and the end users of their research in government, industry or the community to address the challenges facing Australia and the world,” said Professor Cairney. “These four projects will be crucial to Australia’s transition to green fuels and to better outcomes for Australian workers, demonstrating the University of Sydney’s commitment to research that contributes to the common good.”
Focus on Wage Compliance and Worker Conditions
One prominent project is led by Associate Professor Stephen Clibborn from the Business School, collaborating with the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman. This initiative seeks to combat widespread wage theft by exploring the benefits and challenges of cooperation among the labour regulator, businesses, and worker representatives. The research team anticipates generating new insights into enhancing employer compliance through innovative research designs. The expected outcomes aim to bolster the capacity of state labour regulators and provide significant benefits to workers and businesses alike.
Another project, under the guidance of Professor Rae Cooper, also from the University’s Business School, aims to investigate how early-career experiences shape the career intentions of workers in frontline occupations. This project partners with several organisations, including the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and the Electrical Trades Union of Australia. The research will focus on how poor working conditions, such as excessive workloads and harassment, contribute to labour shortages and reinforce gendered employment patterns. The findings are expected to offer evidence-based strategies to enhance job quality and safety, ultimately reducing turnover and strengthening workforce sustainability.
Advancements in Green Fuel Technology
In the field of sustainable energy, Professor Jun Huang leads a project within the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This initiative, in partnership with Seagull Cooling Technologies Asia Pacific and Jneutech Pty Ltd, aims to develop nanostructured catalysts for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into synthetic methane, a green fuel. The project seeks to leverage Australia’s existing liquefied natural gas infrastructure to facilitate the efficient delivery of green fuels, which could significantly advance the nation’s carbon neutrality goals.
Lastly, Professor Simon Ringer from the School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering is spearheading research focused on hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Collaborating with Kobe Steel and Carl Zeiss, this project addresses the critical safety concerns associated with hydrogen storage and transport. The team plans to advance the understanding of HE mechanisms and develop new high-strength martensitic steels resistant to this phenomenon. By employing advanced microscopy techniques, the research aims to improve safety measures in the emerging hydrogen economy.
These four research projects underscore the University of Sydney’s commitment to addressing pressing societal issues through innovative research and collaboration with industry partners, paving the way for transformative solutions in Australia.
