October 30, 2025
Australian Research Council awards $7.8 million for innovative UOW-led projects
榴莲视频app of 榴莲视频app researchers awarded national funding for health, AI, climate science and sustainable technology projects
The 榴莲视频app of 榴莲视频app (UOW) has secured $7.8 million in funding through the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Projects and Linkage Projects schemes, supporting breakthrough investigations across health, climate science, engineering, archaeology and artificial intelligence.
The projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of UOW’s research excellence – from decoding DNA repair mechanisms and child brain development to advancing renewable energy technologies and uncovering the deep history of Australia’s coastlines.
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Sustainable Futures) Dr Paul Di Pietro said the projects reflected UOW’s strengths in innovative, interdisciplinary research with real-world impact.
“These awards show how UOW researchers are tackling some of the most complex scientific, environmental and social challenges of our time,” Dr Di Pietro said.
“They reflect our commitment to research and innovation excellence and impact, building interdisciplinary teams, deepening partnerships and translating discovery into outcomes that strengthen communities and create a more sustainable future.”
ARC Discovery Projects
Mapping the growing brain, $670,043, Associate Professor Mark Schira
Developing the first high-resolution MRI atlas of the developing child brain to advance neuroscience, health and educational research.
Smart bandages powered by batteries, $606,543, Professor Caiyun Wang
Creating a next-generation bio-battery patch that enhances wound healing and biocompatibility, paving the way for new medical devices.
Faster AI for real-world decisions, $607,109, Professor Sumeetpal Singh
Using advanced AI models to dramatically speed up complex probability calculations, with applications in bushfire detection and other decision systems.
Cracking the code of DNA repair, $1,195,877, Associate Professor Gokhan Tolun
Exploring how cells repair DNA damage, with implications for improved gene-editing precision and future cancer and antibacterial therapies.
Smarter homes for a cleaner energy future, $450,000, Professor Zhenjun Ma
Creating digital tools to help households reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and contribute to Australia’s clean energy transition.
Tracking flu through wastewater, $664,572, Associate Professor Guangming Jiang
Building on COVID-19 wastewater surveillance to develop better early-warning systems for seasonal influenza outbreaks.
Greener, smoother train travel, $634,992, Professor Haiping Du
Developing new railway suspension systems that reduce vibration, energy use and environmental impact while improving passenger comfort.
Mangroves, climate and coastline resilience, $681,778, Professor Kerrylee Rogers
Investigating mangrove resilience, Indigenous knowledge and blue carbon to support coastal climate adaptation and conservation.
Ancient trade networks and climate change, $741,226, Professor Alexander Mackay
Revealing how prehistoric human societies used exchange networks to adapt to extreme climate change after the last Ice Age.
New magnetic materials for smarter tech, $586,713, Professor Zhenxiang Cheng
Pioneering new materials to revolutionise data storage and energy efficiency in next-generation computing.
Lighting the way to greener chemistry, $664,083, Dr Sinead Keaveney
Designing new analytical tools to accelerate discovery in photoactivated chemical reactions and sustainable synthesis.
ARC Linkage Project
In addition to his Discovery Project success, Professor Haiping Du received an ARC Linkage Project grant for research that will help transform the future of rail transport through real-world collaboration with industry.
Smarter, safer trains through next-generation control systems, $289,519, Professor Haiping Du
Working with leading transport and manufacturing organisations to develop advanced controls and systems to make train travel safer, more energy-efficient and more comfortable.