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Case Studies on
Research Impact.
Real World Meaning with
Real World Impact
ATN.EDU.AU
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About this book The universities that make up the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) are the engine room of new ideas that will shape Australia’s prosperity for years to come. At the ATN, we believe that research is not simply an end in itself. It is the means to better outcomes for Australian society. Our Universities have a key focus on ensuring that the work they do has real world meaning with real world impact. That is why we place such importance on our collaboration and partnerships with industry. This publication shows that across ten separate industry sectors, the hard work of our academic staff is not just of a sufficient quality to gain publication in academic journals, but with the necessary practical benefit to make our kids smarter, ensure our economy is strong and that our health system is first class. Australian Technology Network of Universities 8/1 Geils Court Deakin ACT 2600 E: info@atn.edu.au T: +61 2 5105 6740 2 Follow us @ATNunis
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Index
6 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND TRANSPORT
7 Laser ablated car seat covers for safer and more effective airbag deployment
7 Building future automotive manufacturing capability for an automotive industry in Australia
8 Creating the technology for connected autonomous vehicles and driverless cars for economic,
environmental and health benefits
8 Building an integrated photonics capability for Australia
9 innovative driver advice systems save energy, improve safety, reduce wear and tear, and keep
trains running on time
9 Optimising automated vehicle technology – making Australia’s container ports more productive
10 CRIME AND CYBER SECURITY
11 Development and validation of new fingerprint detection techniques for a more effective law
enforcement and criminal justice system
11 iCetana: smart surveillance software a paradigm shift for public safety
12 opportunities for early intervention: Bringing perpetrators of family violence into view
12 Designing out crime
14 FOOD, WATER AND AGRIBUSINESS
15 community-centric approaches to increase water productivity and profitability of small-scale
irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan
15 Monitoring marine biotoxins to protect Australia’s multi-million dollar seafood industries
16 The brains behind Australia’s first full scale groundwater replenishment scheme
16 Reform, risk, reality: working with industry and government to transform water management during
Australia’s worst ever drought
17 Using social research to improve government policy and regulatory decision-making
17 From sewage to safe: a better approach to managing wastewater risk
18 MINING EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES (METS)
19 ARMIT sensors re-invent mineral discovery
19 Thirty year sustained impact for mineral processing – AMIRA P260 Flotation
20 A better understanding of groundwater quality leads to better risk assessment for unconventional gas
extraction
22 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, PHARMACEUTICALS AND HEALTH
23 Luminescent Material
23 achieving system change to improve health outcomes for rural Aboriginal Australians
24 Molecular diagnostics – revolutionising the detection and treatment of disease-causing parasites
24 healthier, safer and more productive workplaces: Minimising the costs of work stress
25 Transforming the health care workforce in PNG for maternal and child health
25 Beating big tobacco: a 40 year crusade
26 Enhancing Australia’s capability to care for cancer patients
26 A pressure-casting system for prosthesis in remote and under-developed regions
27 Data-driven quality management of medicines improves patient outcomes and lowers healthcare
costs
27 Accelerating drug development for health and economic benefits
28 Statistical science to support evidence-based decision making – a trial of vein visualisation
technology for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
28 Genomic mapping technologies lead to faster diagnosis and targeted treatment for rare diseases and
cancers
29 Transforming government communications policies and practices in Australia and the UK to improve
engagement with citizens
29 A problem shared: addressing vicarious trauma in the interpreting industry
30 What type of drinker are you? Classifying drinker types to curb harmful habits
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32 BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
33 The robotic future of abrasive blast cleaning – keeping maintenance workers safe
33 The carbon-positive living lab: White Gum Valley
34 Sharing responsibility for a safer construction industry: advancing a national priority
34 low carbon living: making the desirable possible
35 Energy efficient materials and performance evaluations for buildings
35 Modelling of surface coating contributes to an innovative steel product
36 Evidence-based management of community buildings
38 EDUCATION
39 Technology-enhanced learning to improve and increase the use of digital technologies in school
education
39 Effective School Improvement Program: Measuring the pulse of Aussie classrooms
40 An effective strategy for improving multiplicative thinking in school students
40 Aussie Optimism: The positivity program that’s helping Aussie kids help themselves
41 Seeing it from their perspective: a young person centred workshop has reduced the road toll
41 Using Children’s voices to build better worlds
42 ECONOMICS, COMMERCE AND PUBLIC POLICY
43 Enhancing the investment environment in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Association of
Southeast Asian Nations economies
43 helping brands grow, evidence-based global marketing
44 Gender pay gap exposed by BCEC report
44 A more equitable, efficient and sustainable health care system: evaluation and reforming the
Medicare Safety Net
45 Assisting refugees in Sydney to establish a business in the first three years of settlement: a research
partnership between UTS Business School and Settlement Services International
45 reforming child protection policy and practice
46 The fight for the right to work
46 Friend or faux? Inside the counterfeit trade
47 Regulation of assisted reproduction and surrogacy
47 Safeguarding the elderly from abuse and neglect
48 creating economic, environmental and socially sustainable communities
50 ENVIRONMENT
51 Fire and flora: a relationship 100 million years strong
51 Radio occultation technology improves weather forecasts
52 Desert Fireball Network: Unearthing the secrets of the solar system
52 Saving lives, saving soil, saving sites: transforming the way the world deals with contaminated
environments
53 Optimising environmental flows to improve river health
53 Computers capturing CO2: improving estimates of land use change using satellite image processing
and machine learning
54 ARTS AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
55 Reclaiming memories lost: the Wirlomin Noongar project
55 Sonic placemarkers: audio ecology of the Kimberley and Antarctica
56 Flipping the script on Aboriginal media representation
56 changing language learning and establishing intercultural understanding in national curricula
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Advanced Manufacturing and Transport With the departure of the automotive industry and other manufacturing supply chains from around australia, state and federal governments are desperate for advanced manufacturing to take off. A thriving advanced manufacturing sector will allow for yesterday’s workforces to join tomorrow’s industries. But this will not happen without successful, cutting edge research with real world application. Thankfully, researchers at ATN's universities around the country are at the forefront of industry efforts to develop the next wave of manufacturing jobs in Australia. From the development of driverless car technology, to the manufacturing of automotive components in delivering better practical and environmental outcomes, as well as the establishment of a photonics capability making improvements in defence technology possible, atn research is leveraging insights across academic disciplines including mathematics, information technology and chemical sciences to be a key enabler of Australian industry competing in this sector. 6
Laser ablated car seat covers for safer and more effective airbag deployment
Adapted seat covers deliver safer cars
With the departure of the edge research with real environmental outcomes, as
automotive industry and other world application. Thankfully, well as the establishment of a
manufacturing supply chains researchers in ATN universities photonics capability making
from around Australia, state around the country are at the improvements in defence
and federal governments forefront of industry efforts technology possible, ATN
are desperate for advanced to develop the next wave research is leveraging insights
manufacturing to take of manufacturing jobs in across academic disciplines
off. A thriving advanced Australia. including mathematics,
manufacturing sector will allow information technology and
for yesterday’s workforces to From the development of chemical sciences to be a key
join tomorrow’s industries. driverless car technology, enabler of Australian industry
to the manufacturing of competing in this sector.
But this will not happen automotive components in
without successful, cutting delivering better practical and
Building future automotive manufacturing capability or an automotive industry in
Australia
Hi-tech manufacturing gives automotive workforce new hope
A new plastic side mirror is scientists, physicists and The success of the unisa-
transforming the automotive engineers came up with a smr joint venture has led
industry and creating product with significant to the creation motherson
workforces of the future advantages over glass innovations, a spin-off
following a partnership competitions. For starters, the company dedicated to
between UniSA and a global plastic version is safer, owing developing high value-add
manufacturer. to its shatterproof properties, manufacturing opportunities
whilst the lighter weight not just in the automotive
Samvardhana Motherson means reduced fuel costs and industry, but for medical
Reflectec (SMR) had greenhouse gas emissions. The devices as well.
unsuccessfully sought to product has been an enormous
create a plastic side mirror success, with more than 1.7
before seeking the assistance Million mirrors sold and revenue
of UniSA. A joint project exceeding $170 million within
team comprising of materials five years.
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Creating the technology for connected autonomous vehicles and driverless cars for
economic, environmental and health benefit
Making travel faster and safer
Connected autonomous with traffic infrastructure Telecommunications Research
vehicles have put UniSA’s seamlessly in real time. The (ITR).
researchers at the forefront technology has been deployed
of the automotive industry in over 60 per cent of world Major road trauma and
through reducing road trauma trials and will shape the future avoidable traffic congestion
and traffic congestion. of driverless car technology. is costing Australia $37 billion
a year. UniSA's real world
UniSA researchers have Cohda wireless is a world research could expect to
developed a new software leader in Connected reduce traffic congestion and
system that has allowed cars Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) reduce crashes by up to 85 per
to connect with each other – technology. It was formed cent.
drivers would be able to see in 2004 on the back of
around corners, where they research and ip generated by
are without GPS and interact UniSA’s Institute for
Building an integrated photonics capability for Australia
Manipulating light
Photonics – the science of been suitable only for mass ASP, which has aligned
the manipulation of light – production of photonics chips, with global players in the
has been rapidly advanced in with long lead times and high photonics industry, has
Australia thanks to the work manufacturing costs. But for enabled faster innovation of
of Professor Arnan Mitchell of the photonics industry to reach products by cutting turn-
RMIT University. The potential its potential in developing around times for prototypes
of photonics lies in overcoming new applications, it needs and significantly reduced the
power and capacity limitations standardised processes and costs of manufacturing such
in high speed electronics tools. That capability gap prototypes.
– particularly in defence has been met through the
technology. establishment of Australian
Silicon Photonics (ASP) within
Up until recently, photonics RMIT University's Micro Nano
manufacturing hubs have Research Facility.
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Innovative driver advice systems save energy, improve safety, reduce wear and tear,
and keep trains running on time
Improving the energy efficiency and on-time performance of rail networks
Rail network operators have technology. Based on GPS and reliable ride, with reductions
reduced their energy costs mathematical algorithms, it in braking of up to 30 per cent
by up to 20 per cent per year advises train drivers when to and on-time performance
thanks to a ground-breaking apply power, when to maintain lifted by 10 per cent
driver advice system that has speed, when to coast and when following the deployment of
now been deployed on more to brake, taking into account Energymiser®.
than 4,000 trains worldwide factors such as gradients,
since its inception in 2012. speed limits and the train
timetable.
Energymiser® was developed
in partnership between The software can be displayed
Unisa's Centre for Industrial on an iPad within the driver’s
and Applied Mathematics cabin and ensures passengers
and TTG Transportation have a smoother and more
Optimising automated vehicle technology – making Australia’s container ports
more productive
Robots as wharfies
A partnership between Patrick collaboration between UTS productivity. Patrick’s two
terminals and UTS has enabled and Patrick, and rely on a Australian ports are seen as
the deployment of robots software package driven by the international benchmark
known as autostrads at two mathematical models and for automated container
Australian ports. algorithms. The software is able operations, with the ability to
to coordinate the movement achieve 8 to 14 moves per hour,
Unlike other robot models, of containers safely and in real compared with 4.5 To 8 at the
a fleet of 75 autostrads time, whilst avoiding adverse world’s largest ports operating
located between Port Botany events such as collisions and with manual equipment.
and Brisbane are able to congestion.
pick up, place and transport
shipping containers through The key benefit of the
a port terminal. They were deployment of the autostrads
developed following extensive is markedly greater
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Crime and Cyber Security Academics across a diverse range of fields of research have contributed to new ways to detect and fight crime in ATN universities. The Centre for Forensic Studies at Sydney’s UTS have pioneered a world-leading technique for fingerprint detection; Curtin University in Perth is the home of new smart surveillance technology utilising artificial intelligence to detect crime as it happens; and Melbourne’s RMIT University has had its research influence the recommendation of Victoria’s Royal Commission into Family Violence and ultimately, law reform in Victoria. The impact of this work is not just seen within Australia, but around the world. The fingerprinting technique has been critical to the work of Israeli Police; and iCetana, Curtin’s smart surveillance system, has been rolled out in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. 10
Development and validation of new fingerprint detection techniques for a more
effective law enforcement and criminal justice system
Lifting a finger to catch criminals around the world
Detecting crime around which had previously been be analysed. The worldwide
the world has become impossible. A collaboration impact of the CFS can be seen
more effective as a result with the Australian Federal in an analysis of INTERPOL
of improved fingerprinting Police and the University of reports, which suggests that
techniques developed at the Canberra led to the addition the CFS was responsible for
Centre for Forensic Science of zinc into a solution that nearly one quarter of the
(CFS) at UTS. had previously shown to be most relevant international
inconsistent in its reliability. research relevant to fingerprint
The centrepiece of CFS detection.
research has been what In addition, CFS work has
has become known as the been integral to integrating
‘Australian formula’, a solution fingerprint and DNA analysis
used to detect fingerprints on and increasing the speed
paper and porous surfaces, at which fingerprints can
iCetana: Smart surveillance software a paradigm shift for public safety
Smart surveillance software cuts costs and saves lives
A new state of the art network in real time, reducing the world report that it has
surveillance system is operator fatigue and enabling reduced security personnel
revolutionising the way in faster responses to incidents. costs and prevented an
which organisations respond to incident that may have led to a
high-risk situations. When deployed at Curtin fatality.
University following a
iCetana, developed by spate of bicycle thefts, The commercialisation of the
researchers at Curtin the machine-learning system has been an incredible
University, is an algorithm- capabilities of the system success, with the first year
based surveillance system that meant that it recognised profit of the venture equivalent
detects abnormal movements thieves approaching a bicycle to the total capital investment.
and behaviour in a particular rack with bolt cutters as an
location. The system reports abnormal occurrence. Other
unusual behaviour across the users of iCetana around
11Opportunities for early intervention: Bringing perpetrators of family violence into
view
Enabling early intervention in family violence
There has been a fundamental not the necessary effort abuse or mental health issues.
shift in the way Victorian put towards changing their
authorities deal with future behaviour. As a result The CIJ’s report was endorsed
perpetrators of family violence of the CIJ’s work, this has by the Royal Commission
after serious deficiencies were now changed. The justice into Family Violence and is
unearthed by RMIT University’s system now seeks to ensure now considered one of the
Centre for Innovative Justice perpetrators are not just catalysts for family violence
(CIJ). punished for their actions, but law reform in Victoria.
provided with the requisite
Historically, when perpetrators tools to change their ways. This
of family violence came in includes the provision of crisis
contact with the justice accommodation to tackle
system, punishment was risk factors in family violence
meted out, but there was such as alcohol and substance
Designing out Crime
A safer environment in Sydney
New solutions to complex The Designing Out Crime Whilst the infamous Sydney
crime problems have been Research Centre (DOC) at UTS lockout laws ultimately had a
developed thanks to the work promulgated a multifaceted major impact in changing the
of researchers at UTS. strategy to improve the nature of nightlife in Kings
situation. It included a first Cross, the work of DOC clearly
Their work is highlighted by aid tent, free water, additional impressed the City of Sydney,
the rollout of greater service public toilets, better connected which rolled out their work in
provision in the antisocial public transport and a other nightspots such as Town
behaviour hotspot of Kings smartphone app providing Hall and Darling Harbour.
Cross. With crowds of 30,000 real-time information on
frequenting the area on transport, food options, queues
weekends, crime was through to get into licensed venues and
the roof and the area had more.
a disagreeable reputation.
1213
Food, Water and Agribusiness Australia has a deserved reputation for clean, green produce that is the envy of the world. With strong environmental regulation, ideal conditions for various forms of farming and an agricultural sector considered an integral part of the nation’s culture, demand for our produce is enormous. As countries in our Asia Pacific region continue their remarkable economic growth, this demand is likely to increase yet further. But to maintain that competitive advantage, Australia must keep innovating to maintain its competitive advantage. Increasing drought frequency and severity is posing challenges for water conservation and recycling in order to ensure our farms have the water they need for crops and livestock, whilst we must continue to be vigilant in ensuring our exports are free from harmful chemicals. In recent years, ATN universities have worked to maintain Australia’s reputation in this area. Two significant water conservation exercises would not have been possible had it not for the input of academics from Curtin University and UTS respectively – the Beenyup water recycling plant in Perth and various water asset management strategies for authorities around Australia. Finally, new tests that ensure the health of fresh seafood were developed at UTS, helping to ensure the safety of consumers and maintaining the reputation of Australia’s seafood industry. 14
Community-centric approaches to increase water productivity and profitability of
small-scale irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan
Increasing produce. Reducing water usage
Research has addressed the schemes. Yields have doubled ATN universities deliver a
failures of irrigation systems while using half as much water, strong global presence where
in Mozambique, Tanzania and with land utilisation increasing collaboration across the
Zimbabwe. UniSA researchers from less than 40 per cent to international stage delivers
have partnered with African near 100 per cent. research and policy outcomes
and Australian universities which solve real world problems
as well as local African Funded by the Australian and have a real world impact.
agencies to solve problems Centre for International
collaboratively. Agricultural Research more
than 1700 farmers were
The irrigation management directly involved in the project
tool that UniSA researchers now leaving formerly unused
have developed have show land flourishing and new
results across six irrigation communities growing.
Monitoring marine biotoxins to protect Australia’s multi-million dollar seafood
Industries
New tests protect seafood consumers from dangerous food poisoning
Australian seafood consumers potential to cause fatalities in not to mention the danger to
are the main beneficiaries of humans. consumer health.
new methods of monitoring Meanwhile, the tests for
two dangerous marine The test for saxitoxin has ciguatoxin and associated
biotoxins. already reaped benefits for research have driven changes
the seafood industry. Over a at the Sydney Fish Market,
Tests for saxitoxin and two year period, it detected including the banning of
ciguatoxin were developed two emerging algal bloom ungutted Spanish mackerel,
by researchers at UTS. Both events in Tasmania, giving based on an assessment of
biotoxins are invisible to the farmers sufficient time to various risk factors.
naked eye, odourless, tasteless, move production to safer
and heat-stable, meaning they sites. Without the test, the
cannot be destroyed through predicted loss would have
cooking. They also have the been in the order of $13 million,
15The brains behind Australia’s first full scale groundwater replenishment scheme
Wastewater to drinking water: securing Perth’s water supply
A new water recycling plant treated through a three step Groundwater supplies are the
in Perth is helping to secure process. First, ultra filtration source of about half of Perth’s
Perth’s water supply after removes dissolved materials. drinking water. The wastewater
decades of falling rainfall. Second, reverse osmosis process developed at Beenyup
The Beenyup Advanced works to remove materials is a superior environmental
Water Recycling Plant is up to 100 times smaller than outcome to other water
now operational, following those removed through ultra recycling options, given it
successful research filtration. Finally, ultraviolet utilises about half of the power
conducted by the Curtin Water disinfection ensures any of desalination.
Quality Research Centre in remaining traces of micro-
collaboration with industry and organisms are removed
government partners. from the water before it
is committed to Perth’s
Wastewater at the plant is groundwater drinking supplies.
Reform, risk, reality: Working with industry and government to transform water
management during Australia’s worst ever drought
Securing Australia’s water supply after our worst ever drought
Water security research to handle unpredictable The ISF also worked to develop
undertaken by the Institute weather events. It involved water supply strategies
for Sustainable Futures (ISF) integrating both supply side for water providers and
at UTS has been critical in and demand management governments in locations
managing water assets and measures in the 2004 including Perth, Canberra,
developing demand-side Metropolitan Water Plan, Melbourne, Alice Springs, the
controls to preserve water later updated in 2006. ISF’s NSW north coast, south east
supplies following Australia’s recommendations have led to Queensland and Goulburn.
worst ever drought. annual water savings of 120
million cubic tonnes by 2011
ISF’s work is best exemplified – equivalent to 25 per cent of
by its collaboration with the water used each year.
Sydney Water Corporation to
develop an integrated strategy
16Using social research to improve government policy and regulatory decision-making
Customer feedback drives down water prices
For the first time, a NSW utility it also sought feedback on way governments and utility
provider has recommended pricing structures. The research providers engage with their
a price decrease to the ultimately resulted in Sydney customers and respond to their
independent pricing regulator Water recommending a price demands, ultimately fostering
following holistic research drop for residential consumers greater trust in an era where
conducted by UTS. of nearly 15 per cent – more scepticism of large institutions
than $100 per year for each is widespread
Sydney Water, which had household – whilst suggesting
historically made pricing savings of up to nearly 40
decisions based on economic per cent for non-residential
models, took the radical step customers.
of asking consumers what they
were willing to pay. Using the The unprecedented move has
UTS to conduct the research, set new benchmarks in the
From sewage to safe: A better approach to managing wastewater risk
Getting more from our water
Groundbreaking research into wastewater – have been used 12 months. In addition to the
the survival of pathogens in in agricultural fertiliser as a benefits to industry and the
sewage has led to savings in rich nutrient source. For health environment, residents living
the water industry of more reasons, this only occurs after nearby are the big winners,
than $1.5 million. It has also the biosolids are stored and with biosolid stockpiles now
prevented 87,000 kilograms dried for three years to ensure significantly reduced in volume
of greenhouses gases from all pathogens have been – and smell.
entering the atmosphere at destroyed
South East Water’s Boneo and
Somers plants, located south- Now, thanks to research
east of Melbourne. conducted by RMIT University,
the Victorian Environmental
For years, biosolids – the Protection Authority has cut
major end product of treated minimum storage times to
17Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Mining has long been one of Australia’s iconic and productive industries since the time of the gold rush in the 1800s. In more recent times, China’s growth has led to extraordinary demands for Australian resources such as iron ore, dramatically increasing national income and swelling government coffers on the back of increased tax revenue. As the mining boom has ended, Australia’s focus has increasingly turned to leveraging its expertise to develop new mining, equipment and technology for use around the world. Much of this has been made possible through ATN expertise. With the world’s resources becoming more depleted, industry is having to dig deeper into the Earth’s core. RMIT University scientists have developed enhanced sensors to find the next wave of mineral deposits, whilst UniSA has continued AMIRA P260, a project spanning 30 years to assist in sorting minerals extracted from the Earth. 18
ARMIT sensors re-invent mineral discovery
Digging deeper – with a little help
A collaboration between advantage of the ARMIT deeper below the surface.
RMIT University and mining sensor is that it is able to ARMIT is able to find these
exploration company Abitibi detect all minerals of interest, minerals in spite of interfering
Geophysics has resulted in whereas older technology geological formations that
the development of a new, required separate sensors may sit between the Earth’s
state-of-the-art sensor that for the detection of different surface and the mineral
has aided mining exploration minerals. Additionally, ARMIT is deposits.
efforts in six countries around cheaper to manufacture, safer
the world. to use and easier to transport
because of its size.
The ARMIT sensor is
constructed with nanomaterial, With the depletion of the
more commonly used in the Earth’s resources continuing,
medical industry. The biggest minerals are increasingly found
Thirty year sustained impact for mineral processing – AMIRA P260 Flotation
Making mining more efficient
Mining industries across fields such as mining, mineral researchers and 50 PhD
the world are reaping the processing and technology students have contributed to
benefits of improvements to providers have benefited AMIRA P260. Their knowledge
mineral sorting developed by a from the project, delivering has contributed to long-term
consortium managed by UniSA benefits independently valued knowledge transfer into the
over the past thirty years. at more than $1.2 billion sector across industry and
– more than 22 times the academia around the world.
AMIRA P260 has successfully value of the investment. But
improved the process of the positives go beyond the
mineral flotation, which economics: there are a number
separates desired minerals of environmental benefits,
from other substances such including a reduction in energy
as slurry based on how they and water consumed.
interact with water. More
than 100 companies across More than 25 UniSA
19A better understanding of groundwater quality leads to better risk assessment for
unconventional gas extraction
Following the evidence on fracking and groundwater
The impact of unconventional the likely impact of coal Basin was moderate to high.
gas exploration on seam gas exploration
groundwater supplies has on groundwater supplies Currell’s work was repeatedly
long concerned farming that ultimately informed cited in a Parliamentary
communities. Yet given that a Victorian Government Committee report that led to
fracking is a relatively new decision to permanently the Government ban and is an
method of gas extraction, ban unconventional gas example of how research can
little was understood about exploration. His methodology support sound evidence-based
the impact on groundwater considered the risks to decision making on critical
supplies one way or another. groundwater in various parts issues of public policy.
of Victoria. Whilst some areas
RMIT University scientist were considered low risk, he
Dr Matt Currell developed a found that the risk from coal
methodology for assessing seam gas in the Gippsland
2021
Medical Technologies, Pharmaceuticals and Health Australia’s medical research is world- renowned for its quality. It advances medical sciences for the benefit of its own population as well as exporting new solutions in medicine, pharmaceuticals and allied health around the world. The work of medical and health science academics at ATN universities has led to better health outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region, through improved processes for lower limb prostheses construction being made available in Vietnam and the supervision of a program delivering more midwives in Papua New Guinea to address the horrifyingly high maternal death rate. Back on Australian soil, the biggest step change in public health reform in has undoubtedly resulted from the work of Professor Mike Daube, whose research led to the introduction of the world’s toughest laws on tobacco marketing with the mandating of plain packaging. For cancer patients, huge advances have been made in radiotherapy technology at RMIT University and faster diagnoses of rare genetically-linked cancers have been made possible by scientists at UniSA. Finally, Australia is recognised at a world leader in pharmaceuticals. The impact of ATN research on the industry has included a start- up company formed by UniSA expediting clinical trials for new medicines, of critical importance for both industry and prospective patients. 22
Luminescent Material
A chance discovery breathes new life into medical diagnostics
Cellular diagnostics have taken markers in cellular imaging. The breakthrough has
a step forward thanks to a However, during this process, significant potential in
collaboration between Curtin an unexpected discovery diagnosing various illnesses,
University and UniSA. Curtin, took place. One of the including cancers, metabolic
with expertise in luminescent compounds produced by disorders and obesity, immune
compounds, teamed up with Curtin successfully stained disorders and heart disease.
UniSA who were seeking to lipids. Traditionally, lipid The intellectual property has
develop better methods of cell staining could only performed since been licensed to a start-
imaging. using a toxic agent, preventing up company, ReZolve Scientific,
its use on live tissue samples. which has since introduced
The initial focus of the A non-toxic compound was five products to the scientific
collaboration was how subsequently developed that reagents market.
luminescent compounds can be used on live cells.
could be used as protein
Achieving system change to improve health outcomes for rural Aboriginal
Australians
Healthier Australia
A new model of diabetes over 1570 women and has been The research stems from
clinic has been developed adopted by Queensland Health. UniSA’s ‘Crossing the Horizon
through UniSA research teams 2020’ strategy, which aims
delivering improved health The model delivers results to promote social justice,
outcomes for Aboriginal through practical community- reconciliation with Aboriginal
communities fighting based best-practice health Australians, and social
obesity, type 2 diabetes and systems. Through institution- cohesion through equitable
cardiovascular disease. The level strategies that prioritises education access and
research has seen reduced engagement with Aboriginal research that aims to improve
hospitalisation rates for type 2 end-users and long-term quality of life. The research
diabetes and has seen savings partnerships with Aboriginal has since seen evidence-
of over $140,000 along communities, this model based improvements for the
with improved monitoring delivers a sustainable Aboriginal population totalling
and universal screening of approach for Aboriginal 17,000 through an 86 per cent
diabetes in pregnancy. This communities. increase in fruit and vegetable
transformative breakthrough in purchases.
research has so far benefited
23Molecular Diagnostics – Revolutionising the detection and treatment of disease-
causing parasites
Busting gut parasites
Gut parasites are being molecular diagnostics, driven Doctors now consider that
detected at greater rates by a collaboration between these parasites may be the
through advancements UTS and Sydney’s St Vincent’s root cause of misdiagnosed
in molecular diagnostics, Hospital, have ensured that irritable bowel syndrome, whilst
enabling patients to get the tests are now picking up the the test results also reveal a
care they need, health costs presence of these parasites at greater public health problem
to be cut and treatment to be greater rates. The technology than previously realised.
improved. has meant ten or more
separate tests are replaced
The most common gut with one, driving cost savings
parasites, blastocystis hominis for the health system and
and dientamoeba fragilis, often faster results and treatment
went undetected by traditional for patients.
microscopy. Advancements in
Healthier, safer and more productive workplaces: Minimising the Costs of work
stress
Improving workplace environments
Based on interviews of over monitoring and promoting and protect employee
7000 employers, UniSA mental health in the workplace. wellbeing.
researchers have delivered The research has shaped
better health outcomes for national and international Leveraging WHO-designation
over 420,000 employees. surveillance frameworks, as a Collaborating Centre of
Untreated depression and earning endorsement from the Occupational Health, UniSA
anxiety cost Australian World Health Organisation researchers have extended
businesses $10.9 billion a (WHO). UniSA researchers their reach nationally and
year in reduced productivity have over 20 years of expertise globally, working with
increased absenteeism and in the psychological factors government agencies, unions
WorkCover claims. UniSA’s of work stress. Together in and healthcare providers to
research into psychological partnership with government integrate evidence-based
factors underlying workplace and industry, researchers findings into policy and
stress led to best-practice have driven the uptake of practice across Asia Pacific
surveillance methods for assessment tools to monitor workplaces.
24Transforming the health care workforce in png for maternal and child health
Transforming maternal and child health in PNG
A humanitarian crisis in illustrated by a maternal death school was established and
maternal and child healthcare rate more than 100 times subject matter experts were
in Papua New Guinea worse than Australia. embedded in midwifery
(PNG) has been somewhat schools to boost the quality of
ameliorated by a project led The Maternal and Child Health instruction.
by UTS Professor of Child Initiative (MCHI), involving
and Maternal Health, Caroline the PNG Department of The positive results of the
Homer. Health, AusAID and the WHO, MCHI include a doubling of
sought to upskill the resident the number of midwives in
Health outcomes in PNG need midwife population whilst PNG and the placement of
significant improvement. also boosting their numbers. a qualified midwife in every
Strikingly, the country’s This included substantial work health centre to be on hand to
maternal death rate is on recognising, respecting address complications arising
over 100 times worse than and incorporating cultural from childbirth.
Australia, most strikingly traditions. A new midwifery
Beating Big Tobacco: A 40 year crusade
From sewage to safe: a better approach to managing wastewater risk
The genesis of Australia’s a result, Australia’s plan Professor Daube’s work has
world leading tobacco plain packaging legislation dictates been lauded worldwide and
packaging legislation was that cigarettes and other in 2014 he was appointed
founded in research conducted tobacco products must be as an Officer of the Order of
by Curtin University’s School of sold in brown packaging and Australia (AO).
Public Health. contain health warnings with
graphic images.
Professor Mike Daube,
a leading public health It is estimated that the
researcher, explored how tobacco plain packaging
tobacco advertising influences legislation was responsible
tobacco use through for approximately one quarter
sophisticated branding and of the decline in smoking
point of sale displays. As prevalence in Australia.
25Enhancing Australia’s capability to care for cancer patients
Enhancing Australia’s capability to care for cancer patients
Medical physicists at RMIT more accurately determining diminished as a result of better
University have solved some optimum doses of radiation targeting of cancerous cells.
pressing challenges in cancer therapy. Leukaemia patients awaiting
treatment for the 60,000 a bone marrow transplant
Australians a year requiring The medical physics program are better prepared through
radiotherapy. at RMIT is tightly integrated improvements to Total Body
with hospitals, driving Irradiation, which suppresses
The advancements in greater knowledge sharing a patient’s immunity prior to
radiotherapy have included and collaboration in tacking the transplant. And improved
a new device to improve the challenges in radiotherapy calibration protocols for
treatment of prostate cancer, treatment. As a result of radiotherapy equipment means
enhancing the preparation this work, troublesome side greater certainty in the doses
of leukaemia patients for effects for men suffering given to cancer patients.
bone marrow transplants and from prostate cancer have
A pressure-casting system for prosthesis in remote and under-developed regions
A giant step forward in lower limb prostheses
A new method of developing problems are beginning to be This new technique is
prosthetic limbs is making overcome. particularly useful in
huge improvements to the lives developing countries such as
of amputees. Developed by researchers from Vietnam, where the lasting
RMIT University, the PCAST impacts of war, landmines
Traditional methods of system works by wrapping and Agent Orange have left
prosthetic limb manufacturing the residual limb in a plaster the population with high rates
are costly, take time and their wrap, before water pressure of lower limb amputation
success is highly dependent ensures that a prosthetic limb or defects. It is also hugely
upon the skill of the prosthetist is shaped perfectly to fit the beneficial for children, whose
to fit the device to a residual patient. growing bodies require
limb. But thanks to the frequent adjustments to their
development of the pressure- prostheses.
cast (PCAST) system, these
26Data-driven quality management of medicines improves patient outcomes and
lowers healthcare costs
Preventing the cure from becoming the problem
A new software program to prevent such occurrences with the Department of
developed by UniSA is working by combining bio statistical Veterans’ Affairs, the software
to prevent unnecessary and behavioural psychology provided feedback to medical
hospital admissions triggered approaches with clinical practitioners on specific
by the inappropriate use of evidence to ensure that patients at risk of medication-
medicines. policymakers, regulators, specific issues, whilst also
health professionals and providing veterans with
More than 230,000 hospital consumers have the requisite targeted educational material.
admissions Australia-wide information to ensure
result from medicines not medications and medical The software is now being
being taken as prescribed devices are used appropriately. extended in Australia and
or because of complex rolled out in other jurisdictions,
interactions between diseases, The impact on Australia’s including New Zealand.
medications and devices. veterans has been particularly
The UniSA software seeks positive. Through a partnership
Accelerating drug development for health and economic benefits
Getting new medicines to hit the market faster
New medicines are going to businesses and delaying for human trials compared to
market faster thanks to a treatment for patients. other competitors. CPR has
UniSA spin-out company that also contributed to a return
is expediting their approval by CPR Pharma Services (CPR), on investment of public funds
regulators for clinical trials. set up by UniSA in 2009, was in South Australia’s bio-
created in direct response to innovation sector ten times
The pharmaceutical industry the need for an Australian- over. As a result, CPR is now
is quite rightly subject to based organisation that could seen as a leader in its field in
enormous regulation. But this assist smaller biotech and the Asia-Pacific region.
impacts upon the approval pharmaceutical companies
times for new life-saving with clinical trial services. The
medications, which can often results of its establishment
take years, compromising include a 50 per cent
the commercial viability of improvement on approval times
27Statistical science to support evidence-based decision making – a trial of vein vis-
ualisation technology for the australian red cross blood service
Statisticians save Red Cross Blood Service half a million dollars
A 2014 trial saved the hypothesis that using VVT experience, the chances of
Australian Red Cross Blood would improve the experience accurately piercing a vein, nor
Service (ARCBS) more than of blood donors by reducing donor satisfaction or retention.
$500,000 in unnecessary the risk of complications such This ultimately saved the
outlays on vein visualisation as vein damage and patient taxpayer-funded ARCBS from
technology (VVT). anxiety, thus encouraging investing in a capital upgrade
donor retention and ultimately that would not have delivered
VVT helps locate peripheral resulting in a larger store improved outcomes for donors
veins and assists in of blood for use in medical or recipients.
distinguishing blood vessels emergencies.
from surrounding tissue –
the idea being that it guides The high quality trial of 900
needle insertion. ARCBS used donors concluded that VVT
UTS statisticians to test the did not improve the donation
Genomic mapping technologies lead to faster diagnosis and targeted treatment for
rare diseases and cancers
Rare illnesses: faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, reduced costs
Patients suffering from rare admissions and 50 per cent rising from 10 per cent to
diseases and cancers are being of hospital costs. Based on 50 per cent across 3,000
diagnosed faster and starting whole-exome sequencing, patients. This has delivered
treatment sooner as a result of which allows for 20,000 savings to the health system
world-first diagnostic methods genes to be examined in a of an estimated $34 million
developed between UniSA single test, the new technique and directly influenced
researchers and the Centre for reduces the need for lengthy, World Health Organisation
Cancer Biology (CCB). complex investigations into the classification standards.
underlying cause of a patient’s
The methods test for these illness.
conditions with genetic links,
which are one of the biggest Diagnostic rates have
killers of infants and account improved dramatically
for one third of hospital following the development,
28Transforming government communications policies and practices in Australia and
the UK to improve engagement with citizens
Smarter communication driving increased cancer screening
Breast screening rates trust with those that they communities could improve,
amongst NSW women from are communicating with. given breast screening
culturally and linguistic The report concluded that rates amongst some CALD
diverse (CALD) communities traditional communication demographics were as low as
has risen more than 25 per methods that sought to 5 per cent. An assessment
cent on the back of research persuade through one- revealed that a top down
into the effectiveness of way, ‘top down’, messages approach had typically been
communications strategies. tended to drive distrust and utilised. A more ‘culturally
disengagement. competent’ communications
UTS research has found strategy that recruited
that organisations that The NSW Ministry of Health ‘community champions’ to
engage in genuine two-way commissioned the UTS the campaign was deployed,
communication are more likely researchers to assess how ultimately improved screening
to be successful in building communication with CALD rates by 25 per cent.
A problem shared: Addressing vicarious trauma in the interpreting industry
Interpreters no longer left behind
For too long, interpreters such as a doctor. Interpreters now have greater
have been the poor cousin of access to professional
trauma professionals. An RMIT Whilst the onset of vicarious development sessions on
University study found that trauma is concerning enough, vicarious trauma throughout
just 30 per cent of interpreters it is additionally problematic Australia that have long been
received any support to help given it has been found to made available to hospital
them address vicarious trauma impede an interpreter’s ability staff such as doctors and
– the negative transformation to do their job. However, thanks nurses.
that can occur following to the RMIT study, there is
empathetic engagement with not only now an increased
trauma survivors. Interpreters awareness of vicarious trauma
are needed when trauma amongst interpreters, but a
survivors do not speak the suite of practical measures to
language of a service provider promote their wellbeing.
29What type of drinker are you? Classifying drinker types to curb harmful habits
Better understanding drinking behaviour
The drinking behaviours of and the influences on each healthy lifestyles, significantly
Victorians are now better group that lead to over- adjusted their strategy to
understood following research consumption. minimise alcohol consumption
by RMIT University. as a result of the research
These behavioural insights and shortlisted RMIT’s work
The fundamental product of have delivered greater for the 2013 Victorian Health
RMIT’s work was the profiling clarity on social and cultural Promotion Foundation Awards.
of four drinker types: Initiators, assumptions and practices
Followers, Moderators and about alcohol and have
Protectors. Each drinker type transformed public health
has certain characteristics in messaging on alcohol
addition to their consumption consumption. VicHealth, a
behaviour, such as how they Victorian Government agency
communicate about alcohol dedicated to promoting
3031
Building Design and Construction Innovation in the building construction and design industries is increasingly driving improvements to productivity, safety and environmental outcomes, driven by contemporary the work of ATN university staff. Two residential developments in different parts of Australia, informed by research conducted at Curtin University and UniSA, have showcased the possibilities of carbon neutral households. White Gum Valley in Fremantle, Western Australia, and Lochiel Valley in Adelaide, South Australia, are developments at the cutting edge of energy efficiency, with measures in place to harvest rainwater and ensure solar panels are the sole power supply. Additionally, at White Gum Valley, residents have the ability to share energy between homes as required. Research into the building and construction sector at ATN universities has also had led to safer workplaces, following the development of protocols that ensure safety is considered at every step of the design and procurement process and ensuring humans are spared hazardous cleaning roles on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the introduction of robot technology to blast clean the famous steel landmark. 32
The robotic future of abrasive blast cleaning – Keeping maintenance workers safe
Maintaining the Sydney Harbour Bridge with greater efficiency and better safety
Maintenance of the Sydney would require continual breaks of particles being released
Harbour Bridge (SHB) is now and the risks to health from into the environment has also
being done in a safer and blasting meant full protective been reduced. Unsurprisingly,
more efficient fashion thanks gear was needed. the robots are also able to
to the advent of robotic blast cover far more of the SHB
cleaners. Seven years of intensive surface than workers in any
research and development given period of time, delivering
The steel surfaces of the SHB undertaken by UTS led to the cost savings and productivity
require continual maintenance. world’s first autonomous grit- increases.
Traditionally, this has been blasting robots that are now
done through manual blasting deployed on the SHB, reducing
of the surfaces in order to worker exposure to health risks
remove rust and scale. Given such as lead particles by up
the physical demands, workers to 90 per cent. The amount
The carbon-positive living lab: White Gum Valley
Lowering our energy footprint without compromising
A new development in Homes are fixed with solar underpinned the design and
Fremantle, Western Australia, panels, batteries are used to implementation of White Gum
was built with a mission store energy and residents Valley. CUSP has also played
to demonstrate that a even have the potential to a major role in the monitoring
lower energy footprint was share energy between homes and evaluation of the
possible in a residential as required. Water usage is implementation, impact and
housing environment without minimised by harvesting storm ongoing resident experience of
compromising on quality of water, which is then used to the development
living. irrigate public and private
gardens via a community bore.
White Gum Valley, a residential
infill development, has been The research conducted by the
described as a ‘carbon Curtin University Sustainability
positive living laboratory’. Policy (CUSP) Institute
33Sharing responsibility for a safer construction industry: Advancing a national
priority
Fewer fatalities and serious injuries: making construction sites safer workplaces
RMIT University has developed ultimately responsible for the As a result of the framework,
a better way to manage safety occupational health and safety safety is now considered and
on construction sites through of sites workers, traditional integrated into all phases of
improved processes that have procurement processes a project. Victoria’s Regional
delivered fewer fatalities and prevented them from engaging Rail Link incorporated the
serious injuries. in the planning and design framework and achieved
phases of the work. Builders outstanding safety results
RMIT developed the Model were often left with plans that – measured by injury rates
Client Framework in 2008, lead to unsafe work practices and lost time – that were well
which addressed deficiencies for which they were not below the industry average and
in the way safety issues responsible, but liable for their set new benchmarks for similar
on construction sites were consequences. projects.
managed. Whilst builders are
Low carbon living: making the desirable possible
Adelaide’s Lochiel Park
UniSA’s Barbara Hardy energy and water-efficient The impact of Lochiel Park
Institute drew together appliances and the harvesting extends beyond the benefits
researchers across a range of rainwater. This has enabled to residents. Its success with
of disciplines to inform the a reduction in potable water Lochiel Park informed the
development of Lochiel Park, consumption by 78 per cent Garnaut Climate Change
a residential community in and energy use by 66 per cent Review and has set the
Adelaide constructed with compared to state averages standard for similar residential
the aim of having carbon across the development’s 100 developments across Australia.
emissions close to zero. homes. Households are saving
$25,000 in energy costs alone
With a 7.5 star energy rating, across the life of each home.
Lochiel Park’s features
include the use of solar power,
34Energy efficient materials and performance evaluations for buildings
From the lab to a construction site: energy efficiency and building materials
UTS research has been the physicists have led the benefit for Melbourne Airport
catalyst for the development development of ground- through lower air conditioning
of a swathe of new energy breaking new products. One costs and reduced
efficient products that such product is a new ‘cool’ maintenance requirements.
are transforming the way paint, developed using optical UTS physicists have not
residential and commercial polymer technology, that only been at the forefront of
buildings are conceived, makes buildings more energy the development of energy
fabricated and rated for energy efficient by repelling solar efficient building materials,
efficiency. radiation whilst also improving but their work has also led to
roof durability. Developed in national star rating systems
Collaborating with chemical collaboration with Sydney- and emerging building
and component manufacturers based SkyCool, the paint has standards.
from around the world, UTS delivered a huge financial
Modelling of surface coating contributes to an innovative steel product
Australian chemistry for Asian conditions
Iconic Australian steel commercial building products. atmospheric pollutants and the
manufacturer BlueScope has a However, such products are surface of the painted steel
higher quality flagship product prone to discolouration in products. The research enabled
thanks to research conducted South East Asia – a major changes to the surface of
by RMIT University. BlueScope market – due to COLORBOND®, enabling
atmospheric pollutants. BlueScope to offer a five year
BlueScope’s COLORBOND® warranty from discolouration.
steel range is a multilayered RMIT University conducted
paint coating system for steel nanoscale modelling that
used in both residential and tested the interaction of
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