Flinders University projects have received more than $1.3 million in Australian Research Council Linkage funding announced today by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.
The projects, which involve a wide range of collaborating partners from the public and private sectors, tackle major environmental, public health, social and manufacturing issues confronting Australia today.
Fish geneticist Associate Professor Luciano Beheregaray will lead a team aiming to restore populations of five endangered species in the Murray-Darling Basin using DNA to match breeding pairs in captivity to improve their offspring’s chance of surviving in the wild.
Professor Mary Luszcz, Director of Flinders Centre for Ageing Studies, will lead a study that will provide a rare insight into how people over the age of 85 can continue to contribute actively to and remain engaged with society.
Orrcon, one of Australia’s largest suppliers of steel pipe and tubing, is working with Associate Professor Jani Matisons’s nanotechnology team to develop a safer, cheaper and more effective method to stop steel from rusting using new silane coatings.
Bad eating habits associated with obesity and other chronic diseases are often passed from parents to children. A study led by Professor Carlene Wilson, Cancer Council SA Chair in Cancer Prevention, will provide insight an into the ways in which these habits are perpetuated within families of various cultural backgrounds.
Flinders Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor David Day said the projects reflect the diversity of research conducted at the University and its relevance to Australian society.
“Flinders has a strong history of building productive relationships with industry partners and we welcome the funding for these important projects,” Professor Day said.
“These partnerships will demonstrate the potential benefits of collaborative research to industry and the community,” he said.
Full details of the projects, including names of all industry/collaborating partners is available – refer to Flinders University Successful Linkage Projects.
Photo courtesy of Michael Hammer