The University of Newcastle, Australia

Renewable energy research at the University of Newcastle has received a major financial boost in the Australian Research Council's (ARC) latest round of funding, announced today.

Projects examining the use of hydrogen, wind and solar cells are among 26 across the University to share in more than $8.5 million.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Mike Calford, said the funding recognised Newcastle's position as a leader in energy research.

"Over recent years the Hunter region has invested significant resources into energy research, particularly renewable energy," he said.

"Today's funding announcement positions the University and the region to move to the next level in this emerging field of national importance."

The University received funding for projects across all faculties to:

• develop a world-class centre for computer-assisted research in mathematics and its application
• research ways to improve the speed and quality of wireless networks such as broadband internet and digital television
• investigate and improve physical activity and healthy eating among adolescent girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds in order to prevent the development of lifestyle diseases
• conduct further research into the molecular biology of the platypus and echidna, our most distant relatives among living mammals, which can be used to understand the molecular sequences in human genes essential for fertility
• investigate patterns of pedestrian movement using robotics and machine learning to promote better urban design
• analyse the emerging Sydney Strategic Plan, with an emphasis on urban structure, travel behaviour and energy consumption.

"The University has a strong track record in engineering, science and health-related research, and it is pleasing that our work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences is also being recognised today."