Industry Engagement Award Finalists
Awarded to an individual or team who have worked with industry in a way that goes beyond standard commercial relationships and have contributed to positive outcomes for both parties.
Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Engagement: Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship Team
Siobhan Curran, Emily Keating, Tayla Furey, Dr Joss Kesby, Richard Berry, Nick Stevens, Joel Parraga, Philip Crealy, Renee Butcher, Dr Lily Dixon, Dr Belinda Gray, Bret Barton, Howard Zheng, Jax Garrett, and Kellyn Patterson
The Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship (KEE) Team has transformed the University’s approach to industry collaboration by creating a cohesive, university-wide ecosystem for innovation and knowledge exchange. Engaging more than 650 industry partners through Open Days and supporting more than 35 successful startups, the team developed robust pathways for industry-academic collaboration. This includes the Commercialisation Strategy and Spinout Framework and professional development programs and innovative courses that enhance staff capabilities and student opportunities.
Virtual Oral Musculature Assessment (VOMA) Project
Dr Rachael Unicomb and Joanne Walters
Dr Rachael Unicomb and Joanne Walters, in partnership with virtual reality specialist StartBeyond, developed the Virtual Oral Musculature Assessment (VOMA) project. This virtual reality tool has revolutionised speech pathology education by delivering consistent, immersive training in essential speech pathology clinical skills. Pilot data indicates significant educational benefits, including improved student competence and confidence, positioning the university as a global leader in innovative clinical education.
Professor Craig Wheeler, School of Engineering
Professor Craig Wheeler has led a decade-long collaboration with global engineering firm FLSmidth, focused on improving bulk material transport. Central to this work is the Rail-Running Conveyor (RRC) technology, offering industry-informed solutions to energy and sustainability challenges in bulk material transportation. In 2022, Craig undertook a sabbatical at FLSmidth’s Global Centre for High Powered Conveyors in the United States to support RRC integration into mining operations. Awarded an ARC Industry Mid-Career Fellowship in 2024, he is extending the technology to new applications aligned with sustainability mining. The partnership has produced measurable outcomes, with the potential to reduce industry energy consumption by up to 50 percent.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.