New ARC training centres draw on Newcastle expertise
University of Newcastle researchers will help shape two newly funded Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centres.
While both centres will be hosted by other universities, several of our researchers will contribute to their success.
One of the new centres will help develop more resilient infrastructure, while the other will advance reproductive technologies that support agriculture, animal health and species conservation.
Building the infrastructure workforce of the future
Professor Anna Giacomini will serve as Deputy Director of the ARC Training Centre for Sustainable Ground Stabilisation Technologies Towards a Net-Zero Future for Strategic Infrastructure.
Led by the University of Technology Sydney, the centre will bring together eight Australian universities, five international research partners and 19 industry organisations. The centre will tackle the challenge of maintaining and upgrading ageing infrastructure while reducing emissions and improving climate resilience.
"Infrastructure underpins economic productivity, community safety, national connectivity and quality of life,” Professor Giacomini said.
“Developing more sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions will help Australia reduce emissions while supporting the infrastructure demands of the future."
As Deputy Director, Professor Giacomini will help coordinate research activities across the national network, strengthen collaboration between universities and industry partners, and support the development of future research leaders.
Top L-R: Associate Professor Klaus Thoeni, Professor Anna Giacomini, Dr Richard Kelly Bottom L-R: Professor Jinsong Huang, Professor Ngamta Thamwattana, Professor Olivier Buzzi
Additional researchers from the University of Newcastle bring extensive expertise in geotechnical engineering, infrastructure resilience and applied mathematics - expertise drawn from their work with our Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering and the University's Applied Mathematics group.
Team members include Professor Olivier Buzzi, Associate Professor Klaus Thoeni, Professor Jinsong Huang, Professor Ngamta Thamwattana and Dr Richard Kelly, who will also serve as Industry Steering Committee Leader for the new centre.
The centre aims to train 23 PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows and honours students through industry placements, joint supervision arrangements and professional development opportunities designed to build a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce.
"What excites me most is the opportunity to help shape a nationally significant initiative that combines innovation, sustainability and practical impact, while supporting the next generation of researchers and industry leaders," Professor Giacomini said.
Advancing reproductive technologies for animal industries
Three of our reproductive science researchers will contribute to the new ARC Training Centre for Animal Reproductive Biotechnologies, led by the University of Queensland.
Associate Professor Zamira Gibb, Dr Aleona Swegen and Dr Ashlee Medica will bring expertise in animal reproduction, fertility, semen storage and equine IVF. Associate Professor Gibb will also lead the Centre's horse research theme.
The national training centre aims to address a shortage of specialists capable of developing and implementing advanced reproductive technologies for livestock, wildlife and breeding industries.
“Reproductive technologies are one of the fastest ways to improve animal health, productivity and sustainability, but Australia needs more specialists with the skills to develop and apply these technologies,” Associate Professor Gibb said. “This centre will help build that capability while addressing real industry challenges.”
L-R: Dr Aleona Swegen, Associate Professor Zamira Gibb, Dr Ashlee Medica
The work has particular relevance to the Hunter, which is recognised as one of the world's leading thoroughbred breeding regions and is second only to Kentucky in the United States in terms of the scale and economic value of its breeding industry.
The Newcastle team will investigate ways to improve fertility in older mares and stallions by testing dietary supplements that may protect ageing eggs and sperm. They will also develop improved methods of storing and transporting eggs and embryos.
The centre will involve three universities and 17 partner organisations. Associate Professor Gibb said research students will train alongside people working on cattle, sheep, pigs and koalas, and industry partners will be involved from the start of every project.
The centre will support two University of Newcastle-based PhD scholarships, with students working alongside industry to help them develop commercialisation skills.
"It's going to be incredibly exciting to see students finish their PhDs with the scientific knowledge, industry contacts and business skills to get new technologies into use," Associate Professor Gibb said.
Related news
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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.