Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm: University showcase set to highlight some of the Illawarra’s brightest minds

Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm joined Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes today to showcase research investments awarded to the University of Wollongong through the Australian Research Council (ARC).

The ARC is critical to the national research system and plays a key role in supporting Australia’s high quality fundamental and applied research, and research training.

The University of Wollongong’s contribution to research continues to grow both nationally and internationally.

Over the past 5 years the University has been awarded more than $71 million in Australian government funding – through the ARC – with $20 million in the past year.

Major funding investments provided to the University have included:

• The ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, more commonly known as CABAH, which has brought together high-quality researchers and Indigenous communities to bring First Nations culture to a wider audience;
• The ARC Training Centre in Energy Technologies for Future Grids which will address issues currently limiting the growth of renewable energy through innovations that facilitate widespread integration into electricity grids, while also maintaining grid stability;  
• The recently launched ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment which will train industry-focused researchers in advanced manufacturing in how to use new-generation mining equipment and sustainable mining technology. The centre also assits with the development of sustainable and cost-effective mining equipment, along with high efficiency mining technologies that will benefit Australia’s manufacturing and mining sectors; and
• The ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Innovation which develops new, higher value-added products and more advanced manufacturing processes to build a stronger, more competitive local industry backed by world leading research, with researchers at the Hub currently looking at how to use waste from steel production to build roads.

You can find our more information on the ARC here, and on the University of Wollongong here.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm:

“Investing in our tertiary education system, through the ARC, isn’t just about ensuring students have the facilities they need to complete their studies, it also plays a vital role in boosting our economy now and into the future. 

“A recent impact assessment of ARC-funded research found every dollar invested in the ARC National Competitive Grants Program generates more than three dollars of economic output.

“The Albanese Government is committed to backing our universities so the research projects of today, can transform into the economic solutions of tomorrow.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:

“Today’s ARC showcase is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work our researchers are doing to tackle the challenges our country faces.

“The University of Wollongong has been the backbone of the Illawarra’s tertiary education offering for more than 70 years, providing locals with a quality higher education.

“The subsequent investments into the University over the years have seen the campus grow from its humble beginnings in 1951 to the number one university in Australia for graduate employer satisfaction.”