Examples of Linkage Projects commencing in 2015
South Australia
South Australia (SA) universities will receive more than $7 million through the Australian
Research Council Linkage Projects scheme for 20 new research projects commencing in
2015.
Some examples of the SA projects are provided below.
To view the summaries of all successful projects, visit the ARC website.
University of South Australia
Lead Chief Investigator: Professor Nicolas Voelcker (LP150100984)
Summary: This project aims to develop fit-for-purpose mass spectrometry tools for roadside
and workplace testing of illicit drugs. The technology will be based on nanostructured
semiconductor chips that are surface-functionalised to enable molecular capture without
extensive sample processing and subsequent detection by a novel combination of techniques.
The technology is expected to be applicable to saliva, sweat and urine samples.
Partner Organisations: Perkin Elmer Pty Ltd/E G and G Perkin Elmer Pty Ltd; Forensic
Science SA
ARC funding: $322 616 over three years
The Flinders University of South Australia
Lead Chief Investigator: Professor Dr Wei Zhang (LP150100225)
Summary: This project aims to improve seaweed processing to deliver multiple high-value
products including alginate, fucoidan and laminarin, which have food, cosmetic and
pharmaceutical uses. The project integrates an advanced biorefinery process with a vortex
fluidic device to accelerate chemical reactions, reduce the catalysts and chemicals used, and
improve product yield and productivity. Application of the device in the critical steps of
enzymatic digestion, acid and alkaline extraction, and precipitation is intended to deliver
significant water, energy, chemical and cost saving. It is anticipated that the innovation will
lead to the establishment of a new sustainable seaweed processing industry in Australia.
Partner Organisation: Australian Kelp Products Pty Ltd
ARC funding: $543 000 over three years
The University of Adelaide
Lead Chief Investigator: Associate Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem (LP150100657)
Summary: This project aims to extend the capabilities of the optical fibre temperature sensor
technology developed by the research team, based on microstructured optical fibres and
femtosecond laser ablation fibre Bragg gratings, to conduct a range of measurements inside
industrial furnace environments that are impossible using existing technology. This device will
also be validated within the furnaces located at the minerals and metals processing facility
operated by Nyrstar in Port Pirie. This project is designed to enable smelter operators to
improve production efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimise equipment failure.
Partner Organisation: S.J. Cheesman
ARC funding: $430 000 over three years
University of South Australia
Lead Chief Investigator: Professor Stanley Miklavcic (LP150100055)
Summary: This project plans to develop mathematical tools that will help to identify cereal
plant varieties with the highest yield. It is a critical responsibility of plant breeders and many
Australian breeders acquire and store important information related to this issue. However,
there are as yet no mathematical tools that are able to co-analyse the heterogeneous and
high-dimensional data in order to understand how external and internal factors correlate with
the major growth and development stages at the crop level. This project seeks to develop and
implement mathematical and statistical tools to analyse genetic, agronomic and phenomic
factors that affect plant performance, to deliver advanced yield prediction.
Partner Organisation: Australian Grain Technologies Pty Ltd/Australian Grain Technologies
ARC funding: $395 000 over three years
The Flinders University of South Australia
Lead Chief Investigator: Professor Kostas Mavromaras (LP150100330)
Summary: Demand for aged care services in Australia has reached record levels and is set to
rise steeply due to population ageing. The Productivity Commission identified the sector’s
need to provide more care services, to expand consumer-directed care and to improve the
quality of care. Currently, there is little evidence as to how the workforce can expand and
change to meet these challenges. This project aims to provide new evidence on how to
attract, retain and up-skill workers in a rapidly expanding demand environment, as the sector
strives to achieve a sustainable and skilled workforce fit for the future needs of older
Australians.
Partner Organisations: Eldercare Inc/Eldercare Incorporated; The Trustee for James Brown
Memorial Trust/James Brown Memorial Trust; Churches of Christ Life Care
Incorporated/Churches of Christ Life Care Inc
ARC funding: $195 000 over two years
The University of Adelaide
Lead Chief Investigator: Professor Mark Carroll (LP150100219)
Summary: The project aims to examine the ways that performance is able to shape and
challenge prevailing historical narratives in times of social upheaval. In particular, the project
aims to document and interpret the impact of World War 1 on the performing arts in urban and
regional South Australia. Archival research is expected to generate scholarly outputs, regional
exhibitions, and research-informed performances.
Partner Organisations: State Library of South Australia; State Theatre Company of South
Australia; Adelaide Festival Centre Trust; Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Pty Ltd/Adelaide
Symphony Orchestra; State Opera of SA/The State Opera Of South Australia
ARC funding: $338 000 over three years