Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
(funding commencing in 2014-15)
A total of $18.7 million for four new Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
ARC Research Hub for Legumes for Sustainable Agriculture (IH140100013)
Hub Director: Associate Professor Brent Kaiser
Administering Organisation: The University of Sydney
This research hub aims to provide Australian growers and industrial stakeholders with
improved plant materials to maximise production, environmental sustainability and profitability.
In particular, the research aims to improve the nitrogen delivery capacity of legumes and their
resilience to abiotic stress, which will be an important consideration as our climate changes.
Grain legumes are often grown in rotation with cereal crops for their high nutritional seed value
and their unique ability to develop a self-sufficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with soil bacteria.
Maintaining legume productivity against the challenges of climate change and the need for
increased food production is important to the future of Australian agriculture.
Partner Organisation: Grains Research & Development Corporation
ARC funding: $3 972 614
ARC Research Hub for a World-class Future Fibre Industry (IH140100018)
Hub Director: Professor Xungai Wang
Administering Organisation: Deakin University
This research hub aims to transform the Australian fibre industry into a dynamic sector
focused on high-performance and high-value fibres and fibre-based products. Capitalising on
the research team's combined strength in fibre science and technology, and working with
highly innovative small and medium enterprises and international research leaders, the hub
seeks to develop advanced carbon fibres, nanofibres and high-performance novel fibres, as
well as value-added applications of fibre materials. These materials are expected to help to
reduce energy costs, minimise the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes and
improve public health and safety. The hub will also train the next generation of industry-savvy
fibre research leaders.
Partner Organisations: HEIQ Australia; Cytomatrix; Carbon Revolution; Quickstep
Automotive; Ear Science Institute Australia; Draggin Jeans.
ARC funding: $4 711 583
ARC Research Hub for Offshore Floating Facilities (IH140100012)
Hub Director: Professor David White
Administering Organisation: The University of Western Australia
This research hub aims to address the critical engineering challenges associated with
Australia’s next generation of offshore oil and gas projects. These projects, in remote deepwater locations, will require innovative floating facilities. Using world-leading expertise in
metocean, hydrodynamic, geotechnical and reliability engineering, the hub aims to develop
the new technologies and analysis methods that are required to make projects safe, efficient
and cost-effective. This research will include wave and current forecasting, vessel motion and
offloading analysis, riser and mooring longevity and novel anchoring and subsea foundations.
This is expected to lead to safer, more economical projects and should develop Western
Australia’s role as an oil and gas centre of excellence.
Partner Organisations: Woodside Energy; Shell Australia; Bureau Veritas Marine
(Singapore); Lloyd's Register Global Technology Centre.
ARC funding: $4 997 672
ARC Research Hub for Computational Particle Technology (IH140100035)
Hub Director: Professor Aibing Yu
Administering Organisation: Monash University
This research hub aims to develop and apply advanced theories and mathematical models to
design and optimise particulate and multiphase processes that are widely used in the minerals
and metallurgical industries. This should be achieved through detailed analysis of the
fundamentals governing fluid flow, heat and mass transfer at different time and length scales,
facilitated by various novel research techniques. Research outcomes including theories,
computer models and simulation techniques, as well as well-trained young researchers,
should have a significant impact across a range of industries of vital importance to Australia’s
economic and technological future, including the minerals, metallurgical, materials, chemical,
energy, pharmaceutical and environment sectors.
Partner Organisations: Hamersley Iron; Baosteel Company; Fujian Longking
ARC funding: $5 000 000