CDU receives a share of funding to help solve key industry problems

Researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) will play a vital role in shaping solutions for key Australian industries after receiving two of only 32 projects funded through the Australian Government’s National Industry PhD program.

CDU is one of only four universities that’s main campus is not in a state capital city to receive industry PhD funding in this round, the others being the University of Newcastle, Charles Sturt University, and the University of Canberra. The other three universities received funding for only one project.

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Fiona Coulson said this funding showed the level of quality CDU displays when it comes to research.

“Here at CDU our researchers are some of the best and they play a key role in providing critical information to a range of industries not only here in the Northern Territory, but Australia and worldwide,” Professor Coulson said. 

“It is a wonderful achievement to receive funding for two projects especially considering the calibre of universities who also received project funding in this round.”

“I look forward to keeping an eye on these research projects and seeing the impact they will have.”

CDU’s projects will focus on providing solutions to issues faced in the fields of animal biosecurity and engineering which are both areas CDU is keen to invest in to support Northern Australia.

Researchers from CDU’s Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA) which is supported by the Australian Government will study the biting midges, an insect which can carry potentially deadly diseases that can affect Australian livestock.

The project, conducted in conjunction with industry partner the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, will provide data for simulation modelling to help guide surveillance techniques and decision-making in the event of a potential disease spread across Northern Australia.

In the other CDU project funded, researchers from the Energy and Resources Institute will explore and develop techniques for the safe and reliable use of metal additive manufacturing (AM) in high-risk industrial applications.

The PhD research will be undertaken by staff of SPEE3D under the Industry Researcher Scheme.

CDU and SPEE3D have a research agreement through the CDU Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA).

The research will aim to develop common risk reduction methods that can be used by different industries to decrease the uncertainty associated with the implementation of metal AM and ultimately improve the take-up rate of AM Australia wide.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Steve Rogers said CDU prides itself on making connections with industry and creating real solutions to issues.

“Our research gets noticed not only for its uniqueness and the fact that it explores out of the box ideas but also for the implications it has in helping to solve real life problems,” Professor Rogers said.

“As a regional university we pride ourselves on the connections we make with industry and the impact we have.”

“It is wonderful to see our researchers punching well above their weight.”   

The National Industry PhD Program is part of a government initiative to build a cohort of research talent who are skilled in University and industry collaboration.