•    Resources and energy
•    ICT and emerging technologies
•    Health
•    Sustainable development

These areas capture the multidisciplinary nature of the University’s research programs, which are accessible across all of its four academic faculties – Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities and Business.

RESOURCES AND ENERGY
Curtin’s pragmatic approach to international linkages demonstrates how China’s emergence as a science and engineering powerhouse naturally complements Australia’s leading role in energy resources production and related research. In particular, Curtin’s new partnerships with Chinese research institutions demonstrate confidence in the ability of the two nations to lead in the development of new, ‘green’ energy technologies.

During 2009, Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket visited China to establish formal research linkages in the area of energy research. The first of the agreements reached was with the Institute of Process Engineering within the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences. The two institutions will jointly undertake research in areas such as biomass and coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and the development of fuel cells.

Another key achievement of Professor Hacket’s visit to China was the establishment of the Curtin–Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) Joint Research Laboratory for Coal and Biomass Utilisation, which unites the Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering (CCAESE) with the State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion at HUST.

The Joint Research Laboratory is progressing projects that focus on harnessing new (biomass) energy sources, and developing technologies to reduce emissions from coal combustion. One of the biomass projects focuses on advanced biomass co-firing in conventional coal-fired power stations. The project is being funded under the Australia–China Special Fund for Science and Technology Cooperation, established by the Federal Government and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

These collaborations will greatly contribute to the development of advanced clean coal and biomass technologies in Australia and China.

CURTIN RESOURCES AND CHEMISTRY PRECINCT
Curtin’s leading role in resources and energy research is also clearly demonstrated by the new Curtin Resources and Chemistry Precinct at the University’s Bentley Campus. The $116 million development is funded by Curtin, BHP Billiton, ChemCentre (WA’s flagship chemical science facility) and both the Federal and Western Australian governments.

During 2009, Curtin research teams have been relocating to the precinct, and will soon be utilising its advanced laboratories. These include the Nanochemistry Research Institute, the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, the Curtin Water Quality Research Centre, and the WA Corrosion Research Group. ChemCentre has also relocated to the precinct, adding to the hub of expertise for collaborative research. Ultimately, more than 200 professional scientists, engineers and staff will occupy state-of-the-art facilities for chemistry and energy-related research.

Further endorsement of Curtin’s research capabilities in resources and energy-related fields was seen recently with the announcement of the Cooperative Research Centre for Deep Exploration Technologies. Curtin’s involvement in the CRC will be through its Centre for High Definition Geophysics, where research focuses on developing new seismic technologies to detect mineral resources.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable development is a strategic priority for Curtin, and renewable energy is one area in which the University continues to strengthen its research contribution.

Reflecting this, the Federal Government recently awarded Curtin $2.5 million to investigate the sustainable production of high quality second-generation transport biofuels from mallee biomass. The program will be conducted at the Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering (CCAESE), which is one of 16 centres under the research umbrella of the Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI) at Curtin.

Curtin was the only WA university to receive funding from the Government’s $15 million Second Generation Biofuels Research and Development Program, and it confirms the University’s role – and that of the CCAESE specifically – in the development of renewable energy sources that reduce CO2 emissions.

ICT AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Curtin has continued to build impressive capabilities in radio astronomy, and develop advanced projects for the highly coveted international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.

Through the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA), the University is positioning radio astronomy as a science and technology strength for WA. CIRA is jointly led by Premier’s Research Fellow Professor Steven Tingay (astrophysics and technical astronomy research) and Professor Peter Hall (engineering research and industry collaboration), who is the only Chair in Radio Astronomy Engineering in Australia.

In August, WA Premier Colin Barnett launched the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth – a $100 million joint venture funded by the WA Government, Curtin and The University of Western Australia, with CSIRO and iVEC as collaborating partners. ICRAR’s leadership team, drawn from both universities, includes Professors Tingay and Hall.

Complementing the ICRAR initiative, the new Pawsey Centre for High-Performance Computing and SKA Science was launched in September by the Federal Minister for Science and Innovation Kim Carr, at Perth’s Technology Park, adjacent to Curtin’s Bentley Campus.

The $80 million Pawsey Centre is funded under the Government’s Super Science program. At the launch, Senator Carr emphasised the Pawsey Centre’s focus on radio astronomy that will help demonstrate Australia’s readiness to host the SKA, and its close linking “with the leading-edge Australian SKA Pathfinder radio-telescope being built in WA as a precursor to the SKA project”.

At CIRA, Tingay and Hall are now coordinating several key pathfinder radio telescope projects; foremost among these is the Murchison Wide-field Array (MWA). Resulting from a major collaboration between Australia, the US and India, the MWA will survey the entire sky at a far greater speed than existing instruments, and reveal new information about the Universe and its radio phenomena.

The development of next-generation information and communication technologies remains an area of exciting opportunities for researchers.

For example, an inspirational collaboration between WA’s Main Roads authority and two Curtin research teams will realise a next-generation traffic management and control system. The project involves the Digital Ecosystems and Business Intelligence Institute (DEBII), the Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC) and Main Roads WA.

DEBII’s research expertise lies in determining how to process and utilise data, and how best to derive meaning and provide context to information. Technical innovations being designed and developed by the DEBII team for the project are considerable, and will exploit the capabilities of the next-generation internet, known as the ’Web of Things’.

The new devices will collect traffic data, via compact sensors implemented through programmable logic arrays, encapsulated and deployed as monitors. Each will have an IP address, providing it with a logical location aligned with a geographical location (supplied by GPS), and therefore have the flexibility to be either stationary or mobile monitors. Relevant data will then be transmitted wirelessly to monitors at Main Roads’ control centre. Benefits for road-users will be reduced congestion, a shortened travel time, a safer road environment, and less pollution as result of vehicles being on the road for less time. The Australian Research Council is supporting the research with a three-year Linkage Project grant.

HEALTH
Chronic conditions now dominate health-care spending in Australia. Accordingly, health research must look closely at preventative care and long-term health maintenance. To address the issue, Curtin has established an integrated health research institute – the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI).

CHIRI’s programs respond astutely to the shifting health care patterns of ageing populations, and of societies that suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Curtin is providing more than $60 million for new infrastructure, and research programs for evidence-based solutions to contemporary health challenges. CHIRI’s outstanding capabilities are drawn from respected research groups in the Faculty of Health Sciences. These include the Centre for Research into Ageing, Centre for Developmental Health, Centre for International Health and the National Drug Research Institute.

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
These examples demonstrate Curtin’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for researchers seeking to engage in and advance both academically rigorous and internationally relevant research. This commitment attracts many high-calibre researchers to Curtin’s centres and institutes, and enhancing the University’s vibrant research culture that is characterised by dedicated research staff, their programs, and our partnerships.

•    Resources and energy
•    ICT and emerging technologies
•    Health
•    Sustainable development

These areas capture the multidisciplinary nature of Curtin’s research programs, which are accessible across all of the University’s four academic faculties – Science and Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities and Business.

THE AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

Curtin recently launched its new multi-million dollar Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI). Sustainable development is becoming increasingly important to individuals, communities, business and industry, and policy-makers at all levels. Recognising this, Curtin has stepped up its commitment to sustainable development as a research priority.

Combining the resources and brainpower of 16 research centres, ASDI’s programs will target issues associated with climate change, resource scarcity and population growth. ASDI comprises a range of expertise necessary for high-impact and interdisciplinary research in environmental, social, economic and governance areas. ASDI’s research capabilities are more comprehensive than any other sustainability institute in Australia – and include the highly regarded Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute that was established in 2008.

Guided by the Chair of ASDI Mr Keith Spence (formerly Woodside’s Executive Vice-President, Enterprise Capability) Curtin will be a major research provider in sustainable development, providing the best possible scientific and policy advice to government, industry and the wider community.

RESOURCES & ENERGY

Curtin’s leading role in resources and energy research is clearly demonstrated by its most important initiatives: the Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

The Resources and Chemistry Precinct is funded by Curtin, BHP Billiton, ChemCentre (WA’s flagship chemical science facility) and both the Federal and Western Australian governments. Advanced laboratories are being outfitted for research teams preparing to move into the $116 million development during 2009. These include the Nanochemistry Research Institute, the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, the Curtin Water Quality Research Centre, and the WA Corrosion Research Group. ChemCentre will relocate to the precinct this year, adding to the hub of expertise for collaborative research across these disciplines. Ultimately, more than 300 professional scientists, engineers and staff will occupy the Precinct’s state-of-the-art facilities for chemistry and energy-related research.

Curtin’s research capabilities in resources and energy-related fields are well utilised by industry. Expertise within the WA Corrosion Research Group, for example, is in demand by oil and gas companies that require solutions in the assessment and control of corrosion. For that reason, Woodside Petroleum and Chevron Australia have jointly funded a Chair in Corrosion Research at Curtin.

Curtin’s capability to establish partnerships with major international companies is further illustrated by the Rio Tinto Centre for Materials and Sensing in Mining, which is undertaking strategic research for optimising open-pit mining operations.

Excellent prospects for industry-supported projects are also found in minerals exploration and processing. The Centre for High Definition Geophysics, for example, is developing new seismic technologies to detect mineral resources. The mining industry also maintains high demand for innovations in hydrometallurgy that enable the viability of low-grade ores or untapped mineral deposits.

ICT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

The International Year of Astronomy is an ideal time to commend Curtin’s Institute of Radio Astronomy for the pace of its progress and achievements on major international projects.

The December launch of the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) was a highlight for the University. Combining physics and engineering in the field of astronomy, CIRA became the first cross-disciplinary research centre of its kind at an Australian university – and demonstrated Curtin’s determination to position radio astronomy as a science and technology strength for Western Australia.

CIRA is jointly led by WA Premier’s Research Fellow Professor Steven Tingay (astrophysics and technical astronomy research) and Professor Peter Hall (engineering research and industry collaboration), who is the only Chair in Radio Astronomy Engineering in Australia.

Tingay and Hall have been capacity-building Curtin’s expertise in radio astronomy since joining the University within the past two years. CIRA will soon have about 25 researchers focusing on the development of pathfinder technologies for the proposed international €1.5 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.

Australia’s case for hosting the SKA project has been strengthened by the Federal Government’s budget announcement that $80 million will be allocated to a new Australian National Centre for SKA Science to be established in Perth. This follows a recent $20 million investment by the WA Government into the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). Hall and Tingay are Deputy Directors of ICRAR, which is an equal joint venture between Curtin and UWA that is focused on technical astronomy, science and engineering aspects of the SKA.

Tingay is also Project Manager for the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) project under development at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. The MWA will be a completely new type of radio telescope. Rather than an array of dishes, the MWA will be a configuration of ‘tiles’ each consisting of 16 antennas. The project is a major international collaboration between a number of US, Indian and Australian research teams.

Curtin’s advances in radio astronomy demonstrate the University’s ability to identify progressive research areas, and embark on strategies for research forays into areas of opportunity.

The development of next-generation information and communication technologies remains an area of exciting opportunities for researchers. Curtin maintains excellent research programs in pattern recognition, spatial science, wireless telecommunications, e-business and digital ontologies.

The Institute for Multi-sensor Processing and Content Analysis, for example, undertakes cutting-edge research that continually attracts industry and government funding. In collaboration with Digital Technology International, new technologies that were developed in projects supported by the Australian Research Council are now being deployed in intelligent systems that improve industrial efficiency and enhance security in complex environments such as public transport.

At Curtin Business School, research in ICT and emerging technologies is also intensifying. In particular, the Digital Ecosystems and Business Intelligence Institute (DEEBI) is advancing novel technology infrastructure, including web services, new ontologies in data mining, text mining and cyber security. DEEBI’s work is in demand in areas as diverse as commerce, transport communications, logistics planning, mining, healthcare and education.

HEALTH

Chronic conditions now dominate health-care spending in Australia. Accordingly, health research must look closely at preventative care and long-term health maintenance. To address the issue, Curtin is building a bold, integrated and relevant health research institute – the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI).

CHIRI’s programs respond astutely to the shifting health care patterns of ageing populations, and of societies that suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Curtin is providing more than $60 million for new infrastructure, and research programs for evidence-based solutions to contemporary health challenges. CHIRI’s outstanding capabilities are drawn from respected research groups in the Faculty of Health Sciences. These include the Centre for Research into Ageing, Centre for Developmental Health, Centre for International Health and the National Drug Research Institute.

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

These examples demonstrate Curtin’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for researchers seeking to engage in and advance both academically rigorous and internationally relevant research. This commitment attracts many high-calibre researchers to Curtin’s centres and institutes. The University’s vibrant research culture is continually enhanced by the quality of its researchers, programs and partnerships.

Curtin understands that high-impact research is multidisciplinary in nature, and it promotes collaborative projects that will contribute to the sustainable environmental, economic and cultural development of communities worldwide.

Weighing only 16 kg per square metre on the roof (compared to up to 100 kg/sqm with conventional flat panels systems) the system is particularly well suited to meeting industrial and commercial static loading limits. The panels have been tested to withstand wind speeds up to 209kph and do not require rooftop penetration, attachments or ballast. The panels can be swiftly connected through a series of clicks, thereby greatly reducing installation time and costs.

Installed horizontally, the panels cast no shadow across vacant roof space, increasing useable roof space. The lightweight and self ballasting feature allows for easy manoeuvring – panels can be placed over previously unusable parts of the roof such as air ducts and other piping. For access, panels are simply moved aside.

Phoenix Solar testing has shown the energy yield of the Solyndra panel to be competitive with conventional modules mounted at about the latitude angle. Overall, Solyndra’s system can provide higher electricity output per rooftop. The commercial and industrial application of this new technology from Solyndra has the potential to greatly assist local industry with its peak daytime electricity needs, thereby reducing the risk of summer black outs making electricity supply more reliable during hot summer periods.

The Megablender, a huge-scale metal blender the size of a large water tank, has five hardened-alloy cutting blades that rotate up to 500 rpm in both directions.

It is able to shred entire steel drums containing solid and semi-solid hazardous and combustible waste materials generated by communities and industry.

These waste materials contained in the bottom of the drums are often solid and require manual removal prior to processing.  In some cases the material cannot be effectively removed and the drums with the solid material are either sent to land fill or stored later for offsite disposal or processing.

The Megablender allows the shredded metal to be washed for recovery and recycling and the waste contents to be processed as solvent based fuel (SBF).

SBF is a liquid fuel used as an alternative fuel in the cement industry and is derived from liquid, solid, and sludgy hazardous and combustible waste.

The SBF is provided to Cement Australia, which operates cement manufacturing plants in Queensland and Tasmania

The capacity to blend existing incoming solid wastes and accumulated solid drum stock into SBF reduces the amount of waste disposed to landfill or sent offsite and recovers 100% of steel for recycling.

Sustainability Victoria provided funding assistance and technical support for the project.

Rod Vawdrey, CEO, Fujitsu Australia & NZ

We asked one Australian CEO, Fujitsu’s Rod Vawdrey, how sustainability fits with his business.

Q: What does environmental sustainability mean to you?

Rod Vawdrey (RV): To me, it’s a pretty simple proposition. Our resources are finite and we all have a duty of care to sustain the environment for future generations. Whether you’re a climate change convert or sceptic, businesses cannot afford to ignore the risks and opportunities that climate change presents.

Environmental sustainability can be approached from two different viewpoints: as an opportunity to add value to an organisation, or as a cost. Either way, it has moved beyond being solely a matter of good corporate social responsibility – it’s a business issue. If you look at it from the standpoint of corporate value, the environment represents an innovative opportunity to be a leader. But if you look at it simply as a cost, you will be stuck reacting to problems and making only gradual improvements.

Q: What role do you see for the information technology (IT) industry in ensuring a sustainable future for Australia?

RV: It is generally accepted that IT accounts for 2% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. IT is a large consumer of power in the typical office and the price of energy is expected to further increase. IT has a fundamental role to play in reducing this cost to business as well as showing support in addressing the remaining 98% of GHG emissions.

While organisations have embraced the concept of Green IT, they seem to be lacking an ability to translate it into action and deliver sustainable Green IT initiatives. We believe the first step is to understand the organisation’s strategic intent and business drivers to determine how the IT department aligns with the organisation’s overall strategy and contributes towards achieving measurable sustainability targets.

We understand there is constant pressure to increase profitability, manage risk and address regulatory requirements. Therefore, any Green IT investment must deliver measurable outcomes.

For many years the IT industry has been relatively removed from direct accountability for reducing its impact on the environment, but our contribution to GHG emissions poses a significant risk to the industry and its market. The challenges are many and daunting, but organisations that identify and address environmental sustainability risks will gain a competitive edge.

Q: What is Fujitsu doing to sustain the environment?

RV: In September 2008, our Victorian operation took up residence at Th e Gauge, one of only three buildings in Melbourne accredited to the 6 Star Green Star Rated Office Design Certification, the highest environmental rating ever achieved by a commercial office building.

In November 2008 we officially opened our new ‘green’ data centre at Sydney’s Homebush Bay after extensive work to improve the facility’s energy efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint. The Sydney Data Centre is now arguably the most environmentally sustainable facility of its kind in Australia, setting new benchmarks for power usage effectiveness and delivering our clients considerable savings when they host their data within our environment.

Fujitsu continues to reaffirm its longterm commitment to the Australian market with a significant investment in worldclass data centre infrastructure at a time when economic challenges are faced by all of us. We are positioning ourselves as an environmentally responsible partner by extending our leadership in sustainable technology. We believe that even in this current climate sustainability strategies will provide companies with a strong foundation for growth in the future.

With the recent launch of our online sustainability assessment tool, our customers can now proactively measure and progress their level of environmental sustainability. The tool provides a snapshot of an organisation’s readiness and we encourage anyone who is looking at sustainability to take the assessment.

For Fujitsu, environmental responsibility is nothing new. We have actively applied and promoted environmental principles for over 15 years, since the introduction of our Environmental Protection Program back in 1993, and are proudly recognised as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since its inception in 1999.

We take our corporate social responsibilities seriously and are committed to providing more environmentally-friendly products and services to our customers, including the pursuit of green activities in all areas of our operations. We leverage our technological expertise and creative talents to help promote sustainable development.

For more information about sustainability at Fujitsu, visit:

Website: http://au.fujitsu.com

Republished from Australian Innovation 2009 – the print publication