Apr 12 2010
Research in the fields of astronomy and nanotechnology are among the Monash University projects recognised by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr as successful in the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Super Science Fellowship scheme.
Super Science Fellowships aim to attract and retain the best and brightest early-career researchers from within Australia and around the world. The Fellowships foster the world's brightest young minds to start or further their research careers in Australia and enable vital research in the areas of space and astronomy; marine and climate; and future industries.
Four Monash-led research teams attracted a total of more than $2.5 million for projects in the fields of atmospheric sciences, biomedical engineering, astronomical and space sciences and nanotechnology.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Edwina Cornish was pleased with the outcome of this latest round of funding.
"Monash University is fast-becoming known as a place where early-career researchers can thrive," Professor Cornish said.
"The University's success in attracting Super Science Fellowships is confirmation by the Australian Research Council of Monash University's innovative and vibrant research culture. The fellowships will allow Monash to continue to support its early-career researchers to become the very best in their fields."
The Monash projects successful in attracting funding in the Super Science Fellowship scheme are:
Commencing in 2010
- Led by Professor Michael Reeder from the Faculty of Science, this project aims to understand the dynamics of high pressure weather systems in the region of Southern Australia and their connection to rainfall, heatwaves and bushfires.
- An exciting cross-disciplinary project, led by Professor James Whisstock from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences will revolutionise the human body's ability to build pore-forming nano-machines. This process will have enormous therapeutic application by improving the way in which molecules, such as antibodies, are delivered.
Commencing in 2011
- Dr Michael Brown from the Faculty of Science, is leading a project that aims to understand the evolution of the galaxy by exploring the connection between galaxies and their environments. This will provide new insights and build upon Australia's 21st Century astrophysics.
- Professor Trevor Lithgow from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences will lead a project that aims to optimise the assembly and development of new molecular machines with broad potential applications in biomedical and industrial settings.
"I would like to congratulate the research teams who have successfully attracted Super Science Fellowships in this latest round of funding," Professor Cornish said.