Minister for Science opens research centres at University of Wollongong

Nov 04, 2003

The Federal Minister for Science Mr Peter McGauran visited the University on Thursday 30 October to officially open the ARC Centre for Nanostructured Electromaterials, the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods and the Human Whole Room Calorimeter.

ARC Centre for Nanostructured Electromaterials:

This new research centre, funded by the ARC for $7.3 million over five years, has been established in partnership with Monash University, The Bionic Ear Institute, the CSIRO, the University of Akron, USA, and Massey University, New Zealand. The centre will run under the directorship of Professor Gordon Wallace who is currently the Director of the world-renowned Intelligent Polymer Research Institute based at UOW. Fundamental research on electrofunctional materials will be applied to invent and improve energy conversion systems, energy storage systems (eg batteries and hydrogen storage devices) and systems to transfer energy to and from biosystems (eg wound healing and electronic nerve stimulators such as used in bionic ear devices).

The Human Whole Room Calorimeter:

A specially fitted out room within the University's Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences is the first research facility of its kind in Australia - funded by the Australian Research Council and the Ramaciotti Foundations. It creates a controlled living environment to study human metabolism and accurately measure energy expenditure in individuals. UOW researchers and those from the pharmaceutical and food industries will use this facility to help unlock the mysteries of obesity. The Calorimeter consists of two airtight, ventilated and air-conditioned rooms set up as bed-sitters. Subjects will spend 24 to 72 hours in the rooms, depending on the nature of the research being conducted. There is one airlock for passing food, drinks and small items to subjects in the rooms, another for removing waste, and a third for blood sampling. By analysing air samples taken from the Calorimeter, researchers can measure oxygen consumption of subjects, which relates to energy expenditure. Gas analysers attached to the unit measure changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the chamber air reflecting the body's use of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Media please note: A Research Fellow, Marijka Batterham, was the first person to trial the new room and she is happy to relate her experiences of spending 24 hours "locked away" for research purposes. She can be contacted via 4221 5850.

National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods:

Functional foods (eg those foods which help people perform better in their daily functions and help in disease prevention) are those which consumers recognise as adding value beyond a basic nutritional requirement (ie food which provides one's basic energy and nutrient needs). The centre is a partnership between the ARC Key Centre for Smart Foods at UOW, the CSIRO's Division of Health Sciences and Nutrition, Food Science Australia and the Department of Primary Industries Victoria. It is supported by the Federal Government through the National Food Industry Strategy. The centre will receive $5.5 million in government funding over four years. The major drivers for functional foods in Australia and overseas are ageing, the relationship between diet and health, a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. The centre is under the directorship of Professor Linda Tapsell who can also discuss with media aspects involving the Whole Room Calorimeter.