$12m ARC Centre of Excellence to play revolutionary role

Feb 16, 2006

The world is on the verge of a revolution in electromaterials science and Wollongong will be playing a significant role, the audience heard at today's (February 16) official opening of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science based at the University of Wollongong.

Centre Director, Professor Gordon Wallace, predicted that the next five years would herald an array of exciting developments in the fields of electromaterials science and nano (ultra minute) technology particularly following discoveries such as plastics (under certain conditions) can conduct electricity.

Professor Wallace said the ARC would play a pivotal role in creating the electromaterials required for such areas as a new generation of bionic ear, artificial muscles, nerve repairs and, in collaboration with Monash University, developing the bio-batteries and the bio-fuel cells to drive them. The Centre promises to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society such as enhancing human health, renewable energy and sustainable industries.

"On just an everyday basis, people will see the 'revolution' in changes from the types of mobile phones they carry to the computer screens on their desks," Professor Wallace said.

Professor Wallace said the breakthroughs in electromaterials science were being achieved through a "unique team of researchers combining their individual talents" along with a recognition from the ARC and various commercial collaborators who shared his centre's vision.

The official opening was performed by the Chief Executive Officer of the ARC, Professor Peter Hoj, who stressed how competitive it was to receive funding from the ARC -- in the case of Professor Wallace's application 11 centres were funded from 97 applications.

Professor Hoj said funding did not automatically go to the larger universities pointing out that if regional universities can show they can tackle ground-breaking research in a collaborative fashion major funding is achievable.

UOW's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research (representing the Vice-Chancellor), Professor Margaret Sheil, described it as a tremendous day for UOW and its partners and a clear acknowledgment of the world-class research being undertaken.

"It's a clear example of how we, as a university, are reaping the benefits of not trying to be excellent in everything in research but to concentrate our resources in our areas of strength such as electromaterials science," Professor Sheil said.

The NSW Minister for Regional Development, Mr David Campbell, who is also a member of the University Council, said he was always pleased to visit UOW as the University had a vibrancy about it that was contagious.

He said that vibrancy was clearly on show at today's official opening and he was proud of the fact that the NSW Department of State and Regional Development was one of the centre's sponsors.

The Centre draws its core expertise from its partners: the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (UOW), the ARC, the NSW Department of State and Regional Development, Monash University, the Bionic Ear Institute, and St Vincent's Health. The Centre has already attracted 21 visiting scientists from eight different countries since the Federal Government announced plans for its introduction in 2005.

This combination, with the input of other distinguished collaborators, brings together some of the foremost researchers in chemistry, materials science, physics, biology and mathematics in Australia.

The Centre will carry out collaborative research with four different Co-operative Research Centres -- CRC Polymers, CRC Smart Print, CRC Intelligent Manufacturing and CRC Cochlear Implant and Hearing.

Professor Wallace said his area already had established links with industry and attending today's opening were representatives from Cochlear, Quantum Technology, Schefenacker Vision Systems, Aqua Diagnostics, CAP-XX, Australian Surgical Design, BlueScope Steel and Boston Scientific (from the USA).

Coinciding with the opening, the new ARC Centre is hosting the first international symposium on electromaterials science held at UOW (see http://media.uow.edu.au/releases/2006/0215b.html) involving researchers from the world's leading scientific institutions including Germany, Italy, France, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The inventor of the bionic ear, Professor Graeme Clark, is among scientists attending the conference.

The symposium, to be held from 15 to 17 February, will provide a forum for the discussion of recent advances in this research area, particularly the role and impact of nanostructure -- structures that are minute or micrometer-sized.

Introduction of the world's strongest artificial muscles, the announcement of a patent involving a new sensor that will have special environmental implications and the latest wearable solar cells and fibre batteries on clothing are among highlights at the first international symposium on electromaterials science.