Universities Australia

A team of researchers from @EdithCowanUni, led by Dr Geremy Farr-Wharton, have been awarded a grant to support diversifying markets for the Australian sheep industry by @DAFFgov. "This is an exciting project to help diversify new Australian sheep products into the Australian, Middle East and North African markets. The project will work closely with farmers and processors to transform existing business models, pivoting towards taking these new products to market," Dr Farr-Wharton said. "These new business cases will support the overall transition of the sector, which has hit Western Australia in particular, towards a sustainable and thriving future." The live sheep export by the sea industry was worth $411 million in 2002-03 and declined to $50 million in 2024-25. Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/ecu-research-t… #AustralianSheep #UniversitiesMatter #exports #research #trade #farmers

Research led by @EdithCowanUni Associate Professor Robert Davis has contributed to a landmark decision by the federal pesticides regulator @APVMA to ban dangerous rat poisons. This means that some commonly used rat baits will be taken off shelves at supermarkets and hardware shops, with several major outlets already announcing their intention to halt sales. Mining company @FortescueNews also looked to research pioneered by Dr Davis and his former PhD student - and now ECU Adjunct Dr Mike Lohr - in its decision to remove second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) from its operations before the AVPMA decision. "It's rare in science to contribute research that ends up leading regulatory change," Dr Davis said. "I'm just happy that we could be part of the larger movement that lead to this ban." The USA banned SGARs in 2013 and they are highly restricted in many other parts of the world. Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/ecu-research-l… #PesticideBan #PublicHealth #ResearchImpact #ChemicalSafety #UniversitiesMatter

This World Autism Awareness Day, we’re proud to spotlight one of our #ShapingAustraliaAwards finalists, the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at @latrobe. OTARC is redefining autism research by placing autistic people and their families at the heart of every project. Through co-created, multidisciplinary initiatives, lived experience isn’t just included, it drives the research, shaping outcomes that create real, lasting impact. As Australia’s first dedicated autism research centre and a leader in the southern hemisphere, OTARC is transforming research into practical tools and services that support everyday lives — from early assessment to inclusive health and wellbeing programs. We know research like this matters. It leads to more inclusive, effective supports that reflect real needs — improving outcomes across health, education and community life. Learn more about this incredible initiative here: shapingaustraliaawards.com.au/finalists/tran… #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #AutismInclusion #ResearchImpact #UniversitiesMatter

The Northern Territory is on the road to smoother, safer commutes with innovative support and research from @CDUni's new Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies (CART). The team behind the Centre, led by Dr Ali Rajabipour, said his team’s work spanned multiple elements of road research and development, which helps drive industry collaboration, and commercialisation of technology breakthroughs. The technologies and techniques developed in CART will directly benefit NT road users and taxpayers, but it can also be adapted for global applications. Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/on-the-road-to… #UniversitiesMatter #research #NT #transport

UA welcomes the passage of legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), strengthened by amendments we have advocated for. The amended bill boosts the ATEC’s independence, improves resourcing and sharpens its focus on research. Read our full media release here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/str… #highered #ATEC #auspol #research

Why #UniversitiesMatter more than ever? Our CEO, @LukeSheehyUA, highlights the critical role universities play in shaping tomorrow’s workforce and driving the research that keeps Australia ahead of rapidly evolving industry needs. From pioneering new technologies to building future-ready skills, universities are essential to a smarter, more innovative and resilient nation. Watch his take at the #UASolutionsSummit. #UniversitiesMatter #skilledworkforce #innovation #research

Researchers from @UOW have partnered with construction technology company LUYTEN 3D to develop Australia’s first underwater 3D concrete printing system, and the world’s first “single-mix” concrete formulation that sets and builds stably underwater without chemical accelerators. “Our trials confirm that our single-mix solution is not just theoretically sound but practically viable. It offers the structural integrity needed for real-world application while simplifying the logistics of underwater deployment,” UOW project lead Dr Aziz Ahmed said. This innovative technology has immediate applications in defence, ports and coastal infrastructure – including potential use in the #AUKUS submarine program and the construction of sustainable anchors for floating offshore wind farms. Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/researchers-ac… #UniversitiesMatter #research #CleanEnergy

Why #UniversitiesMatter in shaping how we learn, grow, and innovate. Professor Mark Esposito @Exp_Mark highlights the vital role universities play as hubs of knowledge, connection, and opportunity. Watch his take at the #UASolutionsSummit. #EducationMatters #learning

UA Chair Professor Carolyn Evans and Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Australia His Excellency Xiao Qian met yesterday and discussed the vital role of education and research in shaping the future of the Australia-China relationship. They reflected on the importance of stronger connections between young people in both countries to build mutual understanding and discussed Australia and China's shared commitment to driving productivity, innovation and tackling global challenges through education and research. @GriffithUniVC #auspol #highereducation #internationaleducation

Australia’s move to fast-track association with Horizon Europe from 2027 is a major step forward for research, innovation and the economy. It would open the door for Australian universities and researchers to tap into the world’s largest innovation program and lead major international projects. Read the full media release here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/hor… @EU_Commission @GVisentinEU @ayrestim @JasonClareMP @GroupOfEight #auspol #highered #HorizonEurope #research

Why #UniversitiesMatter more than ever? Skye Cappuccio, CEO of @COSBOA, highlights the vital role universities play in shaping our future workforce and preparing Australia for rapidly evolving industry needs. Watch her take at the #UASolutionsSummit. #Smallbusiness #Industrycolloboration #workforce

A productivity lift needs a serious R&D, innovation overhaul | Luke Sheehy @uniaus #SERD #Research #Development #AusTech buff.ly/dxFkIXJ

With the Strategic Examination of Research and Development final report, the government now has a real opportunity to back innovation and secure Australia’s future prosperity. @LukeSheehyUA @JasonClareMP @ayrestim #SERD #research #productivity

If we want long-term economic and productivity growth, we need to turn ideas into products and industries. Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA highlights the importance of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development report in his op-ed published in @Innov_Aus today. Read the full article here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/a-p… #UniversitiesMatter #innovation #research #Productivity #SERD @JasonClareMP @ayrestim

Why #UniversitiesMatter more than ever? Hugh Mackay, social psychologist and author, shares that universities do more than grant degrees. They shape critical thinking, broaden worldviews, and nurture human connections in a fragmented world. Watch his take at the #UASolutionsSummit. #EducationMatters #FutureLeaders #NextGenLeaders #IndustryCollaboration

Research and innovation help us build the industries of the future – the ones that create good jobs and keep our economy strong. The SERD final report gives us a roadmap to do exactly that. @LukeSheehyUA @JasonClareMP @ayrestim #UniversitiesMatter #research #innovation #productivity

For too long, Australia has relied on digging things out of the ground. Research and innovation give us the chance to build new industries and diversify our economy. The Strategic Examination of R&D provides a roadmap to help Australia make the most of the world-class research talent already on our shores. @LukeSheehyUA @JasonClareMP @ayrestim #UniversitiesMatter #research #innovation #productivity

Read our full media release here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/rd-…

Research and development are the engine room of productivity. Stronger investment in R&D helps Australia: · build new industries · create secure, well-paid jobs, and · lift living standards. If we want a bigger, more prosperous country, innovation must be front and centre. @LukeSheehyUA @JasonClareMP @ayrestim #UniversitiesMatter #SERD #research #HigherEd

The Strategic Examination of Research and Development provides a major opportunity for Australia to strengthen its innovation system as the nation works to lift productivity and ease cost-of-living pressures. Backing #research and #innovation is how Australia creates new jobs, strengthens the industries we already have and builds the new ones that will power a bigger and more prosperous country. With productivity stalling and a changing global economic and geopolitical environment creating both challenges and opportunities, the final report comes at a critical time – and the government now has an opportunity to embrace its recommendations and act. @JasonClareMP @ayrestim Read the full media release here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/rd-… #auspol #highered