University researchers’ success in ARC Linkage Projects

Linkage Projects
Professor Nelson Lam, Associate Professor Lihai Zhang, Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell, Dr Claire Farrell and Melbourne School of Engineering Acting Dean Professor Jamie Evans welcomed funding for three ARC Linkage Projects, announced by Senator David Van (fourth from left).

Research into how cladding can resist extreme weather events such as hailstorms is among three collaborative industry projects that will benefit from $1.4 million in funding as part of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) latest round of Linkage Projects. The funding was announced today by Victorian Senator David Van.

The project, led by Associate Professor Lihai Zhang in conjunction with industry partners Ian Bennie & Associates and Atlite Australia, will develop technology to assess the performance of aluminium cladding, glass facades and skylights under severe hailstorm events. The research will enable cost-effective design of robust cladding solutions and the evaluation of the performance of existing cladding.

Research to improve the quality of public landscapes, led by Dr Claire Farrell in conjunction with VicRoads and local governments, will develop a new low-cost and low maintenance approach to urban greening and make cities more liveable, inspired by Australian shrublands.

Dr Elizabeth MacFarlane is collaborating with the National Library of Australia, Australia Council and Craig Walker design on a project to document, preserve and investigate a new history of Australian comics and graphic novels created from 1980 to this year. The project will generate new knowledge about how comics reflect diverse national identities and cultures in Australian society.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Liz Sonenberg said: “The Linkage Program promotes partnerships between researchers and industry. Through these collaborations, the University is able to help solve complex challenges that can have a real impact on people’s lives.

“We thank the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government for this funding and we look forward to working with our industry partners on these projects, as well as our other research partners – Swinburne University of Technology, University of Technology Sydney, RMIT University, and the University of Sheffield.”