Two Macquarie University projects have been awarded a total of almost $1.2 million, a sum that will increase via contributions from partner organisations.
The Linkage Projects scheme supports projects that initiate or develop long-term strategic research alliances. Adds Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius: “The Linkage Projects scheme provides important opportunities to further drive innovation, knowledge and industry collaboration in our local and national interests.”
Macquarie’s successful projects, both from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, address the significant environmental challenges of flood mitigation and plastics upcycling.
Executive Dean of Macquarie University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Lucy Marshall, who is also a Chief Investigator on one of the successful projects, said she was delighted by the faculty’s success.
“These grants are a testament to our commitment and capability in addressing key environmental challenges faced by our community," said Professor Marshall.
“We are strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“In light of the increasing severity of floods in Australia, and the likelihood that our changing climate will exacerbate these, I am excited to collaborate with Professor Kirstie Fryirs from the School of Natural Sciences. Together, we will develop innovative, nature-based strategies for flood mitigation, partnering with multiple NSW Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
“I'm also very proud of the successful application by Professor Yijiao Jiang and her team, who will embark on a groundbreaking project to upcycle mixed plastics from bioprocessed municipal solid waste.
“This project is not only crucial for tackling our own escalating waste management issues, but can also be extrapolated globally, helping to make a significant step forward in sustainable practices.”
Macquarie University’s successful projects are:
Natural flood management: Nature-based flood mitigation in the 21st century
Macquarie University Chief Investigators: Professor Kirstie Fryirs (Lead), Professor Lucy Marshall, Dr Tim Ralph
Partner organisations: North Coast Local Land Services, Hunter Local Land Services; South East Local Land Services, Department of Planning and Environment – Water Division
Project funding: $723,594
Upcycling of mixed plastics from bioprocessed municipal solid waste
Macquarie University Chief Investigators: Associate Professor Yijiao Jiang (Lead), Professor Vladimir Strezov, Professor Stefan Trueck
Partner organisation: Arc Ento Tech Ltd
Project funding: $475,573
