The Morrison government’s 2019-20 Budget contains some mixed news for Australia’s science and technology sector, providing boosted funding for women in STEM and the nation’s space sector alongside cuts to several research agencies and programs. $3.4 million in new funding will support women in STEM, and includes investment in the Science in Australia Gender Equity … Continue reading Budget a mixed bag for science and technology sector →

For performance, mechanical engineering and handling applications, Treotham introduces the drylin T linear systems series from igus, featuring wear-resistant sliding elements made of high-performance plastics. Lubrication-free and long-lasting, the drylin T linear system has dimensions identical to recirculating ball-bearing guides, with users able to select a standard solution from stock. By adopting an efficient production … Continue reading Treotham introduces new lubrication-free and wear-resistant linear systems →

Chemistry Australia has announced David Hawkins, chairman and managing Director at BASF Australia and New Zealand, as the new elected chair of the Chemistry Australia Board. Russell Schroeter, managing director of SNF Australia, has been elected as Chemistry Australia Board deputy chair. The Board’s moves follow the recent departure of outgoing chair Louis Vega, managing … Continue reading Chemistry Australia elects new board chair and deputy chair →

The Australian National University (ANU) has completed a global audit of 530,000 potential sites for pumped-hydro energy storage that can be used to support low-cost, secure, 100 per cent renewable electricity grids. The zero-emission grids would mainly rely on solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind technology, with support from pumped-hydro storage and extra high voltage transmission … Continue reading ANU identifies 530,000 potential pumped-hydro sites worldwide →

The federal government is investing $3.4 million to improve science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) equity in Australia and even-out the gender disparity in STEM careers. Federal industry, science and technology minister Karen Andrews said for Australia to have the the widest talent pool possible, the government needed to ensure that Australians are supported to … Continue reading Federal government spending $3.4 million to boost female participation in STEM →

Following on from the success of previous delegations, global technology giant Siemens will lead a cross section of business leaders and stakeholders from manufacturing, energy, power and gas, engineering, data analytics, education and cybersecurity sectors to Germany for the world’s largest industrial trade fair – Hannover Messe. The Australian delegation will be joined by members … Continue reading Siemens to lead cross-industry Australian delegation to Hannover Messe →

Two new research laboratories at RMIT University’s Melbourne City campus will focus on developing high-performance advanced materials and improving manufacturing and fabrication. Researchers will use the labs to improve solar cell technology, battery efficiency, magnesium implants for patients, and water sensing and purification. RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President, Professor Calum Drummond, said … Continue reading New labs to push forward advanced materials and manufacturing research →

Scientists from CSIRO can now test ancient groundwater up to a million years old with far greater accuracy, following the opening of a new gas facility. The Noble Gas Facility, built at CSIRO’s Waite campus in Adelaide, is the first in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed and built by CSIRO, it will provide new insights into … Continue reading Noble gas facility to test ancient groundwater in regional Australia →

Analysis of labour force data by the Department of Jobs and Small Business shows that jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related occupations are growing significantly faster than other occupations. Analysis of labour force data by the Department of Jobs and Small Business shows that jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) … Continue reading Jobs in STEM growing faster than other areas →

Sensors have long been used in industrial settings to monitor and improve processes and systems. Associate Professor Flora Salim from RMIT University speaks about how researchers are using sensor technology to enhance the liveability of our cities. Manufacturing plants and refineries are usually highly-structured environments. They typically feature machinery, automated systems, and computerised technologies and … Continue reading Sensors and the smart cities of the future →

The Western Australian government has launched a new pilot program to help WA start-ups, emerging businesses and small-to-medium sized enterprises become ready for capital investment. The X-TEND WA program offers organisations that deliver innovator or investor education programs access to grants of up to $100,000. Applications are now open and close on April 23, 2019. … Continue reading WA government to invest in innovative start-ups →

Researchers from Saarland University have are using ultra-thin film to develop motorless pumps and self-regulating valves that can communicate their status and their activity in real time, minimising the likelihood of failure. The valves and pumps being developed by the research group led by Professor Stefan Seelecke at Saarland University are made from electroactive silicone … Continue reading Researchers develop motorless pumps and self-regulating valves from ultrathin film →

The Australian Space Agency will work with the private sector to translate research in the space sector into commercial opportunities for industry. The signing of the Statement of Strategic Intent and Cooperation with Woodside Energy is designed to highlight areas of potential research, development and commercial outcomes for our unique space industry. Minister for Industry, … Continue reading Australian Space Agency signs collaborative deal with Woodside Energy →

Stretchable electronics is emerging as a promising new technology for next-generation wearable devices, according to an article published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. The technology has many possible applications for healthcare, energy and the military. But there are several challenges involved in finding suitable materials and manufacturing methods. The biggest challenge for making … Continue reading Stretchable electronics: a new technology for next-generation wearable devices →

A new system devised by researchers at MIT can monitor the behaviour of all electric devices within a building, ship, or factory, determining which ones are in use at any given time and whether any are showing signs of an imminent failure. The new sensor, whose readings can be monitored on an easy-to-use graphic display … Continue reading Researchers develop cutting-edge sensor system for electrical systems →

Former Federal Court judge, Dr Annabelle Bennett, has been appointed chairperson of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Board. Dr Bennett is currently chancellor of Bond University and practices as a consultant senior counsel, a mediator and an arbitrator. Federal industry, science and technology minister Karen Andrews congratulated Bennett on her appointment for … Continue reading Former federal court judge appointed to ANSTO board chair →

Despite Australia’s increasing focus on renewable energy and the rising number of solar farms being built in cyclone-prone areas, Australia lacks local resilience testing standards for solar panels, according to a new report from FM Global. Sun Metals Corporation (SMC) and James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, working with FM Global, has completed wind-tunnel and … Continue reading Australia needs better resilience testing standards for solar panels, report says →

A series of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) projects planned across five states could triple Australia’s electricity storage capacity, according to a new study by a researcher at The Australian National University (ANU). Professor Jamie Pittock says if the projects go ahead, they will accelerate our transition to renewable energy. “We’re talking about more than 20 … Continue reading Hydropower projects to boost electricity storage capacity →

As part of a global industry research project, combustion experts from the University of Sydney’s School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering are one step closer to developing a more efficient and cost-effective access to space platform for satellite launches. As part of the University’s Clean Combustion Group, Associate Professor Matthew Cleary, Associate Professor Ben … Continue reading Sydney Uni joins project to develop rotating detonation engine for satellite launches →

Key Technology, a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, introduces its new Sort-to-Grade (STG) software for VERYX digital sorters. The patented STG software, field proven for potato strips, is now available for more food sorting applications including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables as well as nuts. Compared to traditional sorting strategies, where … Continue reading Key Technology introduces new Sort-to-Grade capabilities for VERYX Digital Sorters →