Industry fellowships to drive research collaboration and impact

(L-R) Dr Nano Langenheim, Dr Rebecca Morris, Associate Professor Gang Li and Professor Emily Nicholson.
(L-R) Dr Nano Langenheim, Dr Rebecca Morris, Associate Professor Gang Li and Professor Emily Nicholson.

Four University of Melbourne researchers have secured Australian Research Council (ARC) Industry Fellowships in the latest funding round, with two at early career level and two at mid-career level.

The fellowships offer the opportunity for researchers to collaborate between academic and industry settings, to help strengthen Australia’s research capability and deliver significant outcomes for industry partners and research end-users.

ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship recipients:

Dr Nano Langenheim - Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning

The project aims to address the urgent need to increase urban tree coverage in Australian cities to mitigate climate impacts. Dr Langenheim will develop an urban-forest digital twin, integrating advanced analytics and modelling to help local governments calculate, coordinate, negotiate, communicate and prioritise urban forest expansion. By optimising tree-planting, this project can transform landscapes, boosting climate resilience for healthier, sustainable cities.

  • Industry partners: City of Port Phillip, Player Piano Data Analytics Pty Ltd

Dr Rebecca Morris – School of BioSciences

This project aims to build capacity for implementation of nature-based solutions for coastal protection. Dr Morris expects to generate new knowledge on the suitability of shorelines for different designs of nature-based coastal protection. Expected outcomes of this project include new technical guidance that will inform management actions to increase resilience of built, natural and cultural assets in the face of current and future coastal hazards.

  • Industry partners: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Range Consulting Pty Ltd, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship recipients:

Associate Professor Gang Li – Department of Chemical Engineering
This project aims to develop a technology that can produce carbon-neutral fuels directly from the air. Associate Professor Li aims to help Australia transition to a net-zero economy, by capturing CO2 and water vapor from the atmosphere and using renewable energy to convert them into fuels. This project is expected to enhance Australia’s ability to reduce emissions, particularly in industries that are difficult to decarbonise.

  • Industry partners: Dotz Nano Limited, Dimer Technologies Pty Ltd

Professor Emily Nicholson - School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
This project aims to provide the first comprehensive evaluation of Australia’s biodiversity monitoring capacity to meet national and state needs for biodiversity policy. Professor Nicholson will undertake a horizon scan of data and knowledge needs, evaluate current data and indicators, and translate findings into tools and guidelines for governments and across sectors. Expected outcomes will include a roadmap to fit-for-purpose indicators and data.

  • Industry partners: Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Learn more about the Early Career Industry Fellows here and Mid-Career Industry Fellows here.