A new training centre focused on moving toward a circular economy will base its headquarters in Geelong.
The Australian Research Council (ARC) will establish one of its six new Industrial Transformation Training Centres at Deakin later this year, primarily using facilities at the university’s Waurn Ponds campus.
The Training Centre for Resource Efficient Alloys in a Circular Economy (‘circAlloy’), supported by nearly $5 million in ARC funding, will support collaborations between industry and academia to work toward a net zero future.
The centre will be led by Deakin’s Professor Matthew Barnett, chair in metallurgy for the university’s Institute for Frontier Materials, along with deputy directors Professor Daniel Fabijanic (Deakin) and Professor Damien Giurco (University of Technology Sydney).
Prof Barnett’s team currently works on developing longer-lasting alloys for industries such as mining and construction.
“Metals are remarkable materials; malleable, strong, durable and highly recyclable,” Prof Barnett said.
“But despite those circular properties, the production of metals faces multifaceted challenges that put pressure on the environment and the economy.
“circAlloy will help us create alloys that stay in use for longer, enable a more circular economy and demand less resources, while at the same time facilitating innovation in renewable technologies.
“Nimble placement of researchers and research engineers on-site and in-lab will allow us to fast-track problem solving, audit processes, proof-of-concept testing, and the translation of research into real-world outcomes.”
In addition to the Institute for Frontier Materials, the ARC centre will be supported by Deakin’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute and the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures.
Deakin’s deputy vice chancellor of research and innovation professor Matthew Clarke said the centre was a coup for Deakin in its mission to deliver education and research that builds a better future for all.
“circAlloy will help us train the next generation in alloy science and manufacturing for resource efficiency in a circular economy, creating a much-needed workforce of the future,” he said.
“The production of solid materials accounts for 23 per cent of global CO2 emissions with steel production alone accounting for 7 per cent of global emissions. More efficient and more circular materials are needed.”
