Prioritising disaster and crisis recovery research The last few months has seen our region endure terrible drought and bushfires, and now the world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Global Challenges is dedicating up to 50 per cent of funds to interdisciplinary projects addressing disaster and crisis response in our region. These priority research initiatives stem from a strong belief within Global Challenges that we have a civic responsibility to our communities and region, and that UOW is well positioned to facilitate research that will engage with affected communities in an appropriate and sensitive manner. Researchers will also have the opportunity to seek funding for impactful global research through the Olivier Ferrer Fund. Our regular funding rounds also remain open this year for teams addressing one or more of our four challenge areas. Email us to connect with our leaders at globalchallenges@uow.edu.au or to join in our weekly online drop-in sessions for more information and to connect with other researchers. UOW Makerspace responds to COVID-19 pandemic The UOW Makerspace may be closed to members, but the team is still working hard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to assist our local health care workers making face shields. UOW Makerspace has joined forces with ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) and Translational Research Initiative for Cellular Engineering and Printing (TRICEP) to work closely with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to determine what can be produced using local 3D printing capabilities, as well as to refine designs and produce prototypes for final testing at Wollongong Hospital. Manager of the UOW Makerspace, Jessica Grozdanov says makerspaces and other innovative manufacturing initiatives are increasingly playing an important role in the response to crises. “Over the past week, an open source design for a face shield that can be 3D printed has been circulated internationally. We have 3D printers available at the UOW Makerspace which got us thinking whether our local hospitals could benefit from an initiative like this.” Welcome to Research Officer, Georgia Watson We extend a warm welcome to Sustaining Coastal and Marine Zones Research Officer, Georgia Watson. Georgia holds a Bachelor of Science and first class honours degree, with placement on the Dean's
merit list. Her thesis was on forest ecology and disturbance by prescribed fire and logging. Georgia is currently a Research Assistant in the School of Earth, Atmosphere and Life Sciences, researching invasive species ecology. She is also Outreach Officer with the Centre of Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions. On the moss trail: science, snails and art in Spain PhD Travel Scholarship recipient, Alison Haynes studies how moss survives the stresses of city life. Last year she presented at the Society for Experimental Biology (SEB) conference in Seville and in a conference jointly run by the International Association of Bryologists (IAB) and the International Molecular Moss Science Society (iMOSS), in Madrid. Olivier Ferrer workshop brings together interdisciplinary network of researchers Earlier this year, the Global Challenges Program brought together researchers from across the university for a collaborative workshop to develop project ideas and teams for the Olivier Ferrer Fund. The donors, based in Europe, were available at the workshop to speak to the researchers about their hope and direction for the initiative. These new priority research initiatives can be applied for as part of our regular Seed and Project application rounds, and close on 7 May at 5pm. 2019 Annual Report now available Last year was one of uncertainties and change for the university sector, and for the planet. For the program, it was a year of solidifying our values, and developing a research culture reflective of the type of change we want to see in our wider community, the region and the world. To find out more about our year, read the Annual Report. FOR RESEARCHERS Awards now open:
Zoom tips As we are all adjusting to working remotely and online, here are our tips for using Zoom technology. We are running our own online drop-in sessions via Zoom every Tuesday at 10.30am. If you would like to join us please email us for the link at globalchallenges@uow.edu.au. IN THE MEDIA Anatomy of a heatwave: how Antarctica recorded a 20.75°C day last month (31 Mar) RECENT PUBLICATIONS
If you have a story to share or if you're interested in collaborating, please email globalchallenges@uow.edu.au. |