Dr Cameron Shearer
The University of Adelaide Research Field: Nanotechnology Solar cells are already widely used on rooftops with great success, but rooftop space is limited. If solar cells were flexible and or transparent they could be utilised in far more domestic and industrial locations. Dr Shearer’s research in very conductive films of carbon nanotubes may allow solar…
Read More »Dr Catherine Attard
Flinders University Research Field: Molecular Ecology Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology let us rapidly sequence whole genomes at relatively low cost, allowing us to answer an unprecedented range of questions. The accessibility of DNA information means that it can now be used to help conservation of endangered species. Dr Attard’s research has used DNA…
Read More »Dr Harriet Whiley
Flinders University Research Field: Environmental Health Water quality and food safety are important for maintaining public health. Diseases from contaminated food and water can be deadly, especially to people with chronic health conditions, infants, and pregnant women. Dr Whiley’s main areas of research are water quality and food safety. Her water quality research is focused…
Read More »Dr Katharina Richter
The University of Adelaide Research Field: Applied Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Superbugs, such as Golden Staph, cause 700,000 deaths globally every year and existing antibiotics cannot effectively kill them. New weapons to fight superbugs are urgently needed. Dr Richter has developed two treatments for infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically for recalcitrant chronic sinus infections, and…
Read More »Dr Lewis Mitchell
The University of Adelaide Research Field: Applied Mathematics and Data Science Understanding how (mis)information flows over social networks is increasingly important for governments, businesses, and individuals. Statistical tools to summarise online social media and mathematical models of social networks are essential ingredients for making sense of the modern world. Dr Mitchell’s work focuses on mathematical…
Read More »Dr Melanie Macgregor
University of South Australia Research Field: Material Science and Engineering The development of clever coatings for modern technologies requires the understanding of wetting at the nanoscale. The extent to which a liquid will interact with a surface will prevent or permit a range of processes on surfaces, such as protein adsorption, biofilm formation, and can…
Read More »Dr Rodrigo Praino
Flinders University Research Field: Political Science In democracies, citizens are asked to make extremely important decisions on who governs them. These decisions can have an impact on all aspects of life, from whether your country embarks on warfare, to whether you and your family have enough to live on. Dr Praino’s research uses a cutting-edge…
Read More »Dr Ryan Balzan
Flinders University Research Field: Psychology People with delusions jump to conclusions, where they make hasty decisions based on very little information. Delusions can cause significant emotional and social distress. People with delusions disregard information that does not support their beliefs, which could explain why delusions are resistant to change. Dr Balzan’s research focuses on the…
Read More »A/Prof Emma Thomas
Flinders University Research Field: Psychology Certain disasters will promote historically large public responses, while other events will not garner the same levels of support. What are the lessons that can be learnt from successful appeals to promote engagement with long-standing humanitarian disadvantage? A/Prof’s Thomas’ research focuses on understanding what motivates people to join collective efforts…
Read More »Dr Benjamin Sparkes
The University of Adelaide Research Field: Photonics Current encryption methods are likely to be defeated by the impending development of next-generation “quantum” computers. Quantum Key Distribution, a commercially-available technique, can eliminate this risk, however, capacity of this technique is currently constrained to a maximum distance, preventing its widespread adoption. Dr Sparkes is developing a device…
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