Materials Science & Engineering

Centre for Materials Research in Energy Conversion (Nowotny, Sheppard, Sorrell, Chan)
The centre is at the frontline in the development of photosensitive oxide semiconductors, based on titanium dioxide, TiO₂ and its solid solutions. It uses commercially available TiO₂ as a raw material to produce high-performance photosensitive oxide semiconductors for commercial water purification generating environmentally clean hydrogen fuel. We are also developing environmentally friendly coatings for building materials and roads, and electrochemical devices for hydrogen storage and hydrogen sensing.

Sustainable Materials (Sahajwalla, Ferry, Crosky, Ostrovski, Li, Bandyopadyay, Khanna, Gupta, Zhang,  Saha-Chaudhury, Antony)
Our research aims to reduce the environmental impact and enhance community benefits associated with materials-related industries and related technologies by developing novel and innovative materials and processes through world-class research. We also facilitate the rapid transfer of technology by addressing the scientific and engineering barriers to technologies for transforming industry. In addition to focusing on fundamental science and long-term futuristic research, we also work with materials industries to apply the research strengths of UNSW to enhance sustainable development.

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Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Conservation Genetics and Molecular Ecology (Sherwin. Cooper, Firestone)
As molecular ecologists we use genetics as a tool to study and manage biodiversity, including a wide range of animals and plants.  This involves field collection, molecular analysis in the lab, as well as computer modelling.  Our results aid the conservation of endangered species, and the control of pest and introduced species.  We also analyse general evolutionary questions, such as: "Why do dolphins appear to help each other to pass their genes on (instead of selfishly looking after their own genes)?" 

Marine Biology, Fisheries And Aquaculture (Suthers, Poore)
UNSW has a national and international reputation for marine sciences based on our ability in five interacting fields: marine ecology and evolution, physical oceanography, marine biotechnology, geography and human impacts, and coastal engineering. In combination, these fields are not found elsewhere in the nation. With over 50% of the global population now designated as living in cities, much of our research focuses on functioning and management of marine habitats in urban areas. 

Australian Wetlands and Rivers (Kingsford)
Many species of fauna and flora, ecosystems (wetlands, estuaries, floodplains) and ecological processes depend on natural flow regimes and are threatened by flow regulation and abstraction. While there are many protected areas (National Parks and Nature Reserves) whose biodiversity values are sustained by river flows, good scientific research is required to manage competing needs for water and ensure that the limited volumes of water available for environmental flows are delivered effectively.

Hawkesbury Forest Experiment (McMurtrie, Adams)
Fifty years from now, because of climate change Australia's trees will be growing in a hotter world with higher CO₂ and different rainfall. Professors Ross McMurtrie and Mark Adams are part of an international research team that has planted gum trees inside large plastic chambers that simulate the climate of the future.  This study will investigate how rising CO₂ and reduced rainfall will affect Australia's forests.

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Mathematics & Statistics

Climate and Environmental Dynamics Laboratory (England, Pitman)
The Climate and Environmental Dynamics Laboratory is a multi-disciplinary research group comprising one of the largest Australian University laboratories in climate science, oceanography, terrestrial processes, atmospheric sciences and meteorology.  We research the physics of climate variability and climate change, as well as the underlying dynamics of the oceans and the way the terrestrial system affects local climate and rainfall patterns.

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Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences

Biocatalysis for sustainable development (Rosche)
Every day we use thousands of goods made from chemicals that have been industrially produced with impact on our planet. We develop gentle methods to produce these chemicals via biocatalysis. Biocatalysts can be manufactured from renewable resources such as agricultural waste. Their action in bioprocesses saves energy and minimizes waste. 

Environmental Microbiology Initiative (Kjelleberg)
Microorganisms are key contributors to the sustainability and health of our plant, yet most of their natural and functional diversity remains to be discovered. Modern environmental microbiology and genomics now generate a comprehensive description of microbial systems in marine, aquatic and terrestrial environments. These allow for the development of novel biotechnological applications in a range of industrial and medical settings.

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Chemistry

Molecular Scale Biosensors and Responsive Materials (Gooding)
This research project aims to make biosensors and other functional devices from molecular scale building blocks.  Biosensors allow the general public to detect species such as disease markers, pathogens and environmental pollutants simply by placing 'dip-stick' like device into the sample to be analysed.  Other devices being developed are molecular magnets for data storage and switchable surfaces for biomaterial applications.

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