Deakin University welcomes funding for new fibres Research Hub

The research hub is one of 16 research hubs and training centres around the country sharing in $74 million through this latest round of grants from the ITRP.

Based within the Geelong Future Economy Precinct at Deakin's Geelong Waurn Ponds campus, the research hub aims to expand Australia's position in fibres, textiles and composites by developing next generation functional fibre materials and creating synergy between functionality and sustainability.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Alfred Deakin Professor Julie Owens, said the new research hub will build on the achievements of the Research Hub for Future Fibres, which was also located in the Geelong Future Economy Precinct and recently wrapped up after five years.

"From safer protective apparel for motorcyclists to silk membranes for ear drum reconstruction and even anti-viral face masks, there is no doubt that the Future Fibres Hub made a real difference to people's lives," Professor Owens said.

"The new ARC Research Hub for Functional and Sustainable Fibres continues this tradition and exemplifies Deakin's industry-led research and innovation, in addition to our ability to deliver impact both locally and globally.

"For our researchers, it's a golden opportunity to take their learnings from the past five years and continue their cutting-edge research in a new home and in collaboration with innovative industry partners like HeiQ, the TAC, and Quickstep Technologies.

"The research and its translation will deliver lasting value to communities and industry and extend our investment in regional Victoria and commitment to sustainability.

"The funding boost is not only good news for Deakin, but also for our research and industry partners. We look forward to strengthening our collaborative research and development projects as we create the materials of the future."

About the Research Hub for Functional and Sustainable Fibres
The research hub will be led by Professor Joselito Razal from Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials and involves the following industry partners:

• Quickstep Technologies Pty Ltd
• Hara the Label Pty Ltd
• HeiQ Pty Ltd
• Xefco Pty Ltd
• Imagine Intelligent Materials Limited
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
• Conveyor Products and Solutions Pty Ltd
• Simba Commercial Pty Ltd
• Nanollose Limited
• Carbon Revolution Ltd
• ELG Carbon Fibre Ltd

The hub also involves partner investigators from:

• CSIRO
• Aalto University, Helsinki
• National University of Singapore
• Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
• Imperial College London