Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN Universities)

Demonstrating its intercontinental approach to education and research excellence, RMIT University has signed a landmark partnership with the Norman Foster Foundation in Madrid to expand collaboration in education and research. The Norman Foster Foundation (NFF) has earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainable cities development, led by Pritzker Prizr-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, whose works include the Reichstag in Berline, Apple Park in California and The Gherkin in London. The partnership will explore opportunities for joint research initiatives and collaborative academic projects. Professor Tim Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice President at RMIT University, said, "RMIT and the NFF have a shared interest and commitment to interdisciplinary practice, and to the value of a holistic education that encourages experimentation through research and projects.” David González Márquez , Secretary General at NFF, similarly acknowledged the partnership's significance, noting, "Through this agreement, the NFF and its Institute and RMIT reaffirm their commitment to achieving the highest standards of excellence in both research and professional practice." ATN congratulates RMIT on formalising this incredible partnership, which aligns with our values of creating meaningful international collaborations that advance research excellence and deliver innovative solutions to global challenges.

Congratulations to Dilendra Wijesekara on winning the PhD Scholar category at the Women of Colour in STEM awards.   We are delighted to continue to see her gain recognition for her incredible work, and honoured to have such an exceptional individual within our network. 

RMIT University and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) recently signed a landmark agreement to significantly expand student mobility and shared research opportunities between Australia and Catalonia.   This partnership was formalised in Barcelona by UPC Rector Francesc Torres, alongside RMIT leaders including Chancellor Peggy O'Neal AO ; Professor Tim Marshall , Deputy Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice President; and Marta Fernandez Bertos, Executive Director at RMIT Europe.    The agreement creates new student exchange opportunities across four UPC schools, and will provide RMIT researchers access to UPC's specialised laboratory facilities, encouraging research initiatives that will leverage the strength of both universities.   RMIT Chancellor Peggy O'Neal AO emphasised the partnership's significance, saying,   “The new agreement will allow us to better work together for the greater good; to undertake translational research; to widen our students’ and staff experience through exchange; and to better collaborate online and on campus,” she said.   “At RMIT we believe that a university can only ever be as successful as the community it leverages through engagement – and this is most certainly a partnership of which we are particularly proud.”   We congratulate RMIT University and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya on this incredible new partnership, aligning with ATN's values of creating international collaboration opportunities that enrich student experiences, advance research excellence, and build global partnerships benefitting both Australian and international communities.

Research and Development (R&D) is a big driver of productivity and innovation in Australia, yet it was notably absent from last month's economic reform roundtable. ATN Universities maintain that applied research has the ability to yield substantial benefits for Australia, including driving industry growth and creating new jobs.   Our position on sustained R&D investment is echoed in a recent op-ed by Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, Chancellor of Curtin University and Chair of the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer.    "Research generates knowledge which, with further development, can grow productivity."   Dr Guthrie makes a case for long-term commitment over short-term gains, highlighting how programs like the Federal Government's Trailblazers have leveraged $325 million in Commonwealth funding into more than $1.5 billion in targeted investment across 56 projects with 65 industry partners.   "Research infrastructure and expertise can’t be built in a single budget cycle. If Australia wants to remain competitive, secure its global supply chains and build sovereign capability, R&D must have a seat at the table in any serious discussion on productivity."   The message is clear: Australia's economic growth and future competitiveness depends on sustained investment in research infrastructure.   Read the full piece here:

Our September Under the Microscope profile spotlights the remarkable Dr Brianna Le Busque, PhD.  Program Director: Environmental Science and Geospatial Science at the University of South Australia.  Named Science & Technology Australia's 2024 Superstar of STEM, Brianna holds a PhD in Conservation Psychology. Her research predominantly investigates human fear of sharks, and how media portrayal of sharks shapes public perception and risk assessment. During our interview, we explored the experiences that guided her into this career path, delved deeper into her research, and gained valuable advice for aspiring women in science Read her insightful responses below:

Are you a Graduate Researcher looking to gain additional skills to prepare for your future career? ATN Frontiers is kicking off its October delivery of online short courses on Monday, 6 October, starting with The Future Professional and Policy Making Futures. ATN Frontiers online professional development short courses are offered free of charge, exclusively to Graduate Researchers from ATN Universities — Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, the University of South Australia and the University of Technology Sydney. Learn more about our future-focused courses on our website: atn.edu.au/frontiers Register via the following links: Register here - Level 1 courses: https://lnkd.in/gMgpfNiY Register here - Level 2 courses: https://lnkd.in/gxP3XG99

We are thrilled to celebrate four distinguished individuals from the ATN network who have been inducted into the prestigious Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE). This exceptional recognition honours outstanding achievements in applied science and engineering, with Fellows selected through a rigorous, merit-based, peer review process conducted by Australia's foremost leaders in science, technology, and engineering.   Professor Eva Bezak, from the University of South Australia, has gained international recognition for her transformative leadership in cancer therapy and medical innovation. Her groundbreaking work has directly shaped national healthcare policy, informed critical oncology infrastructure development across Australia, and advanced cutting-edge medical technologies that improve patient outcomes.   Professor Bradley Moggridge (PhD) (University of Technology Sydney), proud Murri from the Kamilaroi Nation, has conducted agenda-setting research that has influenced amendments to Water Acts and shaped Australia's National Science Priorities. His pioneering work has established the standard for water sharing plans for groundwater systems in New South Wales, with particular focus on protecting culturally significant sites for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.   Professor Guoxiu Wang (University of Technology Sydney) is an internationally acclaimed pioneer in battery technology who has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in sustainable energy solutions. His innovations include setting a world record in single-atom catalysis for green hydrogen production and establishing widely adopted methods for producing graphene, positioning Australia at the forefront of clean energy technology.   Professor Juliet Willetts (University of Technology Sydney) has earned recognition as an influential transdisciplinary researcher dedicated to advancing inclusive access to water and sanitation services across low and middle-income countries in Asia and the Pacific. Her comprehensive approach connects water and sanitation to climate, gender, and social inclusion considerations, playing a pivotal role in shaping international policies, practices, and innovations.   ATN congratulates these exceptional researchers on their incredible achievements. Their induction into ATSE reflects our network's commitment to world-class research excellence that delivers transformative impact for Australia and the global community, and we are proud to have such impactful voices within our network.

RMIT University recently hosted the second edition of the Festival of Technology and Social Impact, celebrating decades of using technology to drive innovation and create social impact.   This year’s theme, 'Fair, Innovative and Resilient Australian Futures', highlighted RMIT's collaborations with government, industry, students and communities to create a better society for Australians.   Attendees explored exhibitions showcasing RMIT’s technological impact, including contributions from the RMIT City North Social Innovation Precinct , RMIT Activator’s 'VentureHub' social innovation accelerator program, and other RMIT projects creating social impact and forging innovative partnerships with industry and government.   Industry leaders at the forefront of AI also participated in the festival, providing students and academics with insights on preparing for and adapting to AI, from both a career and societal perspective.   The festival concluded with a keynote address from Senator Tim Ayres, Federal Minister for Science and Minister for Industry and Innovation, who spoke about the crucial role of innovation in Australia’s present and future prosperity.   “It’s widely appreciated that Australia has some of the best researchers in the world,” he said.   “But to use an AFL analogy, Australia is kicking goals when it comes to research and development, but only behinds when it comes to onshore commercialisation.   “The role of government here is not just about investing in research capabilities and the commercialisation of discoveries - it’s about providing the kind of leadership that helps to align the effort and ingenuity that’s already abundant in our research system.”   He concluded by asserting that to succeed in the national mission that underpins the Future Made in Australia initiative, Australia must make the most of its entire stock of skills and capabilities, as the nation works to decarbonise industry and secure our place in a more economically and strategically competitive world.   “We want to build the industries that position Australia for our future competitive advantage with our mineral endowment and vast solar, wind, gas and storage resources as the world goes to low and zero emissions by 2050,” he said.   “I know that RMIT is doing its part to provide the knowledge, research, and industry partnerships that help achieve the mission’s goals.”   ATN congratulates RMIT on a successful event, and celebrates Minister Ayres' recognition of RMIT's pivotal role in shaping Australia's technological future and delivering innovation that creates lasting benefits for Australian society and the global community.

Congratulations to Claire Higgins on being appointed the next Chancellor of Deakin University. We look forward to seeing her leadership shape the future of higher education and wish her all the best in her new role.