Researchers at the University of Western Australia (University of Western Australia) have secured more than $2.1 million in federal funding through the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Projects scheme to support four interdisciplinary research initiatives spanning clean energy, Indigenous history, offshore engineering, and eye health.
The funding is part of the Australian Research Council (Australian Research Council) programme, which supports collaboration between universities, industry, and community organisations to advance applied research with real-world impact.
One of the funded projects, led by Professor Jane Lydon, focuses on documenting the history of the Goldfields region in collaboration with the State Library of Western Australia and the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre. The project aims to develop a “truth-telling” historical record through a decolonised research process that ensures data sovereignty for First Nations communities, while also contributing to exhibitions and heritage initiatives ahead of Western Australia’s bicentenary.
In the engineering domain, Dr Hongwei An will lead research into improving the reliability and safety of subsea cable bundles used in offshore wind infrastructure and international energy interconnectors. The project aims to generate new data on how ocean forces affect subsea systems, supporting the growth of clean energy transmission networks.
Another clean energy-focused project led by Associate Professor Hugh Wolgamot will examine wind, wave, and current interactions affecting floating offshore wind turbines. The research uses real-world prototype data to improve modelling accuracy, reduce costs, and support investment in offshore wind energy systems.
In the health sciences, Professor Dao-Yi Yu will lead a project developing advanced imaging tools to study retinal blood vessel dynamics. The research aims to improve understanding of vascular behaviour in the eye and support earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
The ARC Linkage Projects scheme is designed to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and public organisations, with these projects expected to contribute to advancements in clean energy systems, cultural heritage research, and medical imaging technologies.
