The Foundation for Australia-Japan Studies 2020 Rio Tinto Australia-Japan Collaboration Program Grants were awarded to:
The University of Queensland and the University of Tokyo
Improving Future Energy Storage Systems at the Molecular Level
Prof Debra Bernhardt, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University of Queensland, and Prof Katsuhiko Ariga of the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and The University of Tokyo.
Their project, Improving Future Energy Storage Systems at the Molecular Level investigates the charging/discharging process in superconductors using electrodes of nanoarchitectured porous carbon to design more efficient electrode materials and produce advanced energy storage technologies for uses such as electric vehicles and household energy storage. Their teams will partner with three Japanese companies: Tayca Co, NK Energy Frontier Co. Ltd., and Yoshino Denka Kogyo Inc.
Total FAJS funds awarded: AUD 139,000
Monash University and Cross Labs
Socially Conformant Behaviour for Autonomous Robots in Dynamic Environments
Dr Wesley Chan, Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, and Dr Antoine Pasquali, Cross Compass Ltd (Japan).
Their project Socially Conformant Behaviour for Autonomous Robots inDynamic Environments aims to improve the acceptance of robots in service applications by developing an algorithm that will allow robots to autonomously navigate changing and human-populated environments while displaying safe and socially-conformant behaviour. The new robots will be tested in warehousing applications.
Total FAJS funds awarded: AUD 89,000
RMIT University and National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST)
Quantum Diamond-based Geophysical Sensor Technology
Professor Brant Gibson, ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), RMIT, and Mr Takeshi Ohshima, QST.
Their project, Quantum Diamond-based Geophysical Sensor Technology, explores the use of quantum diamond-based devices to revolutionize geophysical magnetic field sensing at depth for discovery of new minerals and metals. The project will bring together end-users and diamond partners to develop a road map for mining applications of quantum technologies. Their large teams will link with 13 international and industry partners in the CNBP.
Total FAJS funds awarded: AUD 120,000
Australian National University and Tohoku University
Contributing to Global Freshwater Security with Novel Solar-driven Desalination Methods
Dr Juan Felipe Torres, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Australian National University, and Prof Atsuki Komiya, Tohoku University.
Their project, Contributing to Global Freshwater Security with Novel Solar-driven Desalination Methods aims to develop a scalable desalination method based on a solar-driven, low-energy technique using thermophoresis to achieve a 95 per cent salinity reduction in seawater. The teams will work with Nano Frontier Technology (NFT) company in Japan who will support the energy conversion part of the project.
Total FAJS funds awarded: AUD 132,000