NSSN welcomes Australian National University!
The NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) is pleased to welcome the Australian National University (ANU) as its eighth member university.
ANU is one of Australia’s and the world’s leading universities. It boasts broad research capabilities in smart sensing across multiple application domains, including biomedical research, space, defence, environment and engineering.
The addition of ANU to the NSSN expands the network for the first time beyond NSW’s borders. A move the NSSN Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Haskins, says is welcome and timely.
“We are proud to welcome The Australian National University to the NSSN. As the NSSN grows and looks beyond NSW’s borders, the ANU’s strengths in smart sensing, particularly in cutting-edge quantum sensing, makes it a natural fit for our network,” said Nicholas.
Working at the cutting edge of quantum gravity sensing, Professor John Close, the head of the Quantum Science Department at ANU, is one of the key scientists involved in the $3 million plus NSSN water industry project. Professor Close’s main field of research focuses on harnessing the properties of quantum fields to advance quantum sensors. His areas of expertise include quantum physics, quantum optics, atomic and molecular physics, and laser and quantum electronics.
The challenge of detecting leaks and breaks in pipes before they occur is a crucial issue for water utilities around the world. As gravity is not readily shielded, quantum sensing technology has the potential to sense underground water leaks through roads and concrete in noisy environments.
The NSSN brings together the world-class research taking place in academia with state government agencies and industry to introduce innovative solutions to key challenges and, wicked problems faced by our nation and the world across different sectors.
Quantum sensing finds a stronghold at the ANU where research focuses on the development of quantum and sub-quantum limited measurements of the gravitational field. Sensitive gravimeters have applications to fundamental tests of general relativity and the search for beyond standard model physics. They can be applied to earth science, mineral exploration, climate science, space instrumentation and navigation.
ANU’s membership of the NSSN enhances the network’s capability to bring innovative solutions to complex problems and empowers the network's vision to position Australia as a global leader in smart sensing.
Media: Shahrzad Abbasi — 0466548145