NSSN Grand Challenges to address key areas of national concern
Addressing some of the most gripping issues of our time, the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) has announced the first four challenges in its Grand Challenges program: Bushfires, Water, COVID-19 and Ageing.
All four are significant challenges facing not only Australia but the world. They are complex problems that require complex solutions and all share a common feature: smart sensing is essential to the response.
NSSN Co-Director Professor Benjamin Eggleton said the NSSN has a track record in developing fit-for-purpose smart sensing solutions to complex challenges.
“Sensing technologies enabled by advanced thumbnail-sized chips and powered by Artificial Intelligence will strengthen Australia’s capability in developing effective, precise, and durable solutions to all four NSSN Grand Challenges,” Professor Eggleton said.
NSSN Co-Director Professor Justin Gooding said the NSSN is optimally placed to provide innovative solutions where measurement is at the very core of the solution.
“We will bring together some of the best minds in Australia and the world to solve the measurement challenges that are associated with these Grand Challenges,” said Professor Gooding.
The NSSN brings together eight leading universities from across NSW and the ACT with partners from industry and government to devise multi-disciplinary collaborative solutions for complex problems.
NSSN COO Nicholas Haskins said the first four NSSN Grand Challenges focus on current issues of critical importance to NSW, Australia and the globe.
“The NSSN Grand Challenges aim to focus the resources and capabilities of our network on key areas of national concern where we know smart sensing can play a critical role,” said Mr Haskins.
“No single organisation working alone can solve these complex challenges,” Mr Haskins added. “Grand Challenges require grand responses.”
The concept of the NSSN Grand Challenges was devised in late 2019 and the program was developed throughout 2020 in collaboration with NSSN members as well as government and industry partners. The four selected areas will be led by NSSN Research Theme Leaders, Jane Evans (COVID-19 and Ageing) and Dr Tomonori Hu (Water and Bushfires).
Preventing catastrophic bushfires
The Bushfire Grand Challenge was launched on 7 May 2020 via the Network’s flagship annual event: NSSN Frontiers in Sensing Forum. The theme for this year’s Forum was Smart Sensing for Bushfire Prevention, Response and Mitigation. By collaborating with organisations such as NSW RFS, Minderoo Foundation, Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC and NSW DPIE, the NSSN is devising a program of work in this area. Five proposed projects have been identified and are being developed with partners.
Droughtproofing NSW & the ACT
The Water Grand Challenge builds on the NSSN Water Industry Innovation Workshop held in October 2019, which brought together government, industry and researchers to identify critical questions and possible solutions regarding water in NSW. A series of proposed projects were presented by the NSSN, of which four are being developed into funded programs with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE).
Emerging from COVID-19
The COVID-19 Grand Challenge was launched in April 2020 with the NSSN COVID-19 Q&A Forum and through subsequent workshops. Working with partners across NSW Health, hospitals, universities and industry, three projects in areas ranging from improved public screening through to more effective PPE and public health compliance have been established.
Ageing healthier
The Ageing Grand Challenge will be officially launched in early 2021 with a forum that will bring together a wide array of stakeholders in healthy ageing from across the government, industry and research sectors. The aim is to identify the real gaps where smart sensing can provide innovative solutions for healthier ageing in place and to develop collaborative research teams.
To learn more about each NSSN Grand Challenge, our capabilities and active projects, please click here.
Media: Shahrzad Abbasi - 0466 548 145