NSW research collaborations 'solving our most difficult problems'

Leading researchers and innovators from NSW government agencies and universities gathered at Parliament House to celebrate outstanding scientific collaborations as part of the inaugural Research Impact Showcase held on 28 March 2022.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development (R&D) and today’s event is an opportunity to see that firsthand.

“From our pioneering research in keeping education safe during the pandemic, to developing strategies to better understand bushfires and minimise their future effects,  these projects are demonstrating the benefits of collaborative research between government and universities,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government is strongly committed to supporting our state’s R&D sector to continue its important work in solving our most difficult problems and ensuring improvements across all aspects of life in NSW.”

The Research Impact Showcase is an initiative of the Waratah Research Network, a collaboration between government and universities that promotes the translation of high-quality research into evidence-based policies that aim to improve social, economic and environmental outcomes for NSW.

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Showcase will highlight the state’s world-leading research capabilities across a range of areas.

“A total of 39 impressive research projects were assessed to arrive at the 13 exceptional collaborations we celebrate today, with each potentially having its own profound impact on NSW,” said Professor Durrant-Whyte.

“It is worth noting that several of the projects, including the work on Lord Howe Island’s threatened bird life, the River Styles Framework and COVID-19 in schools, have also been used to inform research internationally.”

A complete list of the Research Impact Showcase projects is available in a commemorative booklet here.

A video of the event will be published on this page shortly.