Priority Themes
The NSSN priority themes respond to some of the most gripping challenges of our time. Complex challenges that are critical to our environment, health, economy and society and which demand innovative solutions that will impact future generations.
The priority themes have been selected for the important role smart sensing can play in responding to the issue and where technological innovation holds the promise to change the game. They have also been selected for the NSSN’s unique ability to mobilise the world-class R&D capability across our member universities in partnership with industry and government for practical, impactful outcomes.
Human Health
Investing in human health is crucial for creating prosperous, sustainable, and equitable societies where all individuals can thrive and fulfill their potential. Good health practices can help reduce healthcare costs and fosters social cohesion.
From wearable sensors that constantly monitor health and wellbeing to handheld biomedical devices that accurately diagnose and track a range of diseases, the way humans manage their health is rapidly changing.
Natural Hazards
Catastrophic bushfires, floods and storms that have ravaged NSW in recent years have galvanised the need for fresh thinking in how we respond to and live with natural hazards. Climate change will continue to result in more intense, more frequent, more devastating emergency events unless a new approach is taken.
From real-time satellite monitoring to next-generation airborne and ground-based sensor networks, smart sensing holds the key to better natural hazards prevention, response, mitigation and recovery.
Net Zero
As NSW – and Australia – strive towards a low-carbon economy, the development of clean technologies is critical. Net Zero refers to innovative technologies that improve environmental sustainability but also offer compelling opportunities for economic growth. From renewable energy to circular supply chains, Net Zero innovation will lead to lower emissions, a cleaner environment and power efficiencies.
Smart Places
Despite having a large geographical area and modest population Australia is a highly urbanised country with over 86% of the population residing in cities and towns. Australia’s population is expected to increase from approximately 26 million to almost 36 million by 2050. The majority of this growth will be accommodated by existing urban places or by new large-scale urban development initiatives such as in Western Sydney and South East Queensland and regional locations.
Environment & Agriculture
Our agricultural sector is critical as it helps to feed an increasing global population, but it can have significant impacts on the environment, including pollution and degradation of soil, as well as positive impacts such as trapping greenhouse gases within crops and soils. At the same time, the UN Environment Programme says the world is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, which is threatening the planet and millions of species.
NSSN Grand Challenge Fund
The Grand Challenge Fund promotes the development of innovative, collaborative research projects that respond to the NSSN Grand Challenges.
Grants of up to $100,000 per project support the development of projects that link with industry or government partners and devise a smart sensing solution that has a defined pathway to genuine impact, either through commercialisation or operationalisation.
The fund is open to researchers at the nine member universities of the NSSN.
The 2024 fund is now closed but the 2025 round will open in November 2024.