Global networking
New international opportunities for USyd .
The University of Sydney has joined Universitas 21 , a global network that connects universities and provides international opportunities for students and researchers . Comprised of 28 universities around the world , The University of
Sydney joins fellow Australian institutions the University of NSW , the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne .
University of Sydney vice-chancellor and president , Professor Mark Scott , said joining U21 “ reflected the institution ’ s deep commitment to global engagement ”.
“ The University of Sydney has a long history of collaboration with partners around the world . As we look to further strengthen our global engagement activities , the U21 network will offer rich opportunities for collaboration across teaching and research .
“ In sharing ideas , resources and bringing people together , we can find new ways to approach the challenges that face the higher education sector and address the world ’ s most pressing problems ,” said Scott .
Universitas 21 was created in Melbourne in 1997 after a group of 11 universities came together to create an international network that would facilitate research , collaboration and global opportunities for staff and students .
According to President of U21 , Professor Tan Eng Chye , the University of Sydney is a formidable addition to the network .
“ The University of Sydney is already doing outstanding work with partners around the world . The University has the largest student exchange and study abroad program in Australia . Its success in tackling key global issues is evidenced in its second-place ranking in the most recent THE Impact Rankings , which assess universities against the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals .
“ The University of Sydney will bring a wealth of knowledge , ideas and experience to the network and we look forward to working together ,” said Eng Chye . ■
Emissions transition
Former PM Scott Morrison announced the extension of the government ’ s Trailblazer program . Picture : Jason Edwards / NewsCorp
UNSW , UoN secure $ 230m for recycling and clean energy .
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$ 50 million dollar research grant has been awarded to the University of New South Wales and the University of Newcastle to develop “ world-leading ” technologies to address climate change . The recycling and clean energy trailblazer program will see researchers collaborate with 27 businesses to create and commercialise products in solar , hydrogen , storage and green metals .
The announcement came days after the launch of a $ 15m decarbonisation innovation hub led by UNSW and UoC .
According to UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation Professor Nicholas Fisk , the new programs will drive efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 .
“ Our projects , partnerships and investment under this initiative will accelerate a decade ’ s worth of change in just four years ,” he said .
“ It is truly national , with projects in metropolitan and regional areas , and in all Australian states and territories , and beyond .”
Research shows that while COVID-19 reduced Australia ’ s total carbon emissions in 2020 , rates have since increased as states eased lockdown restrictions .
Recent analysis commissioned by the WWF has found that current government plans to reduce emissions are “ out of line ” with the latest climate science .
According to UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs , universities are leading Australia ’ s transition towards environmental sustainability .
“ UNSW has a proud track record of commercialising research such as solar panels , energy storage , Green Steel and various MICROfactorie technologies led by 2022 NSW Australian of the Year , ARC Laureate Professor , Veena Sahajwalla ,” he said .
“ We look forward to working with our partners on the Trailblazer program to deliver further change in the recycling and clean energy innovation landscape .”
In addition to the federal government ’ s trailblazer funding , more than 20 industry partners and the CSIRO have committed over $ 130 million in contributions to support the program .
In April the federal government granted The University of Adelaide and Curtin University $ 50 million each in trailblazer funding to research and commercialise defence and resources projects . ■
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