Funding to train tomorrow's workforce

Researchers from The University of Western Australia will work with industry and institutions to create training centres to teach the leaders of tomorrow’s quantum workforce, advance the electrification of transport and homes, and drive the expansion and sustainability of Australian horticulture.

UWA academics collaborating on the three projects received more than $1.8 million in funding from the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme for 2024.

Professor Jingbo Wang, from UWA’s School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, is working on a University of Sydney-led project to train future leaders in quantum computing.

“The quantum computing industry is predicted to play a transformative role in Australia’s future prosperity,” Professor Wang said.

“This program will provide students with capabilities across quantum devices, architectures, and algorithms, and agency over their future careers in the emerging quantum computing industry.”

Professor Michael Small, from UWA’s Data Institute, is collaborating on a RMIT-led project that aims to advance the electrification of transport and homes.

“The energy and transport sectors contribute more than 75 per cent of carbon emissions and full electrification, combined with increased electricity generation from renewables, is key to decarbonising these sectors,” Professor Small said.

“We aim to use advanced technologies to facilitate the transition to low-carbon energy and transport and prepare the distribution grid to support large-scale electrification.”

UWA Chair in Plant Physiology Sergey Shabala, from the School of Biological Sciences, will work on a project led by Western Sydney University.

The team will drive the expansion, profitability, and sustainability of Australia’s protected horticulture to mitigate the impacts of food insecurity and climate change.

“We will strengthen the protected cropping industry and respond to four key challenges: narrow variety base; shortage of skilled labour; establishment and energy costs; and slow technology adoption,” Professor Shabala said.

“Researchers will accelerate the automation and efficiency of the sector, enabling long-term industry growth while integrating socio-economic issues and reducing environmental impact.”