As a young university established in the early 1990s, VU takes pride in its established and emerging research strengths, which are being successfully nurtured as the University grows and develops.
In 2008 external research income topped $10 million for the first time, evidence that the development of research throughout the University over the past decade is bearing fruit.
The research focus was formalised in a strategy adopted last year that aims to expand the research capacity across the University by concentrating on strengths and supporting new and early career researchers with training and small grants.
The University’s Researcher Development Grants Scheme, targeting new staff and early career researchers, attracted a record number of applicants (34) this year, and just over half received funding. Projects range from the culture of Aboriginal dancing to the development of new membrane technology.
Last month the University received notice that four of its seven applications for Australian Research Council Linkage Project Funds for 2010 were successful – a higher success rate than the national average. A health information project looking at data mining techniques in collaboration with local general practitioners received $312,000 over three years. Other projects will investigate membrane technology, a major focus of the Werribee-based institute for Sustainability and Innovation; juvenile arsonists; and the identification of talented sports men and women.
For more information on VU’s research priorities see: http://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/research/pdfs/VU_Research_Strat...
