Research impact tag: FoR Codes - Research Impact at UWA

Martuwarra: Living Water Heritage of the Kimberley

March 13, 2025/in 43 History, heritage and archaeology, 45- Indigenous Studies, Culture and society, Education, Environment, Health, Public policy, Social, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Co-Led by Associate Professor Sven Ouzman and Professor Anne Poelina from the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, a team of researchers from The University of Western Australia and elsewhere have worked closely with Kimberley communities to produce a comprehensive overview of the Kimberley and Martuwarra River under three main categories identified by Traditional Owners: Culture, Country and Truth. It has for the first time collaboratively recorded the rich history and cultural significance of archaeological sites in the region and its people and has produced the first extensive, systematic and holistic survey and digital mapping of the cultural heritage of the seven language groups living along Martuwarra.

Breaking boundaries in trans mental health

November 13, 2024/in 44 – Studies in Human Society, Culture and society, Health, Public policy, Science, Social, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Risks in mental health can be influenced by gender and age and can shape a person’s experience when accessing health care services.

The Trans Pathways study shows that trans young people have higher rates of poor mental health and problems accessing care services than their cisgender peers. It has brought to the forefront the importance of care in this population and has become a valuable resource in raising awareness of some of the problems that trans young people face, promote equity in care services, and in supporting the development of initiatives to improve the mental health of trans and gender diverse young people. The impact of Trans Pathways has been felt locally, nationally, and internationally and continues to be cited as evidence in health policy and strategy.

Repairing the body with nature in mind

October 17, 2024/in 32- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 42- Health Sciences, Health, Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

As the population ages, the need for treatments that can repair and regenerate damaged material by promoting the body’s natural healing processes is expected to become more prevalent.

Professor Minghao Zheng is an expert in the translation of science to clinical practice. Through UWA and his partnership with Mr Paul Anderson, biotechnology companies Orthocell and Marine Biomedical were founded to develop and commercialise surgical technologies, offering practical and effective treatment of difficult cartilage, nerve, dental and bone repair for Australian patients and globally.

Recharging Perth’s water supply

October 17, 2024/in 41- Environmental Sciences, Environment, Public policy, Science, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Water is a precious commodity in Western Australia and whilst desalination is important, groundwater continues to be a critical resource for Perth city.

A team from UWA are working with government to implement new systems to accurately measure how much water is entering Perth’s aquifers. As the climate continues to heat and dry, there is information that these so-called “recharge” fluxes are dropping too.

The team are advocating that future water supplies for Perth should include aquifer replenishment and use of treated wastewater, to rehydrate and support the biodiversity of urban ecosystems.

Helping kids breathe easy in hospital

May 24, 2024/in 42- Health Sciences, Health, Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Paediatric anaesthesia is high-risk and research is needed to ensure that care is evidence-based and safe. Additionally, undergoing surgery can be daunting, especially for children. Improving the experience for patients helps to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

A multidisciplinary team led by Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is using a holistic approach at the heart of their research to focus on ensuring children are safe and comfortable and receive the best possible health care during a hospital stay. Their research has led to practical changes across the world in how medical professionals interact with children in preoperative care, during anaesthesia and surgery, and in their recovery.

Unveiling the power of AI

December 13, 2023/in 46 - Information and Computing Sciences, Economy, Engineering, Computing & Mathematics, Environment, Health, Knowledge, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Artificial intelligence (AI) is embedded in our daily lives. When we use social media, or our smartphones, our self-driving vehicles rely on them, in healthcare, and even when we use a search engine, we’re using the power of AI. All these technologies have made our lives easier and are constantly evolving.

Professor Ajmal Mian, at the UWA School of Physics, Maths and Computing is known internationally for his research in 3D computer vision, AI and machine learning. He and his team remain at the forefront of discovering novel algorithms and better model learning and training techniques and collaborate with multiple disciplines to find innovative solutions to meet their needs.

Fairness in the future of work

October 5, 2021/in 35 - Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, Economy, Environment, Public policy, Social, Stories /by Scott Mitchell

Emerging changes in technology, climate change, and the economy have placed pressure on the nature of work and on employment relations. UWA researcher Dr Caleb Goods and his team have increased social awareness of the conditions faced by gig economy workers and work with leading bodies to push for an equitable change. His research in the mining and manufacturing sectors aim to help workers and communities, the government, and industry fairly transition to a more sustainable future of work.

Managing Blackleg in Canola

June 24, 2021/in 30 - Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Environment, Stories /by Scott Mitchell

Blackleg is a real problem for canola growers, realising an average of 10% yield loss per year. Led by Professor Jacqueline Batley, the UWA Batley Lab team, have developed an accurate screening platform to help Australian breeding companies identify resistance genes. They are also finding novel and sustainable sources of resistance genes; resulting in enhanced productivity, profit, stable yields for breeding companies, and a reduction in the need for farmers to apply fungicide on their crops.

Help for Kelp

June 8, 2021/in 41- Environmental Sciences, Environment, Stories /by Scott Mitchell

Kelp forests play an important role in the health of our temperate marine environment and in the economy. A team led by Professor Thomas Wernberg, The University of Western Australia, has been instrumental in building recognition of The Great Southern Reef of Australia, an ecosystem of interconnected temperate rocky reefs dominated by kelp forests. Their research has shown how 40-60% of the world’s kelp forests have declined over the past 50 years due to human activity and climatic events such as extreme marine heatwaves. They are now providing novel solutions such as green gravel, helping to rebuild damaged kelp forests around the globe.

Prof. Tobar, a world-leading scientist in precision measurement.

Measuring with the highest precision

February 9, 2021/in 40 - Engineering, Economy, Knowledge, Stories /by Scott Mitchell

Precision measurement is critical for timing, electromagnetic and radio signals and underpins all measurement technologies. However, all electronics generate ‘noise’, which gets in the way of reading a pure signal.

Professor Michael Tobar is a world-leading researcher in precision measurement and testing fundamental physics. He and his team at The University of Western Australia have developed low noise oscillators and devices that respond to signals much more sensitively. Their patented technologies are purchased globally for multiple applications from fundamental research, metrology, high-tech communications, radar and defence.