Research impact tag: Impact - Research Impact at UWA

Advancing Nanomaterials from Lab to Market: Ablano’s Journey

September 2, 2025/in 40 - Engineering, Economy, Engineering, Computing & Mathematics, Environment, R&D Infrastructure /by Bay Walsh

Ablano, a UWA spin-out, is pioneering the commercialisation of advanced nanomaterials to replace traditional materials in high-tech industries. Backed by Professor Hui Tong Chua’s research team, Ablano transforms precursor powders into few-layer graphene and boron nitride nano onions—powders that enhance strength and act as super lubricants. Their patented lamp ablation technology and access to UWA’s cutting-edge microscopy tools have accelerated progress. With a pilot facility, international patents, and nearly $4 million raised, Ablano is targeting aviation-grade lubricants and broader applications. Their collaborative model with UWA researchers exemplifies how open-access infrastructure can drive innovation from lab to market.

Restoring the land by slaying weeds and flaming seeds

August 4, 2025/in 40 - Engineering, Economy, Engineering, Computing & Mathematics, Environment, Public policy, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Associate Professor Andrew Guzzomi and his team at UWA’s Centre for Engineering Innovation develop innovative technologies to meet the challenges of restoring land and improving agriculture sustainability. Their comprehensive ecotech systems can effectively establish native plants, providing regulators and companies with greater confidence in the ecological restoration of these areas. In agricultural farming regions, the team’s mechanical weeding technologies combat herbicide resistant weeds with precision. Their solutions will deliver significant benefits for the environment and the economy, helping to grow food with less chemical exposure.

Early life: a time of growth and foundation-building, in need of tailored care

July 22, 2025/in 32- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Health, Stories /by Rosanna Marchesani

Professor Valerie Verhasselt and her team at the UWA Larsson-Rosenquist Centre for Immunology and Breastfeeding (LRF-CIBF) are pioneering a shift in early-life healthcare by placing the infant’s unique needs at the centre of research and practice. They explore the active role of breast milk in immune education and long-term health, including allergy, infection, and malnutrition prevention. Their work has influenced international guidelines, policy, and parental support strategies. With over 30 global collaborators and strong consumer engagement, their research bridges scientific discovery with real-world impact, helping shape nature-inspired, age-appropriate solutions for healthier beginnings—guided by the most creative intervention: breast milk.

Martuwarra: Living Water Heritage of the Kimberley

March 13, 2025/in 45- Indigenous Studies, Culture and society, Education, Environment, Health, Indigenous, 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.

Aboriginal English: It’s all in the yarning

June 7, 2022/in Culture and society, Stories /by Scott Mitchell

Australian Aboriginal English is an indigenised variety of English that is spoken by approximately 80% of First Nations people in Australia. It is the first and only language for many Aboriginal children and is often incorrectly described as ‘broken English’.

An important feature of this oral language is yarning, or storytelling. Yarning is highly dramatic, using facial expression, variation in tone and volume, and gestures and body language. Aboriginal English yarning makes it possible to communicate experiences and knowledge unique to First Nations people in Australia.