The impact of vineyard exposure to smoke on vine physiology and the composition of grapes and wine. Taint in grapes and wine as a consequence of vineyard exposure to smoke has resulted in a decline in product quality and significant financial losses for grape and wine producers throughout Australia. Given the close proximity of many Australian wine regions to areas of bush and forest and the predicted continuation of warm, dry climatic conditions, the incidences of vineyard smoke exposure is exp ....The impact of vineyard exposure to smoke on vine physiology and the composition of grapes and wine. Taint in grapes and wine as a consequence of vineyard exposure to smoke has resulted in a decline in product quality and significant financial losses for grape and wine producers throughout Australia. Given the close proximity of many Australian wine regions to areas of bush and forest and the predicted continuation of warm, dry climatic conditions, the incidences of vineyard smoke exposure is expected to increase in the future. The project aims to establish grape and wine production methods which can be employed by industry to counter the effects of smoke on grape and wine composition, and to minimise smoke taint in finished wine; with clear economic benefits for grape-growers and wine producers. Read moreRead less
The rational development of improved pre-conditioning agents for the removal of oil contamination from wildlife and rocky foreshore. Wildlife and ecological resources such as Phillip Island's Little Penguin colony (with 500,000 visitors p.a.) and its environment are at the heart of Australia's ecotourism industry. If properly managed, such resources make significant contributions to the economy and can provide diverse employment opportunities for local communities. They also increase awareness o ....The rational development of improved pre-conditioning agents for the removal of oil contamination from wildlife and rocky foreshore. Wildlife and ecological resources such as Phillip Island's Little Penguin colony (with 500,000 visitors p.a.) and its environment are at the heart of Australia's ecotourism industry. If properly managed, such resources make significant contributions to the economy and can provide diverse employment opportunities for local communities. They also increase awareness of, and sensitivity to, environmental issues in general. Developing and implementing new and improved techniques for the rescue and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife and for the remediation of contaminated foreshore, apart from its inherent value, will contribute to the sustainability of such resources both at the national and international level. Read moreRead less
Innovative Technology for At-Scene Forensic Analysis using Microfluidics and Chemiluminescence. The major outcome of this project will be innovative reagents and strategies optimised for the detection of priority analytes such as drugs, explosives and chemical warfare agents. These will utilise a new technology platform based upon laboratory on a chip/microfluidics to enable the development of analytical methodologies suitable for use at crime scenes.This programme of research falls within a Nat ....Innovative Technology for At-Scene Forensic Analysis using Microfluidics and Chemiluminescence. The major outcome of this project will be innovative reagents and strategies optimised for the detection of priority analytes such as drugs, explosives and chemical warfare agents. These will utilise a new technology platform based upon laboratory on a chip/microfluidics to enable the development of analytical methodologies suitable for use at crime scenes.This programme of research falls within a National Research Priority namely 'Protecting Australia from terrorism and crime'. Through our current forensic science research collaboration the outcomes will build significantly on Australia's existing strengths in rapid detection using new analytical technologies.Read moreRead less
Near Infrared (IR) Laser Dyes for Latent Fingermark Detection. This project will enable Australian law enforcement agencies to recover latent fingerprints from difficult surfaces through the use of near infrared dyes. The project will allow the recovery of fingerprints from a scene which would otherwise be lost to an investigation. We will provide new fingerprint development techniques and imaging methods to law enforcement agencies, enhancing their ability to identify a perpetrator and thereb ....Near Infrared (IR) Laser Dyes for Latent Fingermark Detection. This project will enable Australian law enforcement agencies to recover latent fingerprints from difficult surfaces through the use of near infrared dyes. The project will allow the recovery of fingerprints from a scene which would otherwise be lost to an investigation. We will provide new fingerprint development techniques and imaging methods to law enforcement agencies, enhancing their ability to identify a perpetrator and thereby reducing crime rates.Read moreRead less
Investigation of the variation and origin of contaminants present in recycled PET. Recycling and waste management are of ever increasing concern in today's consumer society and our capacity to recycle waste is directly reliant on our ability to lower contamination levels and ensure consumer safety. Using novel analytical techniques, this project aims to characterise contaminants found in recycled PET and identify the source(s) of this contamination. Ultimately this will lead to a reduction in re ....Investigation of the variation and origin of contaminants present in recycled PET. Recycling and waste management are of ever increasing concern in today's consumer society and our capacity to recycle waste is directly reliant on our ability to lower contamination levels and ensure consumer safety. Using novel analytical techniques, this project aims to characterise contaminants found in recycled PET and identify the source(s) of this contamination. Ultimately this will lead to a reduction in recycled PET contamination levels, and allow a more complete recycling process. The global objective being to generate enough relevant scientific data to assist Visy in its endeavours to achieve higher levels of environmental performances and sustainable product development.Read moreRead less
Development of a Novel Photoelectrochemical Method for Ultra-sensitive and Selective Determination of Organic Pollutants. Rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions have caused worldwide fresh water shortage problems. For Australia, this is an urgent issue due to our limited fresh water resources. Globally, all levels of governments and legislative authorities have attempted to adopt stricter environmental legislation and better water resource management practice to address these urgent prob ....Development of a Novel Photoelectrochemical Method for Ultra-sensitive and Selective Determination of Organic Pollutants. Rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions have caused worldwide fresh water shortage problems. For Australia, this is an urgent issue due to our limited fresh water resources. Globally, all levels of governments and legislative authorities have attempted to adopt stricter environmental legislation and better water resource management practice to address these urgent problems. However, these priorities cannot be achieved until large scale and accurate environmental data are available. The success of the project would result in a new environmental monitoring system capable of online, real-time monitoring of environmental water quality, which will directly benefit water resource management practice in Australia. Read moreRead less