May 27, 2026
UOW secures $2.1 million boost for research with real-world impact
ARC Linkage projects will advance new energy systems, safer aged care, stronger cyber security and sustainable dairy farms
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has secured more than $2.1 million in funding from the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) most recently announced Linkage Round for four projects designed to deliver practical solutions to major challenges facing Australia.
The projects will bring together UOW researchers and industry partners to develop smarter energy systems, improve safety in aged care, support more sustainable dairy farming, and strengthen cybersecurity.
UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Alan Rowan said the funding reflects the University’s strong commitment to research with real-world impact.
“These projects show the value of research that is closely connected to industry and community needs,” Professor Rowan said. “Across these diverse but unique linkage initiatives, our researchers are working on solutions that can make a meaningful difference.”
Senior Professor Haiping Du is Chief Investigator on a project to create an adaptive artificial intelligence-driven home energy system. Working with T-Power, the team will explore how to integrate solar panels, stationary batteries, household appliances and electric vehicles to help households better manage energy use, reduce costs and support grid stability.
UOW researchers Professor Zhenjun Ma and Senior Professor Gursel Alici will lead a project, in conjunction with industry partners Daikin Australia and Bega Cheese, to develop a new energy system called TerraWatt. The technology aims to help Australian dairy farms decarbonise and use energy more efficiently by integrating advanced heat pumps and thermal storage into existing farm infrastructure.
Professor Raad Raad is Chief Investigator of a team of researchers, including UOW’s Professor Son Lam Phung and Professor Lei Wang, who will work with industry partner Micromax on new technology intended to help prevent falls in aged care settings and support older people to remain safely in their homes for longer. The project will develop a non-intrusive monitoring system using WiFi signals and AI.
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo is Chief Investigator of a team of researchers, including Dr Siqi Ma, Associate Professor Fuchun Guo, Professor Yang-Wai Chow, Professor Son Lam Phung, Dr Khoa Nguyen, and Dr Yudi Zhang, who will work with industry partner Cyberflare on new technology to strengthen cybersecurity. The project will create smart tools to spot and fix hidden software flaws, making AI‑generated code secure by design and strengthening digital safety across Australia.