Fifty UQ researchers awarded $36m from ARC Linkage, Discovery grants

University of Queensland researchers have secured more than $36 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) to collaborate with industry to solve national challenges in science, technology, humanities and social science. 

Six experts received $4.3 million through the Round 1 ARC Linkage Project schemes, while a further 44 UQ researchers received $32 million as part of the ARC Round 1 ARC Discovery Projects.  

The funding supports researchers, industry, government and the community to address a wide range of priority areas, including improving waterway health, creating clean jet fuel and safeguarding cultural sites with new heritage preservation techniques.  

2025 Round 1 ARC Linkage Projects scheme recipients: 

• Professor Evgueni Jak – create a predictive tool to improve mineral extraction and recycling efficiency, support sustainable resource strategies, and strengthen Australia's economic and environmental goals. 

• Professor Nancy Pachana – improve retirement planning by identifying new tools, case studies, and a roadmap that supports Australians in navigating the emotional, social, and financial challenges of retirement. 

• Professor Gerhard Schenk – use AI and lab techniques to make isobutanol, a chemical used in rubber and jet fuel, more cost effective and efficient and boost Australia's aviation fuel industry. 

• Dr Cheng Zhang – build a portable machine that cleans PFAS chemicals from water more economically and efficiently to protect people’s health and support a cleaner future for Australia.   

• Professor Ming-Xing Zhang – develop new methods to overcome the trade-off between strength and toughness in iron and steel to improve product quality, boost profitability, and strengthen market competitiveness to grow Australia's manufacturing industry. 

The 44 UQ recipients of 2025 Round 1 ARC Discovery Project scheme are listed on the ARC website.