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Image above: Researchers with ceramic tiles made from SMaRT's Green Ceramics MICROfactorieTM Technology out of waste textiles and glass, at the Parliament Showcase event.
UNSW SMaRT Centre research was showcased at the Australian Parliament as part of a UNSW event highlighting emerging ideas and innovations shaping Australia's future.
Less than two weeks after being named Australia’s leading university, more than 40 researchers from UNSW Sydney met federal politicians and key decision-makers in Canberra at the fourth annual Parliament House Showcase.
The event highlighted how UNSW’s research is changing lives and driving progress across the nation. Leading experts shared their expertise spanning artificial intelligence (AI), disaster resilience, sustainability, security and the future of healthcare.
SMaRT Centre researcher Md. Ariful Islam helped showcase SMaRT's body of work on developing technologies that recycle and transform a diverse range of complex waste streams—including glass, textiles, plastic, wood, and electronic waste—into value-added sustainable materials for remanufacturing and new products.
"I would like to extend sincere thanks to scientia professor Veena Sahajwalla AO, Director of the SMaRT centre, UNSW and Dr. Rumana Hossain for their valuable guidance and support. I would also like to gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), which supports the commercialisation of clean energy and recycling technologies by bridging the gap between university research and global markets."
This showcase event provided an excellent platform to engage with policymakers, researchers and other attendees, reinforcing the importance of collaborative research in addressing environmental challenges and building a more sustainable futures.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the event demonstrated how a world-leading university fulfills its obligations to help address national and global challenges.
“UNSW has been recognised as Australia's best university, but it is a responsibility, not an accolade,” Prof Brungs said.
“What matters most is the impact behind that recognition – the quality of our research, the success of our graduates and the strength of our partnerships with government, industry and communities.
“That’s what today is all about - bringing dozens of UNSW’s brightest minds to our nation’s capital to share the discoveries and innovations that can help policy makers shape our future.”
Federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek at the UNSW Parliament House Showcase.Photo: Richard Freeman/UNSW
Innovation addressing national priorities
The showcase focused on some of the nation's most pressing challenges – building smarter, more sustainable cities, promoting healthier communities and powering Australia's future – highlighting how UNSW-led research and innovation can help address them.
Student representatives also joined the showcase, speaking with politicians about their experience and the role universities play in preparing our future workforce.
Prof. Brungs said: “As Australia's leading university, we have a responsibility to drive national progress. From advancing sovereign capability and fostering innovation to improving health outcomes and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future, UNSW is committed to delivering research and education that creates lasting impact.
“We are proud to bring the breadth of UNSW's expertise to Parliament House and to showcase the extraordinary work of our researchers, educators and students, whose contributions are helping to build a more prosperous and resilient Australia.”
Connections that drive impact
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres said the event demonstrated the important role research plays in driving Australia's prosperity.
“The work on display reinforces how Australian research can help solve some of our national challenges, create new industries and strengthen our economy,” he said.
“Australia's future prosperity depends on our ability to turn research breakthroughs into tangible outcomes. Events like the UNSW Showcase at Parliament House highlight the depth of expertise across our universities and the importance of connecting leading researchers with the broader community.”
UNSW Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, Professor Verity Firth said those connections between researchers and decision-makers were essential.
“Parliament House is where many of the nation's biggest decisions are made so it's vital that policymakers can engage directly with experts developing practical solutions to complex challenges," Prof. Firth said.
“The conversations that begin at events like this help ensure world-class research informs policy, drives innovation and delivers meaningful benefits for communities across Australia.”
UNSW student ambassadors speaking to Federal Education Minister Jason Clare.
Photos: Richard Freeman/UNSW