University Spotlight - Macquarie University

Source: Sally Wood

Macquarie University is a trailblazer in Australia’s materials science research. Macquarie is globally recognised as a world-leading university, which ties together innovation and exploration for the next generation of critical thinkers.

Macquarie is ranked in the top 1% of universities around the world, and is consistently recognised for its global research collaborations and pathways. Over 44,000 students from over 100 countries are part Macquarie’s global network. They are supported by over 40,000 industry-based learning placements. The University undertakes an impressive research agenda, which encompasses chemistry, biology, and materials science. Together, researchers seek to bridge the gaps between academia and industry practice. The Department of Molecular Science is a key player across three national research centres, and two universitybased centres.

The Department has several key research themes, which tie traditional subjects with new pathways for students and researchers.

Some of these research areas include: • Analytical science • Environmental chemistry • Chemical biology • Synthetic chemistry • Proteomics • Biochemistry • Biotechnology The Department is led by Professor Alison Rodger, who has been recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. She has also been involved in the European Science Foundation as a Consultant for Chemical Science.

Professor Rodger says Macquarie ties a broad range of experts and subject areas together to pave the way for a better future.

“We love to see our projects integrating fundamental research and solving real world problems in areas ranging from developing catalytic materials to understanding environmental microbiomes.”

Professor Rodger’s research focuses on spectroscopic techniques to understand the functions of biomacromolecules—a molecule that contains a very large number of atoms. She has worked at Macquarie since 2017, where she has adopted a datadriven approach to answer questions about biomolecular systems. She is known for running an open access biophysical spectroscopy laboratory, which puts commercial users and researchers in the same room to solve complex problems. In all, Macquarie boasts first-class research facilities, which unlock a variety of potential for researchers and industry alike.

The Chemical Analysis Facility complements commercial and government-run research laboratories by providing a range of analytical services. These services are farreaching; from materials quality assurance to forensic chemistry.

The facility manages around 30 consultancy projects for clients with analytical challenges, including industrial companies, or legal firms who are involved in litigation or intellectual property disputes. In addition, the Department of Molecular Science boasts the Mass Spectrometry Facility, which is available to graduates and postdoctoral researchers.

The facility has three instruments: • Shimadzu LCMS-2010EV • Shimadzu GCMS-5000A • Shimadzu GCMS-2010

Together, this advanced technology offers high-performance liquid chromatography differences; electrospray ionisation; and atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation.

Dr Louise Brown is the co-director of teaching programs within the Department. “We are known for our research-led undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs with a view of nurturing talent and growing future scientists,” she explained.

The Department of Molecular Science maintains a strong end-user focus, where researchers work with industry to meet future research needs or challenges. For example, Macquarie researchers have used synthetic biological techniques to develop proteinbased nanoparticles. This allows the nanoparticles to be loaded with a drug, and then activated to ensure spatial and temporal delivery. The customisable platform will open a new window of opportunities in the intervention of clinical practices in the treatment of cancer.

“Our research is directed towards creating a sustainable environment, and also towards better understanding of health and disease,” said Professor Helena Nevalainen.

“These efforts are powered by integrating chemical and biomolecular sciences,” she explained. In addition, a conglomerate of researchers and partners from Australia and New Zealand have strengthened the nations’ biosecurity through a sterile insect technique. The research project is focused on monitoring and controlling fruit fly populations through environmentallyfriendly practices. Australia has been traditionally reliant on synthetic, and organic insecticides to protect crops. However, the sterile insect technique developed at the Department draws flies away from crops by trapping them.

The research relies on advances in materials science and biochemistry. It was supported by a $20.5 million contribution over five years. In addition, Macquarie’s research groups were recently awarded over $1 million under a combined government and industry program to develop new materials for the cement and concrete sector.

The funding will support the SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which is a joint venture with Macquarie and other Australasian industry partners. It will allow the University to reduce the cost, and carbon footprint of concrete infrastructure, and extend its life. One of the projects under this initiative will develop new methods of producing polymer concrete using unwanted waste from latex paint. “This regenerative project will contribute significantly to the circular economy, through the repurposing of waste product into a value supply stream for the building industry,” said Professor Simon Clark, who will lead the project. “By utilising unwanted latex paint in this manner and converting it into an effective concrete solution will see a reduction in raw material costs, boasting both a strong economic and environmental benefit for the wider industry,” he explained. The SmartCrete CRC has used leading scientific and engineering research to develop smarter solutions for Australia’s concrete industry. The CRC is led by Chief Executive Officer Warren South, who said Macquarie is a key partner. “SmartCrete CRC is excited to partner with Macquarie University on these key projects and are keen to see the benefits it will provide to its application in infrastructure.”

“Our research program has identified three core themes: Engineered Solutions, Asset Management and Sustainability. Each of the three projects closely align with these themes which address the issues and challenges faced by the concrete sector,” he explained.

The Department of Molecular Sciences has a greater representation of academic women at senior levels than many other academic departments across Australia.

Women make up 54 per cent of staff at the professor and associate professor level, which is significantly higher than the Australian university average. In fact, Macquarie received an Athena SWAN Award in 2019 in the Institutional Bronze level. This international award recognises Macquarie’s ongoing commitment to the careers of women, and gender diverse individuals in STEM disciplines and research.

It measures fives criteria: • Leadership and commitment • Honesty and self-reflection • Communication and engagement • Data analysis and discussion • SMART actions

Then Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the award is in line with Australia’s commitment to increasing the number of women in STEM.

“Encouraging research and higher education organisations to make meaningful improvements to their gender equity policies and practices is vital if we’re going to bring about much needed change,” she said. The Macquarie University Women in Chemistry and Biomolecular Science leadership group encourages and supports women to become early career researchers, and progress their academic journeys. It connects women academics, students and other support staff.