Research Centres

Research Centres

At IFM, we work alongside a wide range of businesses, government bodies and other research entities to accelerate research outcomes and translate the knowledge we help create into real-world applications.

IFM leads the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres, the ARC Training Centre in Alloy Innovation for Mining Efficiency (mineAlloy) and the ARC Training Centre for Future Energy Storage Technologies. IFM researchers also belong to other ARC research hubs and training centres, as well as a number of Cooperative Research Centres.

ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres

ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres

The ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres is helping to transform Australian fibres and textiles manufacturing. Researchers in the hub are developing novel fibre technologies to facilitate more sustainable, advanced manufacturing of fibre materials.

The research falls under three main themes: nanofibres; carbon fibre composites; and high value-added applications. Expected outcomes include reducing our environmental footprint and improving public health and wellbeing.

Learn more about the ARC Research Hub for Future Fibres

ARC Research Hub for Safe & Reliable Energy (SafeREnergy)

ARC Research Hub for Safe & Reliable Energy (SafeREnergy)

The ARC Research Hub for Safe & Reliable Energy is working to address safety and reliability issues, and the environmental impact, of current energy storage and conversion technologies, both locally and globally. 

The SafeREnergy team, led by Deakin University, with researchers from five other Australian universities, includes internationally recognised research leaders in energy storage and conversion, including two current ARC Laureate Fellows, two ARC Future Fellows, and two new DECRA Fellows.

Commencing operations in July 2021, SafeREnergy researchers will collaborate with industry partners over a five-year research program, focussing on delivering a new generation of technologies for energy storage and conversion, using recycled and natural materials, and eliminating the serious fire risk in current technologies.  With the energy sector continuing to fast track from fossil fuels to a greater reliance on renewable energy to supply electricity urban and rural communities using current poles and wires, the need for novel, safe, sustainable, and reliable energy storage solutions is creating significant research opportunities and, with the input of our industry partners, the team at SafeREnergy want to see the realisation of their research.

For more information SafeREnergy – ARC Research Hub for Safe and Reliable Energy

ARC Training Centre in Alloy Innovation for Mining Efficiency

ARC Training Centre in Alloy Innovation for Mining Efficiency

The mineAlloy Training Centre is training innovators to design the world’s best, highly customised, long-life, wear-resistant components. The centre aims to make Australian manufacturers dominant in the multi-billion dollar mining equipment sector.

With more than 20 PhD students, working directly on projects with industry partners, mineAlloy research involves rapid development of customised alloys to perform in severe mining conditions, using 3D printing, novel characterisation and through a networked training environment.

The centre will run from 2017 to 2021, with expected outcomes including the design of products with superior alloy design and material selection.

Learn more about the mineAlloy Training Centre

ARC Training Centre for Future Energy Storage Technologies

ARC Training Centre for Future Energy Storage Technologies

The ARC Training Centre for Future Energy Storage Technologies (StorEnergy) was created with a $4.4 million grant from the Australian Research Council to train and skill the next generation of workers in the energy industry.

Launched in 2019, the centre involves collaboration between five universities, three government bodies and 10 industry partners. Working closely with the industry partners, researchers will design and manufacture new energy storage devices and components, including advanced Li-ion, super capacitors, and solid state Li and Na batteries, with improved rate capability, capacity and safety.

The outcomes from the centre in new knowledge and intellectual property in advanced energy materials, batteries and battery-control systems will help small to medium-sized businesses play a world-leading role to advance and produce new storage technologies.

Learn more about the storEnergy Training Centre

ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterial Science (ACES)

ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterial Science (ACES)

IFM is a partner in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES). ACES researchers are turning fundamental knowledge of cutting-edge materials into the next generation of ‘smart devices’ to create new health and energy solutions.

Researchers in IFM’s electromaterials team are part of ACES, working on energy storage devices such as thermocells, that can be used to power the next generation of wearable electronics.

Learn more about ACES

Future Battery Industries CRC

Future Battery Industries CRC

The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre is enabling the growth of battery industries to power Australia’s future. The CRC brings together industry, researchers, governments and the community to ensure Australia plays a leading role in the global battery revolution.

Our research projects will help expand Australia’s battery minerals and chemicals production, develop opportunities for specialist battery manufacture, support the deployment of batteries to households, communities and industry, and optimise the circular economy for the use and re-use of battery systems.

Learn more about the FBICRC

Future Fuels CRC

Future Fuels CRC

In the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre, research and industry partners are working together to enable the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy networks. The Deakin team is working on advances in material design to extend the life of energy infrastructure and enable safe and efficient delivery of existing and future fuels.

Learn more about the Future Fuels CRC