Grand Challenges
The NSSN Grand Challenges respond to some of the most gripping challenges of our time. Complex challenges that are critical to our environment, health, economy and society and which demand innovative solutions that will impact future generations.
The Grand Challenges have been selected for the important role smart sensing can play in responding to the issue and where technological innovation holds the promise to change the game. They have also been selected for the NSSN’s unique ability to mobilise the world-class R&D capability across our member universities in partnership with industry and government for practical, impactful outcomes.
Ageing
Australia’s population is getting older. An ageing society is placing increased pressure on our healthcare system and demands an age-friendly future in which our seniors can live in their own homes with dignity, independence and access to high quality care.
From real-time, wearable monitoring of vital signs to smart homes equipped with automated appliances, smart sensing is at the heart of technology for healthier, safer ageing both at home and in care settings.
Natural Hazards
Catastrophic bushfires, floods and storms that have ravaged NSW in recent years have galvanised the need for fresh thinking in how we respond to and live with natural hazards. Climate change will continue to result in more intense, more frequent, more devastating emergency events unless a new approach is taken.
From real-time satellite monitoring to next-generation airborne and ground-based sensor networks, smart sensing holds the key to better natural hazards prevention, response, mitigation and recovery.
Clean Tech
As NSW – and Australia – strive towards a low-carbon economy, the development of clean technologies is critical. Clean Tech refers to innovative technologies that improve environmental sustainability but also offer compelling opportunities for economic growth. From renewable energy to circular supply chains, Clean Tech innovation will lead to lower emissions, a cleaner environment and power efficiencies.
Smart Places & Buildings
Despite having a large geographical area and modest population Australia is a highly urbanised country with over 86% of the population residing in cities and towns.
Australia’s population is expected to increase from approximately 26 million to almost 36 million by 2050. The majority of this growth will be accommodated by existing urban places or by new large-scale urban development initiatives such as in Western Sydney and South East Queensland.
Water
Water is a shared, limited, resource that is used by many across the land. In order to best manage our water we first need to sense both its quality and quantity. Smart sensing of water aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of the complex water cycle, so it can be rightfully allocated and treated to protect our environment, safeguard our key industries, and supply for residential use.
NSSN Grand Challenge Fund
The Grand Challenge Fund promotes the development of innovative, collaborative research projects that respond to the NSSN Grand Challenges.
Grants of up to $100,000 per project support the development of projects that link with industry or government partners and devise a smart sensing solution that has a defined pathway to genuine impact, either through commercialisation or operationalisation.
The fund is open to researchers at the nine member universities of the NSSN.
The 2024 fund is now closed but the 2025 round will open in November 2024.