December 20, 2016

Next generation fusion reactor could hold key to sustainable future

UOW materials scientist to work alongside Indian partners. 

A University of Wollongong (UOW) materials scientist will travel to one of India’s leading research institutions next year to undertake ground-breaking research in the hope of solving the world’s multiple energy problems.  

Dr Shahriar Hossain from UOW’s Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM) will investigate superconductors for low-cost fusion power for a sustainable future, working directly with India’s Institute for Plasma Research.

Dr Hossain was named as one of four Australia-India Strategic Research Fund Fellows by the Australian Academy of Science, and will receive $88,000 from the Australian Government to undertake his research.

The multidisciplinary research aims to showcase Australian and Indian capability in fusion energy and technology, open up research opportunities for a wider domestic and international program, provide an economic evaluation of fusion power implementation and develop the skills base required for future niche contributions to fusion reactor developments.

“This project directly addresses one of the world’s global energy challenges, and aims to reposition both countries as a place of creative industrial innovation and experimentation,” Dr Hossain said.

“Fusion power is safe, clean, and when commercialised, could help solve the world’s multiple energy problems.”

President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Andrew Holmes said that the fellowships are an important component of Australia’s engagement with global scientific enterprise, and serve to strengthen existing ties between researchers in Australia and India; the world’s second most populous country and an emerging scientific superpower.

“These fellowships support high-performing Australian researchers to work with leading Indian scientists at major institutions. They facilitate greater collaboration between our two countries on science, technology and innovation,” Professor Holmes said.

The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund is Australia’s largest fund dedicated to bilateral research with any country and is one of India’s largest sources of support for international science.

For more information about the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, visit: www.science.gov.au/aisrf.