August 1, 2024

UOW researchers among nation’s 100 Future Fellows

Professor Lisa Kervin and Dr Nana Wang receive prestigious research grants

Two outstanding University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers will be able to take their work to new heights after securing highly coveted Australian Research Council Future Fellowships.

Professor Lisa Kervin (pictured) and Dr Nana Wang were among the 100 new Future Fellows from around the country chosen to drive Australia’s research and innovation capability.

Director of Early Start at UOW, Professor Kervin was awarded close to $1.2 million over four years for her work on intergenerational play. The concept involves understanding how younger and older generations come together for play across diverse contexts, with enjoyable, inclusive and engaging activities that fire the mind and build positive relationships.

The project will engage with a range of contexts to understand the global landscape of intergenerational play and develop and implement principles and programs that will benefit all those who take part.

Professor Kervin said that intergenerational play can help to combat the disconnection and social isolation that can occur, particularly in older people.

“Intergenerational play has been in existence across cultures for millennia. It is a connecting force for older and younger generations to come together to exchange ideas, values, traditions, knowledge and skills. But what is missing is an understanding of what this looks like across diverse groups and cultures and how it can benefit everyone involved,” Professor Kervin said.

“The possibilities of intergenerational play across cultures and different contexts have not yet been realised, so this project offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the principles of intergenerational play and inform policy moving forward. At a time when loneliness is one of the greatest threats to our wellbeing, this research could not be more important for the wellbeing of society.”

Dr Wang, a Research Fellow in the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials at UOW, has been awarded more than $900,000 for her research into developing next-generation battery designs for mild and extreme conditions.

Sodium-ion batteries are considered the most promising candidate for next-generation large-scale energy systems, supporting the path to net zero. Dr Wang’s project will conduct cutting-edge research to enable large-scale, cost-effective, high-performance sodium-ion batteries that can function even in extreme conditions.

Dr Wang said her research will generate new knowledge in the battery field.

“This research focuses on improving how batteries work and promoting innovation in electrolytes and electrodes, both of which are vital for practical battery development. The aim is to help Australia could become a top player in battery tech and renewable energy, helping both our country and the planet be more sustainable.”

The ARC Future Fellowships scheme plays a pivotal role in facilitating research excellence by supporting outstanding mid-career researchers in conducting high-quality, innovative research with the potential to lead to significant discoveries and advancements.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor David Currow congratulated Professor Kervin and Dr Wang on their success.

“The ARC Future Fellowships are prestigious and highly competitive. Professor Kervin and Dr Wang have two very different areas of research focus, but their remarkable work in their respective fields will reflect UOW’s research strengths and exceptional capabilities on an international level.”

UOW is committed to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which provide a shared blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone. These projects address Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing; Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy; Goal 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities.