What is ACES?

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) comprises four research organisations, whose common goal is to explore electromaterials and how they can be applied to the way we live. Established in 2005, ACES expands on the research program of the ARC Centre for Nanostructured Electromaterials and draws together researchers from a range of disciplines, including biologists, clinicians, chemists, physicists and engineers.

Each of the four nodes possesses key research strengths, which, when combined with one another and developments in nanotechnology, will revolutionise the way we look at materials. The University of Wollongong competencies lie in the design and synthesis of novel intelligent materials. The Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) is renowned for expertise in the electrochemistry of organic conductors; especially in the applications of artificial muscles, photovoltaics, batteries, and biomedical applications . The Institute for Superconducting & Electronic Materials (ISEM) explores superconducting & electronic materials including magnesium boride superconductors, and has a large program looking at new materials for energy storage, including the design and composition and batteries.

Monash University’s Ionic Liquids group investigates the preparation and characterisation of ionic liquids and other types of ionic materials for a range of applications in electrochemistry – including corrosion monitoring and green corrosion inhibitors, green chemistry, solar cells, batteries and biotechnology . Monash brings modelling expertise to the Centre, as well as the development and utilisation of powerful nano-characterisation tools.

The biotechnology expertise is reinforced with partner nodes, the Bionic Ear Institute and St Vincents Health in Melbourne. Focusing on next generation biological research, Centre partners work together on interfacing biology and electronics, and developing biocompatible materials for surgical implants and a wide range of medical devices.

In terms of personnel, the Centre has 45 research staff, as well as 30 students enrolled in post-graduate study. Research is conducted through joint projects, with combined research meetings, training workshops and exchange of research personnel between the nodes. A research program on the ethical implications of novel electromaterials including new energy conversion/storage devices (e.g. wearables) and bionics is also included. Of particular interest is the impact of research into nanostructured electromaterials for use in/on human bodies to alleviate disease and enhance human capacities and the social forces shaping these developments.

The Centre is funded by the Australian Research Council with $12 million in federal funding over the next five years. The nature of this research program; material developments, energy conversion and storage, and bionics will provide Australian industries with innovative technologies to the benefit of the Australian economy. ACES also receives support from the NSW Department of State & Regional Development to achieve technology transfer to NSW and Australian industry.