The University of Western Australia is leading or collaborating in more than half of Australia's new Centres of Excellence announced by the Federal Government.

UWA will be home to a $24.25 million Centre of Excellence in the History of Emotion and will work with other universities in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States in research ranging from astro-physics to geotechnical science and engineering.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said UWA's inclusion in seven of the nation's 13 Centres of Excellence ranked it second in Australia in these research ventures.

"This is outstanding recognition of the high quality of our researchers across a spectrum of disciplines," Professor Robson said.

The Centre of Excellence in the History of Emotion will be directed by UWA historian, Winthrop Professor Philippa Maddern of the School of Humanities.

"Emotions shape our mental, physical and social well-being," Professor Maddern said. "Our research will illuminate this crucial aspect of Australia's cultural and social heritage, and invigorate Australian culture through major reflective performances in drama, opera and art.

"By addressing the big question of how societies think, feel and function, it will provide greatly enhanced understandings of how to improve emotional health among modern Australians. It will train and mentor a new generation of young Australian researchers and heighten Australia's international reputation for excellence in Humanities and Performing Arts research," she said.

UWA is also involved in six other Centres of Excellence:  

• All-Sky Astrophysics will expand Australia's research capabilities and boost Australia's track record as a world leader in astronomy, including work at UWA on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
• Core to Crust Fluid Systems will develop new frameworks for mineral and energy exploration based on fundamental advances in geodynamics and a new understanding of fluid transport at lithosphere scales.  
• Engineered Quantum Systems will produce novel devices and technologies through the engineering of quantum coherent systems, enabling powerful new applications across a range of fields.
• Environmental Decisions will generate the knowledge and tools needed to make the best use of available resources for conservation.
• Geotechnical Science and Engineering will provide engineers with new science-based tools for predicting the safety of offshore and onshore geostructures such as oil and gas platforms, roads, railways, tunnels, dams, and port facilities.
• Study of Cognition and its Disorders will inform the diagnosis and treatment of a range of cognitive disorders, including dyslexia, language impairment, autism, dementia and schizophrenia.

Media references

Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 7975  /  (+61 4) 20 790 098