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Five ocean researchers from The University of Western Australia have been selected to join the newly established Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, a Federal Government initiative which explores the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth.

Head of UWA’s Oceans Graduate School Professor Christophe Gaudin said experts from the University’s Oceans Institute and Wave Energy Research Centre – Dr Jeff Hansen, Associate Professor Scott Draper, Professor Ryan Lowe and Dr Hugh Wolgamot – would join the international team.

“This opportunity allows UWA ocean researchers to play a critical role in three innovative projects which focus on offshore aquaculture and energy, remote monitoring technologies and multi-purpose offshore platforms,” Professor Gaudin said.

The research centre allows experts from more than 40 institutions to collaborate with industry partners to develop an understanding of existing technologies and solutions while identifying major challenges and opportunities in the area of integrated seafood and renewable energy production systems.

Professor Gaudin said the oceans offered a fantastic opportunity to support the development of Australian food and energy demand for decades to come.

“Research undertaken at UWA across physical oceanography, hydrodynamics and seabed characterisation will enable these developments to be undertaken in a sustainable way which benefits our communities while also protecting our ocean environment,” Professor Gaudin said.

Ranked seventh in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) for Marine/Ocean Engineering, UWA – led by the University’s multidisciplinary Oceans Institute – is strategically placed to make a significant contribution to the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre and shape the future of Australian oceans.

UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research Professor Tim Colmer said the University’s involvement in the initiative was a recognition of collective research excellence.

“Our ocean researchers, who are world leaders with a track record of productive international collaboration, are committed to delivering benefits to the sector,” Professor Colmer said.

“Innovations in offshore engineering and new technologies are essential for the sustainable development of various offshore activities which will underpin Australia’s Blue Economy.”

A total of 17 Blue Economy CRC scoping projects valued at more than $2.3 million have been approved. Further information about the projects is available on the Blue Economy CRC website.

Additional information on UWA’s Wave Energy Research Centre is available at the WERC website .

Media references

Tina Zhang (Communications Officer, UWA Oceans Institute) 08 6488 3732
Nicholas Smith (UWA Media Officer) 08 6488 1888 / 0411 644 492