Research is a driving force behind a new economy Geelong is building. Nano-technology, health, social behaviour, materials and sport are just some of the pursuits underpinning the rise of new enterprises. Not surprisingly, some sharp-minded women are setting the pace. NOEL MURPHY reports …
IRANIAN scientist Minoo Naebe is a long way from her home but it’s a choice she made to set herself among the world’s sharpest research minds in textiles and materials.
At Deakin University’s Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation, she’s drawn world attention for her work with extraordinary, tiny nanotechnology game-changers.
Nanotechnology is all about engineering at the atomic or molecular level. It’s science fiction come true, an enterprise where all manner of functional systems – motors, robot arms, computers – are built and operated at a tiny, tiny level.
It’s going to be behind new technologies for medicine, energy, security, the environment, powerful midget batteries, clothing to guard against chemical and biological hazards, air-purifying filters, tissue scaffold implants to repair injuries and more.
“I think polymer Nano fibre technology, like the internet, will revolutionise the way we live,’’ Dr Naebe says.
“There’s huge potential for different applications, some are already on the market, like filtration, and if you think carbon nanotube fibres, they’re using them in aerospace and aircraft structures.’’
Other uses are tipped to include clean water, enhanced food and crops, cheap and powerful energy, vastly improved drugs, smart appliances, increased human performance, medical diagnostics, organ replacement, super manufacturing … as she says, it’s a long list.
Dr Naebe’s work is presently focussed on making Aussie soldiers safer in the field – with lighter, better-performing helmets and high-curvature body armour.
Her research is a collaborative affair, alongside researchers from the Victorian Centre for Advance Materials Manufacturing, Australian Defence Apparel and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. She’s been part of teams that have snaffled a swag of national and international awards.
The upshot is that Deakin University is a world leader in composite materials, something Dr Naebe hopes can save lives, boost jobs and reboot economies like Geelong’s.
“It takes a certain personality to follow research,’’ Dr Naebe says.
“You have to be very curious, very persistent, and on top of that you have to have passion and never give up – the answer might need you to do things again and again.
“I was very interested in doing something that makes a difference to the world and to people.’’
More high flyers features in the latest GC Magazine, out now.
