• NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) membership recognises Charles Sturt University’s strong research capability in environmental sensing, agritech, and data modelling and analytics
• Charles Sturt will work with other NSSN member universities to create solutions with meaningful outcomes for all NSW
• As a NSSN member Charles Sturt can access research funding via the annual NSSN Grand Challenges re bushfires, water, COVID-19, ageing, smart places, and mining

Charles Sturt University has joined the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) consortium of leading universities.

Charles Sturt University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Michael Friend said the NSSN has demonstrated the power of collaboration by delivering impactful smart sensing solutions across industries ranging from water utilities and AgTech to data analytics and defence.

“As an innovation network, the NSSN brings together universities with industry and government to translate world-class research into compelling solutions,” Professor Friend said.

“We look forward to working with other NSSN member universities to create solutions with meaningful outcomes for all NSW.”

The addition of Charles Sturt University grows the Network’s membership to eight universities, including the Australian National University, Macquarie University, University of Newcastle, University of Technology Sydney, UNSW, University of Sydney, and Western Sydney University.

NSSN Ambassador at Charles Sturt and Senior Lecturer in computing in the School of Computing Mathematics and Engineering Dr Muhammad Arif Khan (Arif) (pictured, inset) said the University has a unique capability in environmental sensing, automation and computing with applications across all of NSSN’s research themes and ‘Grand Challenges’.

“NSSN’s capability in activating research and development projects empowers our Charles Sturt University researchers to engage in industry-wide collaborations more often, share our knowledge of the regions and contribute to the Network’s mission to position the state as a leader in smart sensing innovation,” he said.

Founded in 2016, the NSSN has delivered impact for its members through activating and leading several multi-million dollar collaborative research and development (R&D) programs to success.

NSSN Board Chair Dr Susan Pond, AM, welcomed Charles Sturt University as the newest member of the NSSN.

“Charles Sturt University boasts first-class R&D capability in smart sensing, particularly in areas that the NSSN Grand Challenges are addressing,” Dr Pond said. “These include water as a precious resource critical to sustainable agriculture, healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, and bushfire prevention, response and mitigation”.

NSSN co-Directors Professor Benjamin Eggleton and Professor Julien Epps said Charles Sturt University is a research powerhouse in regional NSW with a strong capability in environmental sensing, agritech and data modelling and analytics.

“The University provides meaningful outcomes for industry and government, bringing strength and learning to our regions, and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the NSSN,” they said.

Charles Sturt University researchers may collaborate with the Network through the NSSN ambassador at Charles Sturt Dr Muhammad Arif Khan or the NSSN Coordinator at Charles Sturt Dr Jamin Forbes.

The NSSN operates across seven thematic areas, including the built environment, data analytics, environment and AgTech, manufacturing, MedTech, resources and energy, and space and aviation.

The areas are led by NSSN Theme Leaders, who are experts in their respective fields and provide consultations to research and industry partners on various topics such as collaborative R&D projects and avenues to receiving funding.

As an NSSN member Charles Sturt has access to direct funding available via the annual  NSSN Grand Challenges Fund. The fund was established in 2021 to support collaborative R&D projects that respond to NSSN Grand Challenges: bushfires, water, COVID-19, ageing, smart places, and mining.

The NSSN has developed a matchmaking platform to enable industry and government partners to browse through NSSN capabilities. The database serves as a comprehensive repository for researchers with expertise in smart sensing technologies from across NSSN member universities.

Read more information about the NSSN.