Education

UniSA joins $500M initiative to revolutionise Australian manufacturing with cutting-edge 3D printing

UniSA is leading the charge in Australia’s manufacturing future with $500 million in funding for cutting-edge research in 3D printing and regenerative therapies.

UniSA is about to make a big impact in Australia’s manufacturing sector, thanks to a hefty $500 million funding boost. The university is at the centre of two exciting new research centres that will tackle some of the most cutting-edge technologies around – 3D printing and regenerative therapies.

The first big project, the Additive Manufacturing CRC (AMCRC), is all about 3D printing. But we’re not talking about basic home printers here – this is next-level stuff, involving metals, ceramics, and composites to create products faster, with less waste, and more efficiently.

Leading the charge at UniSA is Professor Colin Hall from the Future Industries Institute, who’s working alongside 73 industry partners and 14 research organisations. They’ve secured an impressive $270 million to help Australia take the lead in this field.

Future Industries Institute researchers Professor Colin Hall and Professor Allison Cowin

Over the next seven years, AMCRC will work on overcoming the hurdles that have slowed 3D printing in Australia.

The goal is to make the tech quicker, better, and easier to use while creating new materials and upskilling the workforce. UniSA will focus on making 3D printing more sustainable and eco-friendly.

On the flip side, the SMART CRC is focusing on regenerative therapies, and it’s a game-changer for healthcare.

This project, backed by $238 million in total funding, aims to develop therapies to regenerate human cells, tissues, and organs to fight diseases like cancer, diabetes, and blood disorders.

Leading this research is Professor Allison Cowin, an expert in regenerative medicine, who is excited about what this could mean for the future of healthcare. The initiative is also expected to create 1,500 new jobs and bring in $4.5 billion in business opportunities over the next decade.

This funding is a big deal for both UniSA and Australia as a whole. With the university merging with the University of Adelaide in 2026, this investment couldn’t have come at a better time.

Professor Peter Murphy, UniSA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, sees it as a massive opportunity to boost the nation’s manufacturing industry and research capabilities.

In the long run, these new centres are set to change the game for Australia’s manufacturing sector, driving technological advancements, creating new jobs, and opening up exciting new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.

It’s a huge step forward, and the future is looking bright for South Australia

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