The University of Newcastle has today secured more than $2 million in funding for five projects under the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Linkage Projects Scheme.

Linkage projects are those in which the University researches in collaboration with businesses, community organisations, industry bodies and other public sector agencies.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Barney Glover, said the funding was an acknowledgement of the University of Newcastle's growing research profile.

"The majority of the new projects are in the engineering discipline, which further acknowledges our standing as one of the top 100 universities in the world in that field, according to the renowned Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking.

"The announcement today by the Australian Government of funding for five new Linkage projects is a clear signal that the University delivers innovative research with real results for the community."

The five projects to receive ARC Linkage Projects Scheme funding over the next three years are:

Novel technology to sensitise emulsion explosives
$390,000 for a project to develop a new technology for more efficient and safer extraction of minerals (Chemical Engineering).

Slag entrainment and dispersion in continuous slab casting
$383,271 for a project to improve product quality in the steel industry through the invention of new equipment which also creates a safer working environment (Metallurgy).

Particle transport and separation in high aspect ratio incline channels
$270,000 for a project to establish new ways to process coal and mineral particles (Chemical Engineering).

The discovery and validation of novel drug classes against parasites with the potential for major economic impacts
$670,000 for a project to develop a quality scientific and technological program in national priority areas to improve control of infectious diseases (Organic Chemistry).

Micromachined electrode arrays for improved performance and manufacturability of cochlear neuroprostheses
$360,000 for a project to enhance Australia's leadership in cochlear implants by applying research on electrode fabrication techniques for the bionic eye into 3D shapes for the cochlea (Biomedical Engineering).