The DMTC Education Program has been highlighted as the focus of a case study in the Department of Education’s report into “Initiatives to enhance the professional development of research students”. The report reviewed innovative training and development practices for PhD candidates by detailing different approaches that have been implemented across publicly funded research agencies, CRCs, medical research institutes, business and universities. The Department also surveyed 249 Higher Degree Research candidates who have participated in these initiatives to gain feedback on their experiences.
The report looked at education programs for PhD candidates that aim to develop capabilities and experience beyond that of advanced disciplinary knowledge, research skills and academic experience. This included the development of various candidate skills and capabilities to prepare them for a range of careers including engaging with industry, internships, exposure to interdisciplinary research environments, training courses and other professional development activities.
In what is a great endorsement of the DMTC Education Program, the report included a full page case study of DMTC’s approach to providing sponsored DMTC PhD candidates with a well-rounded postgraduate experience by involving students in the Centre’s project management activities. This can include participating in project monitoring and reviews, financial reporting and stakeholder management, participating in the DMTC Annual Student Conference and attending professional development workshops. The report also highlighted the experiences of two DMTC PhD candidates, Michael Wang and Cameron Barr, and their experiences in the DMTC Education Program.
The Department of Education’s report can by clicking here.
Posted by DMTC on August 25th, 2014 The DMTC Additive Manufacturing Benchmarking project has brought together a number of Victorian based SMEs to benchmark and develop additive manufacturing capability. The project is supported by the Victorian Governments Manufacturing Productivity Network Grant and aims to raise the overall capability of participating companies through research and collaboration.
Additive manufacturing is a very useful process for creating components with complex geometries. However limitations in machine finishing capabilities must still be considered when designing such components. Bauer Engineering is a participating SME and through the project has developed a new capability to finish machine parts created using additive manufacturing. Bauer Engineering’s participation in this collaboration has led to the company securing a new contract to finish machine components for a local Victorian business.
Posted by DMTC on August 18th, 2014 DMTC research partners are working with Thales to investigate single crystal growth technologies that could guarantee the in-country supply of the base materials required to produce high performance ceramic sonar. An extensive literature review revealed several competing technologies were available for the preparation of lead based formulations. Laboratory scale trials have been conducted at the Institute of Semiconductor and Electronic Materials (ISEM) labs at the University of Wollongong and at the Institute of Materials Engineering at ANSTO to assess melt growth (Bridgeman method) and solid state conversion of piezoceramic compositions.
The research team at ISEM Wollongong have investigated modified flux growth methods that create a liquid solidification interface using a gradient profiled furnace to grow lead based crystals. A large body of work focused on alternate containment materials to platinum to ensure that a cost effective process can be developed.
ANSTO’s project team have evaluated the narrow process window of crystals grown by solid state methods and have mapped this process window to allow both seed-crystals and piezoelectric elements and components to be reproducible. ANSTO has also investigated ceramic tape technology to develop as a near net shaped component. The process involves sintering a thin large area polycrystalline matrix to full density followed by a prescribed annealing step.
This preliminary project has just been completed and a subsequent stage of research is anticipated to be funded in 2015 to develop the technologies for scaled-up production capability.
Posted by DMTC on August 11th, 2014 AIDN-Vic is holding a Networking Breakfast on Thursday 14 August 2014 and DMTC is proud to be hosting.
This free event provides an opportunity to network in a relaxed environment, providing maximum opportunity for valuable contact amongst members with a brief presentation from breakfast sponsors, DMTC.
Details:
Thursday 14 August 2014, 7:30am to 9:00am
Matthew Flinders Hotel, 667 Warrigal Road, Chadstone
Phone: 9568 8004
Register by clicking here.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
The function is free for AIDN-Vic members. Please share this invitation with any colleagues who may wish to attend. Non-members will be charged a fee of $40 + GST.
Posted by DMTC on August 7th, 2014