Quantum computing breakthrough by CSIRO unlocks new horizons

CSIRO’s quantum researchers have catapulted Australia into the future of big data analysis. On January 29, 2025, they unveiled a quantum machine learning feat that could soon have us zipping through traffic, optimising energy use and revolutionising healthcare with unprecedented efficiency. Their work, a cornerstone of the UNESCO-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,…

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NRFC announces David Gall as new CEO

The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) has announced David Gall (pictured) as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of founding CEO Ivan Power in November due to ill-health. Gall’s 35-year career features 16 years at National Australia Bank, including as Group Executive for Corporate and Institutional Banking. The NRFC is charged with making…

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Firefighting foam face-off: CDU’s quest for a greener blaze buster

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is turning up the heat on innovative, eco-friendly solutions with their latest project aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3). As global efforts intensify to phase out PFAS-based foams—dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ for their environmental persistence—CDU’s initiative, supported by the United States Department of Defense, aims to create safer…

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Australian Economic Outlook 2025: Industry leaders signal concern and urge policy shifts

According to the latest Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) industry expectations survey, industry leaders across Australia are notably pessimistic about the country’s economic prospects for 2025, with many scaling back on long-term investments in favour of short-term productivity measures. Innes Willox (pictured), Chief Executive of the Ai Group, emphasised that the survey’s results should serve…

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Dive into a greener summer: Australia’s prawn packaging gets a sustainable makeover!

This summer, Visy, Australia’s largest integrated manufacturing and recycling business, is teaming up with seafood producer Tassal to revolutionise prawn packaging, making it eco-friendly with new recyclable cardboard boxes. Gone are the days of expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers, notorious for their environmental harm. These new boxes are crafted from up to 74 per cent recycled…

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Professor Tony Haymet appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist

The federal government has announced Professor Tony Haymet as the nation’s new Chief Scientist, replacing Dr Cathy Foley in the three-year role. Haymet was named as Foley’s successor and Australia’s tenth Chief Scientist on Tuesday. The role involves providing “authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities” and is appointed by the…

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Fermented clothing? Here’s how the biofilm on kombucha can be turned into green textiles

By Rajkishore Nayak, RMIT University Vietnam and Donna Cleveland, RMIT University Vietnam If you’ve ever made kombucha, you will be familiar with the term SCOBY – a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It’s impossible to miss – it’s the floating biofilm on top of your delicious drink. While a SCOBY looks gross, it is remarkably…

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