A new Curtin University institute will connect government and industry with leading geoscience expertise to help transform WA\u2019s economic future in critical minerals with more sustainable mineral exploration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions (CFIGS<\/a>) includes\u00a0a\u00a0Geo Shopfront<\/a>\u00a0platform\u00a0offering\u00a0tailored services\u00a0and\u00a0timely, practical insights to support more efficient and sustainable exploration and resource development and reduce costly risks for the resources sector.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n CFIGS Director\u00a0Professor Chris Kirkland said the Institute\u00a0gave\u00a0organisations\u00a0easy\u00a0access\u00a0to\u00a0advanced analytical\u00a0expertise\u00a0at a time when\u00a0mineral\u00a0exploration\u00a0was\u00a0becoming increasingly\u00a0complex and\u00a0challenging.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBacked by Curtin\u2019s world-class geoscience facilities, our experts can collaborate with organisations to fast-track real-world solutions for sustainable exploration and development while addressing national priorities in resources and critical minerals,\u201d Professor Kirkland said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWA\u2019s economic future in critical minerals, the clean energy transition and resource security relies on geoscience that\u2019s faster, smarter, and more targeted - and that\u2019s exactly what CFIGS delivers as a platform connecting industry to expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM<\/a> said CFIGS drew on Curtin\u2019s broader research ecosystem of specialist centres, commercialisation teams and national collaborative programs to help bridge the gap between research discovery and industrial deployment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Curtin Frontier Institute for Geoscience Solutions demonstrates how our research excellence can be translated into tangible benefits for industry, government and the wider community,\u201d Professor Hayne said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy strengthening collaboration and improving access to our expertise, CFIGS helps support a more innovative and sustainable future for Australia\u2019s resources sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis initiative builds on the achievements of Curtin\u2019s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the WA School of Mines, working in partnership with the John de Laeter Centre<\/a> to apply state-of-the-art instrumentation to reduce exploration risk, improve mineral recovery and yields, and support best-practice environmental management.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the Institute would deliver many benefits for Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis Institute will drive innovation and job creation by equipping our resources sector with the latest expertise needed to stay ahead in the global critical minerals race,\u201d Minister Dawson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy garnering stronger links between research, industry and government, we are ensuring WA remains at the forefront of sustainable resource development, securing prosperity for our state now and into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Formally launched on 19 March, CFIGS will work with mining and exploration companies; government agencies including Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of Western Australia; other state and territory bodies; and organisations such as the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia and the Australian Research Council to support Australia\u2019s exploration and mining sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about CFIGS, visit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"New geoscience hub to play critical role in cleaner minerals future","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"new-geoscience-hub-to-play-critical-role-in-cleaner-minerals-future","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-03-20 12:45:45","post_modified_gmt":"2026-03-20 04:45:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=30728","menu_order":0,"post_type":"media-release","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":30725,"post_author":"4273","post_date":"2026-03-20 09:26:32","post_date_gmt":"2026-03-20 01:26:32","post_content":"\n A \u201csuper microscope\u201d capable of magnifying the tiniest of objects and usually only found in research labs has been taken inside an Australian prison for the first time, giving people in custody rare access to cutting-edge science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was brought into Bandyup Women\u2019s Prison in Western Australia as part of Curtin University\u2019s Science Meets Art outreach program, which expands access to hands-on learning opportunities in WA prisons to help build curiosity, confidence and practical skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants used the SEM to examine samples 50 times smaller than the width of a human hair to learn more about the surface composition and topography of everyday objects to help understand how things work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bandyup workshop formed part of Curtin\u2019s Science Summer School, delivered in partnership with the Department of Justice. Science Meets Art sessions were also delivered at Casuarina Prison, while hands-on science outreach activities, including the Science of Cheese, Science of Chocolate and Science of Vitamin C, were delivered at Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women and Karnet Prison Farm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin\u2019s\u00a0School of Earth and Planetary Science<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Dr Denis Fougerouse<\/a>, who co-led the SEM activity at\u00a0Bandyup with Curtin's Dr Aaron Cavosie<\/a> and artist\u00a0Dr Kirsten Hudson<\/a>, said the\u00a0microscope\u00a0utilised\u00a0electron beams to magnify\u00a0tiny\u00a0objects, revealing the intricate patterns and structures of their miniature world.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe looked at how insects see the world and can climb walls, trees and leaves, and studied the structure of eggshells to understand how chicks can breathe before hatching,\u201d Dr Fougerouse said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAfter observing these microscopic worlds, the women learned different techniques to translate what they saw into physical artworks, creating postcards they could then send to family and friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was inspiring to see the women and prison education staff engage so enthusiastically with science.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the outreach program was part of a wider University initiative to provide education pathways for prisoners in WA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are proud to provide learning opportunities for people in custody. Education can play a powerful role in changing the trajectory of someone\u2019s life, particularly when they prepare to return to the community,\u201d Professor Hayne said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Department of Justice Director General Kylie Maj said research consistently showed education was one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of reoffending and supporting long-term desistance from crime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWorkshops like Curtin University\u2019s Science Meets Art program help equip people in custody with the skills, purpose and self-belief needed to build new futures. By opening pathways to further education and employment, it lays the foundation for stronger outcomes and safer communities beyond prison,\u201d Ms Maj said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Australian Microbeam Analysis Society President and Curtin staff member Professor William Rickard<\/a> said he hoped the SEM experience would inspire prisoners to consider future careers in science and technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is an impressive achievement to bring exciting technology to members of our community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it - something that, to my knowledge, has not been done before,\u201d Professor Rickard said.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Curtin takes\u00a0cutting-edge\u00a0science inside WA prisons\u00a0","post_excerpt":"A \u201csuper microscope\u201d capable of magnifying the tiniest of objects and usually only found in research labs has been taken inside an Australian prison for the first time, giving people in custody rare access to cutting-edge science. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"curtin-takes-cutting-edge-science-inside-wa-prisons","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-03-23 10:43:19","post_modified_gmt":"2026-03-23 02:43:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=30725","menu_order":0,"post_type":"media-release","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":30580,"post_author":"4457","post_date":"2026-03-05 09:58:14","post_date_gmt":"2026-03-05 01:58:14","post_content":"\n Curtin University researchers will investigate a promising new approach to preventing cognitive decline and dementia in people living with diabetes, after winning a prestigious Diabetes Australia Research Grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Led by Associate Professor Ryu Takechi<\/a> from the Curtin Medical Research Institute<\/a> and Curtin School of Population Health<\/a>, the two\u2011year project will explore how type 2 diabetes and a genetic variant known as apoE4 combine to accelerate brain dysfunction \u2013 and whether two oral medicines can block this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Associate Professor Takechi said people living with diabetes faced a significantly higher risk of dementia, which rose dramatically for those carrying the apoE4 gene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe community has told us clearly that their biggest concerns are keeping memory and independence, having earlier warning signs, and access to simple, affordable treatments,\u201d Associate Professor Takechi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCarers have emphasised the burden of cognitive decline on families and the health system. The research focuses on a newly identified biological pathway involving amyloid beta (small protein fragments) bound to lipoproteins, which help transport fats and cholesterol in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team has found lipoprotein\u2011bound amyloid beta becomes markedly elevated in diabetes and in people with the genetic variant apoE4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a world\u2011first, Curtin-developed model, researchers will test two potential treatments: probucol, an off\u2011patent cholesterol\u2011lowering medication being repurposed for brain protection; and HA\u20111, a new compound patented by the researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Associate Professor Takechi said the work could shift dementia care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA simple blood test combined with accessible, low-cost oral therapies has enormous potential to reduce inequities, particularly for regional, culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities,\u201d Associate Professor Takechi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project team includes experts in neurovascular biology, lipid metabolism, neuroimaging and clinical translation from Curtin and The University of Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes Australia\u2019s Research Grants support research addressing the lived\u2011experience priorities of people living with diabetes, including reducing complications, improving quality of life and supporting healthy ageing.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Researchers trialling simple oral medicines to combat dementia in diabetes","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"researchers-trialling-simple-oral-medicines-to-combat-dementia-in-diabetes","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-03-05 10:02:14","post_modified_gmt":"2026-03-05 02:02:14","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=30580","menu_order":0,"post_type":"media-release","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},"events":{"heading":"Curtin Events","content":" Find out what\u2019s on at Curtin. There are a wide range of events both on the campus and online, with something for everyone.<\/p>\n","button":{"title":"See all Curtin Events","url":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/events","target":""}},"videos":{"heading":"Videos","link":"\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UChBLhSHywtT4tCbwDdwubFA"},"podcasts":{"heading":"Podcast - The Future Of","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/podcasts"},"explore":{"heading":"Explore all topics","topics":[{"term_id":3,"name":"Campus and global community","slug":"campus-and-global-community","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":3,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":2440,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":79,"name":"Health","slug":"health","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":79,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":338,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":40,"name":"Technology","slug":"technology","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":40,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":290,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":104,"name":"Space and physics","slug":"space-and-physics","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":104,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":56,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":41,"name":"Environment","slug":"environment","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":41,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":148,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":28,"name":"Art and design","slug":"art-and-design","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":28,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":60,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":49,"name":"Business, innovation, management and law","slug":"business-innovation-and-law","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":49,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Get advice on courses and careers in business, innovation, management and law. 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\u201cThis project directly responds to those priorities by developing a practical blood test and testing two oral therapies that could be readily accessible in routine diabetes care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n