The ARBS Education and Research Foundation has officially opened its inaugural round of research grant applications.
Through its charter the Foundation is committed to improving industry productivity through research, education and training.
By using its industry knowledge and connections the board has identified three priority areas for study and research.
Solar power and HVAC.
Intelligent building controls.
Indoor environmental quality.
The background paper included provides more information about these issues, why they are worthy of detailed study at this time and some of the research questions which need to be studied.
An application to participate in the research in any of the subjects must be made online through the Foundation website. www.arbsfoundation.com.au
Applications can be submitted at any time prior to April 30, 2016. The board expects to be able to announce the successful applicant proposals shortly after that date.
For more information about the Foundation generally, the website should be consulted.
Foundation chairman, Ian Hopkins said, this is a new phase for the Foundation.
"Much of the past year has been consumed with administrative matters, especially legal ones, but now we are pleased to start contributing to industry improvement through the research program," he said.
“The Prime Minister talks about the exciting times in Australia especially in connection with innovation and technological change. Our industry is highly technical and this initiative by the Foundation is timely and in line with what it needs.”
In the first round of research grants, the Foundation will allocate a total of $25,000. The maximum value of any one grant in this round will be $20,000.
Hopkins said industry and research collaboration is one half of the strategy of the new ARBS Education and Research Foundation.
He said the ARBS Development Trust was established specifically for the purpose of assisting students, education institutions, research facilities and companies to develop practical solutions to contemporary industry problems.
"Australia generally and the air conditioning and refrigeration industries in particular need to lift their productivity," Hopkins said.
"This can only be achieved, through education, product development and introducing innovative work practices.
"A climate that will enable this to happen can occur if the spirit and intent of the National innovation and science agenda is taken up by the airconditioning and refrigeration industries.
"Australian industry needs to improve its performance and bring new ideas to market. Our research grants hope to play a small part and improving this benchmark."