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The Wark Fund

The Ian Wark Research Institute, The Wark™, was established in 1994 and is an integral and proud part of the University of South Australia. We have forged a worldwide reputation for fundamental and applied research in the broad area of particle and material interface science and technology.

Our research activities embrace minerals processing and bio and polymer interfaces, with colloids and nanostructures as the critical underpinning discipline.

The research culture is vibrant, international and high standard. Life at The Wark is enriched by staff and students from 40 nations and representing every continent.

Our research sponsors include the Australian Federal and State Governments through the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and a number of other major funding schemes.

Our research is also sponsored by major national and international companies from the minerals and materials processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, specialty manufacturing and related industries.

There are over 130 graduates from The Wark – the next generation of scientific leaders. They are in high demand, immediately entering successful careers in industry, government, research institutions and universities, both within Australia and overseas.

What sets The Wark apart is our ability to explore new realms to create knowledge. We bring both fundamental and applied research approaches to bear on real-world problems and then turn those findings into effective industrial outcomes.

We have made significant contributions to industry through new product developments, process improvements, specialist consulting, testing and analytical services, as well as short courses for technology transfer.

The Wark Fund (PDF 287KB – download Adobe Acrobat) was established in 2008 to secure funding to support the activities of The Wark. Its primary objective is to support us in the pursuit of excellence in research and research education.

Our proven track record for delivering outstanding returns on investment dollars means that your gift will make a difference many times the value of the donation.

What makes The Wark special?

• We are led by the internationally recognised Laureate Professor John Ralston, recipient of multiple prestigious awards for science, education and community service, including an Officer of the Order of Australia.
• The Wark is the Australian Research Council Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces, a status conferred by the Federal Government in October 1999.
• We are also the Headquarters of the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute, in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the University of Newcastle and the University of Queensland.
• We are home to Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterisation Nodes in the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
• We have modern, purpose-built research facilities (5,000 m2 in area) and an extensive range of state-of-the-art instrumentation, worth in excess of AU$45 million.
• The Wark has an outstanding graduate employment record – over 130 graduates are employed in industry, government or other higher education institutions.
• Our mineral processing work has been independently assessed (by RMD-STEM) and we produce a return to the minerals industry of better than 20:1 for each dollar invested.
• We have 20 patent applications at various stages of submission and across a broad range of research fields.
• The Australian Academy of Science has dubbed The Wark an “Australian national treasure”.

To find out more about The Wark, visit www.unisa.edu.au/iwri

What can you do

Whether you are a corporate leader, a scientist or simply someone who believes in the importance of supporting innovation in science and technology, The Wark Fund offers an opportunity to make a difference over the long-term.

There are many ways that you or your organisation can help - donations of any value, named scholarships or fellowships, bequests, gifts of assets or property. We appreciate all donations, small or large.

All donations support The Wark’s research and postgraduate education programs. For example:

• Student prizes and awards to recognise excellence, enhance career prospects, and facilitate attendance at international conferences.
• Student scholarships to create opportunities for study and attract and retain quality postgraduate students.
• Fellowships to attract and retain quality staff and thereby increase the depth of high-profile research capability.
• Professorial Chair positions to build on existing research strengths or to develop wider expertise in emerging areas of identified national importance.
• The acquisition of state-of-the-art research equipment and instrumentation.

We honour any request for a donation to be used for a specific purpose provided it is consistent with our operating principles and key objectives. Your gift will not be used to cover administrative costs or fund-raising activities.

Make a tax-deductible gift to the Wark Fund
(PDF 58KB – download Adobe Acrobat)

For further information about The Wark Fund and how we ensure that your donation is put to the best possible use, please contact:

Yvonne Martin-Clark
Deputy Director: Development
T: +61 (8) 8302 0972

 

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