Researchers Call for Better DEI Support for Project Professionals

A new report by the Association for Project Management (APM) highlights the need for improved Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in the project profession. The research explores the early-career experiences of racially diverse project professionals in the UK and Australia. The report, titled “Improving the Early-Career Experiences of Racially Diverse Project Professionals,” was conducted by Dr. Christina Scott-Young, Dr. Jessica Borg, and Dr. Naomi Borg. The researchers found concerning levels of discrimination experienced by racially diverse project professionals in both the construction and business sectors. The authors said: “Reflecting on these high figures, we would do well to be mindful of the negative impacts that racial discrimination can have on an individual. We found it concerning that discrimination was so prevalent towards early career diverse project management professionals. We hope that our research helps highlight this issue and, in turn, helps encourage action towards creating a more inclusive project management community.” While many organizations have DEI policies in place, the report found that they are not always effectively enforced. The researchers emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable reporting discrimination and taking appropriate action. The report identifies several recommendations for employers, universities, and professional…

AiDash Strengthens Commitment to Australia and New Zealand with Regional Expansion

AiDash, a provider of satellite-powered AI solutions for climate resilience and sustainability in critical infrastructure industries, announced a significant expansion into Australia and New Zealand. This move comes in response to growing demand for innovative solutions to address climate-related challenges in the region. The company has appointed Daniel Dickman as its on-the-ground Director for Australia and New Zealand. Dickman will lead a dedicated local support team to deliver AiDash’s Intelligent Vegetation Management System™ (IVMS™) and Climate Risk Intelligence System™ (CRIS™) to utility companies across the region. AiDash’s solutions address the urgent need for climate resilience in Australia and New Zealand, which have been impacted by severe weather events like bushfires and cyclones. These events have highlighted the limitations of traditional infrastructure management practices. “Utilities in the region have recognized that existing practices are no longer sustainable due to the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change. They are turning to AiDash for satellite and AI technology to enhance reliability, boost operational efficiency, minimize damage to critical infrastructure, and save people’s lives,” said Abhishek Vinod Singh, CEO and Co-founder of AiDash. “The enthusiasm and commitment to leverage our satellite-first products from organizations across Australia and New Zealand has been tremendous. This is…

InCapture Secures Permit for Carbon Capture Project on Australia’s North West Shelf

InCapture Pty Ltd today announced the award of Greenhouse Gas Assessment Permit G-15-AP, strategically located on Australia’s North West Shelf. This significant milestone marks a crucial step towards developing a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the region. The G-15-AP permit area spans over 6,500 square kilometers and is situated just 120 kilometers from the major industrial ports of Dampier and Port Hedland. This prime location offers potential for long-term, secure storage of greenhouse gas emissions from nearby industrial facilities. InCapture is aiming to launch a fully operational CCS project by the early 2030s, providing a critical solution for hard-to-abate industries and supporting Australia’s net-zero emissions targets. The project will also offer storage solutions to neighboring countries in South-East Asia, Korea, and Japan. InCapture is partnering with SK earthon Australia Pty Ltd and Carbon CQ Pty Ltd on the G-15-AP project. The consortium brings together expertise in CCS project development, engineering, and regulatory compliance. Julia Davies, General Manager of InCapture, emphasized the critical role of CCS in achieving sustainability goals: “CCS is essential for Australia and its neighbouring countries to meet their net-zero commitments. The recent award of greenhouse gas assessment permits by the Australian Commonwealth Government is a…

HiRO strengthens US Presence with acquisition of DeltaMed Solutions

HiRO, a leading global clinical research organization (CRO), has announced the successful acquisition of DeltaMed Solutions, a US-based CRO with a strong reputation. This strategic move marks HiRO’s third CRO acquisition since its founding in 2020 and further expands its global footprint. With established operations in the US, Ireland, Asia, and Oceania, HiRO offers comprehensive clinical research solutions across the globe. The acquisition of DeltaMed Solutions bolsters HiRO’s US presence and strengthens its position as a one-stop shop for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Headquartered in New Jersey, DeltaMed Solutions boasts a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience serving mid-sized and large pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Their expertise spans data management, biostatistics, programming, real-world evidence solutions, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics analysis, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs. DeltaMed Solutions is renowned for its flexible service models and unwavering commitment to quality, earning high praise from clients and partners alike. With global operations and integrated capabilities, HiRO provides a full range of cross-border solutions and services to its clients, including early pre-clinical strategic planning, clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, statistics, data management, end-to-end project management, and clinical and medical monitoring services. The integration of DeltaMed Solutions into HiRO creates a powerhouse in the CRO…

Flinders University launches project for AI-powered Public Health Platform to Combat Future Healthcare Challenges

Researchers at Flinders University are pioneering a new era in public health with the development of SMART-PH, the first AI-driven platform designed to tackle complex healthcare issues in Australia. This critical initiative, funded by a $2.9 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), comes in response to the growing strain on healthcare systems due to factors like chronic diseases, natural disasters, and unequal access to health services. “The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the power of innovative AI to drive real-time public health data, improving the speed and reach of public health interventions to diverse populations in Australia, allowing agile responses by industry and the healthcare sector to ‘stop the spread’. “We want to employ the same principles to construct a cohesive public health framework that unites relevant authorities, healthcare institutions, and laboratories to be more efficient, more agile and more effective. “SMART-PH will function as a common digital infrastructure to eliminate data siloes and improve healthcare decision making by enabling real-time collaboration and communication of information. “With diligent planning and meticulous implementation, SMART-PH could improve the quality, efficiency, equity, accessibility, and resilience of our health system,” she adds. SMART-PH: A Collaborative Approach SMART-PH (DigitiSing InforMAtion for PRacTice in Public…

Vast and Mabanaft advance Port Augusta green methanol project to unlock Australia’s green fuels industry

Vast (Vast Renewables Limited) (Nasdaq: VSTE), a renewable energy company planning to power green fuels production with its concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) energy systems, has announced it has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with global energy company Mabanaft to advance Solar Methanol 1 (SM1), a CSP-powered green methanol reference plant. Located in South Australia at the Port Augusta Green Energy Hub, SM1 will have the capacity to produce 7,500 tonnes of green methanol each year. Methanol is one of the most versatile hydrogen derivatives which, if produced using clean energy, has the potential to decarbonise several hard-to-abate industries, including shipping and aviation. SM1 will be supplied with baseload renewable heat from Vast’s 30 MW / 288 MWh CSP plant. Using CSP can potentially reduce green fuel production costs by up to 40 per cent according to a recent report by engineering group Fichtner. The project’s success could unlock green fuels production in Australia, with potential for exports to Germany and other global markets. The JDA sets out how the project will be developed and further underlines Vast and Mabanaft’s contribution to the energy transition by combining technological, business development and commercial expertise. This comes after Vast and Mabanaft…