The University of New England has launched the Institute for Strategic Artificial Intelligence (ISA), a pioneering research centre dedicated to leveraging AI to solve previously unsolvable strategic problems across industry, government and regional communities.
Operating within UNE's LabNext70 – Australia's first purpose-built AI research and delivery hub focused on education – ISA bridges the gap between blue-sky AI research and real-world strategic impact.
The institute works across diverse fields including materials science, education transformation, geopolitical analysis and strategic decision-making, demonstrating AI's potential to deliver breakthrough solutions at every scale.
From Theory to Impact
ISA's approach is exemplified by current work on solar panel recyclability. Several UNE researchers are using AI to tackle a critical sustainability challenge: recovering valuable silicon wafers from decommissioned solar panels. These wafers, the structures that capture light energy, currently cannot be separated from their substrate. This means they can’t be recycled, despite carrying significant value in rare minerals.
The UNE team is deploying AI to identify novel molecules for a solvent that can cleanly separate silicon wafers from their substrate. Success would transform the economics of solar power generation, dramatically improving both profitability and environmental sustainability as the world's first generation of solar installations reaches end-of-life.
This project demonstrates ISA's core philosophy of applying cutting-edge AI capabilities to problems that have resisted conventional approaches, delivering tangible value for industry and society.
Leadership and Capability
ISA brings together world-class research expertise and operational excellence. Research Director Professor Amir Karton (above) is an internationally recognised computational chemist whose work spans machine-learning, quantum chemistry and materials science. His track record in high-impact research provides the scientific credibility essential for tackling complex, multidisciplinary challenges.
Co-Director Associate Professor Aaron Driver, (below) UNE’s Chief AI Officer and Director of LabNext70, brings deep expertise in AI implementation and strategic deployment in the Higher Education environment.
ISA represents a new model for university-based AI research. The Institute maintains its roots in higher education, but looks outward to AI’s potential for strategic value creation. By combining Professor Karton's research credibility with LabNext70's operational capability, the institute is uniquely positioned to tackle the complex, multi-faceted challenges that will define Australia's economic and strategic future.
Partnership Opportunities
ISA is available to serve governments at all levels – local, state and Commonwealth – as well as industry partners and, critically, the New England North West region. The institute offers:
Strategic problem-solving capability: AI-driven approaches to challenges that have resisted conventional solutions.
Cross-disciplinary expertise: Integration of AI with domain-specific knowledge across multiple fields.
Scalable solutions: Building solutions that address regional problems in ways that support national strategic priorities.
Accelerated Scientific Discovery: Utilising AI-driven simulation to guide targeted, highly accurate real-world experiments, significantly reducing the cost and time of R&D
Research translation: Rapid pathway from discovery to implementation
For government and industry partners, ISA represents an opportunity to access world-class AI research capability focused on delivering practical outcomes. For researchers, it offers the chance to work on meaningful issues with real-world impact, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and collaborative networks.
ISA's establishment signals UNE’s intention to establish a dominant international capability in applied AI research.
With a proven track record of applying innovative AI initiatives to education, UNE is now building out its capability to cutting-edge research partnerships. ISA consolidates UNE drive to become more deeply connected to its local communities while operating at the frontiers of innovation.
