Research to protect women's rights in conflict zones and the development of improved cancer drug delivery systems are among the projects being pursued by 15 outstanding UNSW researchers awarded inaugural Future Fellowships.

A total of 200 fellowships were announced today by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, who said the new scheme was designed to keep our top national and international mid-career researchers in Australia.

UNSW's Fellows receive up to $740,000 each over four years, representing close to $11.3 million in funding.

The work they are undertaking covers a broad range of areas, ranging from transforming industrial waste into valuable carbons and building electronic devices using semiconductor nanowires, to imaging genetics in schizophrenia.

Seven Future Fellows are from the Faculty of Science, three from Medicine, two from Engineering and Arts and Social Sciences and one from Law. Three will join UNSW from other Australian institutions and two come from international institutions.

Associate Professor Louise Chappell's project will strengthen the work of the International Criminal Court on the protection of women's rights in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Improved cancer treatment through more targeted drug delivery is the aim of A/Professor Martina Stenzel's work in macromolecular chemistry. Based in the Faculty of Engineering, she is developing drug-loaded nanocarriers to target tumors without affecting healthy tissue.

Professor Justin Gooding's research into electrodes will enhance the performance of implantable devices such as pacemakers, bionic eyes, cochlear implants and biosensors. Based in the Faculty of Science, Professor Gooding was recently awarded a Eureka Prize for Scientific Research.

Read the full list of UNSW's projects at the Australian Research Council website.

"Congratulations to our successful Future Fellows, who represent many of UNSW's leading mid-career researchers," said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Les Field.

"It is great recognition for their work and a strong result for the University, showcasing the depth of our research excellence."

Media contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office | 9385 8920 | 0405 207 685