Delta HQ

Transdisciplinary Research For Climate-Integrated Solutions

Global warming, geopolitical instability, economic decarbonisation and biodiversity loss are creating an interconnected polycrisis, placing increasing pressure on the built environment, natural ecosystems, communities and economies. Addressing these complex challenges requires research models that move beyond disciplinary silos and bring together transdisciplinary teams capable of developing integrated solutions across local, regional, national and international scales.

Delta HQ is Western Sydney University’s catalyst for this approach. Its researchers develop evidence-based solutions for built and natural environments. Delta HQ is discipline-agnostic. It fosters creativity and provides space for discovery. In doing so, it positions Western Sydney University at the forefront of climate-integrated research and innovation.

Delta HQ supports advanced monitoring, modelling and analysis of indoor and outdoor environments and the people moving through them. Its capabilities include thermal imaging, remote sensing, reality capture, human thermal comfort assessment, digital twinning, 4D modelling, computational fluid dynamics, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and big data analytics.

By combining transdisciplinary collaboration with advanced digital capabilities, Delta HQ delivers results that transform climate-related research into practical, scalable, and measurable positive impact.

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How to connect with Delta HQ

There are different ways WSU researchers, students, and those outside of Western Sydney University can connect with Delta HQ. Every partnership is different. We will carefully craft each one to fit a project and become a story of success and impact.

It is essential to note that this platform functions as a collaborative research platform, rather than a conventional equipment loan facility (i.e., a pick-up and return model). As Delta HQ does not have centrally funded technical or administrative support, projects are developed through collaborative models that align resources, expertise and responsibilities from the outset.

There are various pathways for such collaborations:

Equipment access and short-term loans

It is possible to borrow our equipment. This applies to equipment

• that is simple to use,
• where you do the post-processing of the outputs,
• the equipment is used short-term, and
• if required, you pay for consumables.

Examples are thermal cameras or our Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker. A loan agreement is completed, which includes the acknowledgement that any damage to the equipment will be taken care of by the borrower. The agreement will be confirmed by your dean, director or manager for transparency. You will be trained to confidently use the equipment. You’re now ready to collect the data.

Before equipment is released, users complete a loan agreement, receive appropriate training, and confirm responsibility for safe use, return and any damage. Endorsement from a dean, director or manager will be sought for transparency.

Research collaborations and grant applications

When you want to incorporate our equipment into a new grant application (as in-kind), we partner with you and help with writing the application. This cultivates transdisciplinary research, one of the cornerstones of Delta HQ. Any technical support, training, data collection, post-processing, cost for consumables, etc. will be incorporated into the project budget.

Teaching and student learning

You can use our equipment to enhance your teaching. In most cases, access for teaching will follow the equipment loan model, with training and planning arranged in advance.

Master of Research (MRes) Students

Delta HQ supports MRes projects. We always have MRes projects ready to hit the ground. If you are enrolled as MRes student at Western and would like to do your 1-year project with Delta HQ, contact us.

PhD scholarships and HDR projects

The number of PhD projects, funded in part or entirely by government and industry organisations, is rising. We are very interested in these projects, because they will resolve existing problems. This is another cornerstone of Delta HQ – the focus on creating solutions. All Delta HQ PhD candidates will have full access to its hardware and software. This is our approach to supporting curiosity, discovery and the development of critical technical and scientific skills.

Contract research

Many of us do contract research. Delta HQ fully supports this work. We can assist you with getting projects across the line. It is most likely that the New Grant Application model applies.

External Partnerships

Researchers from other universities and non-academic organisations and businesses are most welcome to work with us. Let’s discuss the solutions you need.

Philanthropy

It would be amazing if you could support our work on climate-integrated solutions at the Change Headquarters. In that case, we would work with you and our excellent team at the Office of Advancement.

Get in touch

Domestic Contact: deltahq@westernsydney.edu.au

International Contact: deltahq.international@westernsydney.edu.au

Director: Prof Sebastian Pfautsch
Urban Management and Planning

Deputy-Director: Dr Aso Haji Rasouli
Architecture

Western Sydney University
6 Hassall Street, Parramatta NSW 2150