Swinburne University of Technology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Into the Darkness: Measuring the Properties of Dark Galaxies. A fundamental prediction of cosmology is that galaxies without stars, Dark Galaxies, should exist. This project aims to exploit the new era in radio observations with the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope, combining its deep radio imaging with optical wavelengths, to identify large numbers of Dark Galaxies. With this first-ever sample of Dark Galaxies, and employing innovative techniques, the project will produce fundamental new knowledge, answering outstanding questions about galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter itself. National benefits include inspiring the next generation of STEM students and scientists, while further enhancing Australia's international reputation in cutting-edge Astrophysics. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences This project will study a sample of Dark Galaxies and thus advance our fundamental knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics. The project will employ state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques, generating a unique database that will be used by scientists both in Australia and around the world. The project will help to train the next generation of astrophysicists in advanced skills to take advantage of Australia's multi-million dollar investments in large telescopes, supercomputers and our developing space industry. They will also develop skills relevant to the new knowledge economy, such as simulations on high performance computers and image analysis. The project will help to attract students into STEM subjects and careers, providing a long-term outcome that has cultural, economic and social benefits for the country. Research outcomes will be disseminated beyond academia via outreach activities and social media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Moving With Robots: Advancing Human-Robot Collaboration and Communication. The use of collaborative robots by people in arts, social and health settings has the potential to improve their economic situation and their quality of life through increasing safe and cost-effective options for engagement, care and support. However, one of the barriers to adoption is how to achieve safe and trusted contact support for robots who are physically interacting with people in collaborative and assistive roles. Through choreographed interactions with movement experts, this project expects to generate machine learning strategies to understand how people and robots can reliably and fluently move together. Expected outcomes of this project include innovative methods for robot learning to improve shared movement quality. Field of research: 3605 - Screen and Digital Media Robots continue to transform many areas of the Australian economy, particularly the manufacturing and resources commercial sectors. However, in areas of society that require complex physical contact between people and robots, such as social, cultural, health and assistive settings, there are challenges to the integration and uptake of robots due to the trust, safety and comfort of human-robot collaborations. Leveraging the unique and innovative platform of dance to investigate the embodied nature of physical interactions, this project aims to develop a critical understanding of how people and robots can move fluently together even through complex physical interactions. We will use machine learning to develop new ways for a person and robot to smoothly move together and have complex physical interactions including contact and support. These are crucial abilities for robots supporting people in social, cultural and assistive settings and will have important benefits to support increased robotic uptake in these areas. The new interaction methods will generate dance performances for a human and robot that can be shown in theatres and galleries, showcasing new ways for people and robots to move together. Providing a reliable and effective framework for better collaborative movement between people and robots will increase safety, trust and comfort for people, and better physical adaptability for robots, placing the Australian robotics sector at the forefront of robotic innovation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Electromagnetically driven flows in electrolyte layers with free interfaces. This project aims to understand electromagnetically driven flows in thin deformable layers. It expects to develop an analytical description of electrolyte flows required by microstirring and metallurgical applications. Expected outcomes include the development of new non-intrusive precision-controlled methods for manipulating fluids when mechanical intervention is impossible due to aggressive environment or extreme confinement. This should provide significant benefits to advance Australia’s hi-tech microfluidic and metal recycling industries. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics The Australian microfluidic sector, including innovative technologies, prototypes and lab-on-a-chip devices, has been estimated to be worth over $10B in 2024 and is expected to almost double by 2028. Yet the expansion of this industry may face a difficulty because common mechanical fluid manipulation approaches are not suitable for applications such as in pharmaceutics due to the need of handling accurately very small fluid volumes or because of the presence of chemically aggressive media. This project aims to develop a versatile framework for easy-to-control non-intrusive electromagnetic (EM) fluid flow forcing methods for use in micromixing, micropumping and targeted chemical delivery. This study will generate a better understanding of how EM driven film and shallow layer flows behave in various geometric configurations and how they are influenced by different wall conditions. It will suggest novel ways of optimising the operation of existing microfluidic devices and build a prototype experimental apparatus capable of inducing complex EM-driven flows. Research outcomes will pioneer new technological principles for developing next-generation applications benefiting the Australian microfluidic industry and its end-users. To promote our study beyond academia and to explore the opportunity of commercialisation, we will engage with CSIRO and Australian National Science Agency with the partnership proposal in their research production initiative under the microfluidics scheme.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Steel Origami-Enabled Metaconcrete Composite Structures. This project aims to develop a novel integrated design platform to engineer high-performance and multifunctional origami-enabled metaconcrete composite structures with greatly improved ductility and energy absorption capacity. It expects to offer a cost-effective and efficient structural design solution in the next-generation advanced concrete structures with optimal performance. Expected outcomes include an innovative metaconcrete structural design scheme and a robust machine learning-assisted optimisation procedure for various engineering applications against static and impact loading. This will provide significant benefits to building industries by enhancing structural safety while reducing material usage and lowering carbon emissions. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Concrete structures are of prime importance in infrastructure systems. As an emerging construction material, metaconcrete - a new type of concrete with enhanced dynamic behaviour - has many mechanical and functional advantages over conventional concrete and hence can lead to economical and sustainable constructions. However, metaconcrete in its current form lacks enough performance and design flexibility, limiting its wider acceptance and practical applications. This project will introduce folded steel sheets into concrete to innovatively develop a novel steel origami metaconcrete structure with unprecedented properties. The developed design platform will facilitate innovation in advanced high-performance and multifunctional concrete structures with broad engineering applications in civil, transportation, and marine fields. This will also bring Australia substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits by providing advanced materials and structures with improved performance, safety, and sustainability. The proposed project will reduce materials usage, increase structural efficiency, and lower carbon emissions, directly aligned with Australia’s Net Zero 2050 targets. I will promote my research widely through public media such as LinkedIn and YouTube. The project’s success will reinforce Australia as a global leader in the metaconcrete construction industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Active control of battery aging process for life extension. This project aims to extend the lifetime of battery energy storage systems for power grids by developing innovative approaches to control the battery aging process at a cell level. The project expects to utilise digital twin technology, integrating a deep learning model with an electrochemical model, to predict the impact of operating conditions on battery aging and regulating these conditions to control the aging process and extend battery life. The expected outcomes include longer battery life, reduced downtime, and increased throughput of battery energy storage systems. This should provide significant benefits to battery energy storage manufacturing and support Australia’s transition to sustainable power grids. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering This project aims to enhance the longevity of battery energy storage systems (BESSs), which are critical to supporting Australia’s transition to sustainable power grids integrated with renewable energy sources. Due to intermittent nature of renewable energy, BESSs are essential for maintaining stable and resilient power grids. A major challenge in the BESSs is aging of battery cells, which impacts both performance and lifespan. By addressing the aging process at a cell level, the project will develop innovative strategies to control battery aging, thereby extending battery life, reducing operational downtime, and increasing system throughput. The project’s outcomes will significantly benefit Australia in various ways. Economically, it is expected to lower the cost of BESSs by 10-20%, making energy storage solutions more cost-effective and accessible. Environmentally, the project will reduce the impact of battery production and disposal by extending battery life. Commercially, it will strengthen Australia’s leadership in advanced energy storage technologies, promoting growth in the domestic manufacturing sector and creating high-skilled jobs. To maximise the research’s impact, we will actively collaborate with industry stakeholders and energy sector leaders to ensure the swift adoption of our solutions. Partnerships with battery manufacturers, renewable energy providers, and grid operators will help translate the research into practical and commercial applications.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Innovative Fuzzing for Security Test of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Electric vehicle charging stations are widely deployed today, but they face critical and complex security challenges due to the diversity of electric vehicles, connectivity to the power grid, and wireless interaction with users. This project aims to address these challenges by developing innovative functionality-guided, update-guided, and greybox-guided fuzzing techniques. It is expected to generate novel insights for securing these stations, aligning with Australia’s critical need for enhanced cybersecurity practices. The expected outcomes include new methods for testing charging stations and developing advanced tools. This project will provide significant benefits, including a more secure environment for sustainable economic growth. Field of research: 4604 - Cybersecurity and Privacy The demand for secure and reliable electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is growing as electric vehicle adoption rises. From 2018 to 2030, the electric vehicle adoption is projected to boost real GDP by $2.9 billion, create 13,400 jobs, and reduce emissions by 18 million tonnes. Thus, in 2023, the Australian Government announced $39.3 million for building EVCSs along national highways. However, EVCSs face significant cybersecurity risks due to their connection with a diverse range of vehicles, integration with the national power grid, and reliance on wireless protocols. Besides, Australia currently lacks the necessary cybersecurity measures to adequately test and protect EVCSs. This project aims to address these challenges by developing innovative testing and security methods. The benefits to the Australian community are significant. Enhancing the security of EVCSs ensures safe and reliable adoption, contributing significantly to reducing carbon emissions and supporting Australia's environmental goals for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Furthermore, the project will boost Australia's economy by developing EVCS cybersecurity tools that can be commercialised, protecting against financial losses and creating new opportunities and jobs in the growing electric vehicle sector. By showcasing the effectiveness of our tools in real-world EVCS systems through workshops, websites, and media, we anticipate widespread adoption of the project's outcomes.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Upcycling agriculture plastic waste to high value cross-linked polyethylene. Working with a plastic recycling company and a regional council, this project aims to recycle ~200,000 kilometres of waste plastic film generated per year. By developing a novel chemical cross-linking method, this waste plastic will be recycled into a value-added feedstock for manufacturing strong, durable, sustainable plastic products such as cables and pipes. The project will divert the amount of thin plastic film being stockpiled on Australian farms or being buried in landfill thereby reducing the negative environmental impact of thin plastic film. The project will potentially lessen Australia’s reliance on foreign manufacturers of thin plastic film and provide cheaper raw materials for Australia’s plastic manufacturing industry. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Currently most agricultural plastic film waste in Australia is stockpiled on farmland and is not recycled. This project aims to address the critical plastic recycling gap in Australia by developing a solution to upcycle plastic film waste into high-performance value-added plastic feedstocks. It works towards solving the environmental problem of the plastic waste stockpile and provides reliable feedstock materials for local plastic product manufacturing. This project will provide significant benefits to Australians. Environmentally, it will reduce the environmental harm caused by plastic waste from stockpiles or landfills. Economically, it will create revenue for Australian plastic recycling companies and provide feedstock for Australian plastic manufacturers. Social benefits in the form of job creation, advances in plastic recycling and manufacturing, and knowledge training will also be facilitated indirectly through this project. The new knowledge and IP generated in this upcycling process will enhance Australia’s international reputation in plastic recycling. With the collaborative support from the plastic recycler and local council as the partners, this project will establish a mechanism to collect, transport, recycle and deliver the products to the Australian market. This will help to position Australia as a world leader in recycling agricultural plastic waste.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Discovering the origins of cosmic radio explosions Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-12

Using speech analyses for detecting suicide risk and relapse in eating... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-11

2024 Equipment Grants Category: Health and Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

France-Australia Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) Category: Climate Change

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

France-Australia Centre for Energy Transition (FACET) Category: Climate Change

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Attribution of Machine-generated Code for Accountability. Machine-generated (or neural) code is usually produced by AI tools to speed up software development. However, such codes have recently raised serious security and privacy concerns. This project aims to attribute these codes to their generative models for accountability purposes. In the process, a series of new techniques are developed to differentiate between the codes generated by different models. The outcomes include analysis of neural code fingerprints, classification of neural codes, and theories to verify the correctness of code attribution. These will provide significant benefits, ranging from copyright protection to privacy preservation. This project is timely since currently the software community is pervasively using neural codes. Field of research: 4604 - Cybersecurity and Privacy ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. Users are attracted to its advanced capabilities. As a matter of fact, along with the recent advances in artificial intelligence, ChatGPT is only a typical example among the many instances (e.g., CodeX and Copilot) that do the same job. In this project, we mainly focus on one popular function of ChatGPT-like AI-based models, i.e., generating code (called neural code) which tries to relieve humans of unnecessary coding efforts. It is being widely used in software development now. However, neural codes have introduced significant security and privacy issues because they may contain copyrighted material, vulnerabilities or sensitive information such as residential addresses and phone numbers. This project is the first to attribute neural codes to their generative models for accountability purposes. Attribution of codes and holding the generator(s) accountable, reduce the risks of using digital techniques in Australia. This project will promote Australian national security, lower the barriers of data sharing, and provide law enforcement with independent, expert and scientific advice on code accountability. The research outcomes can be immediately used by governments and industry to do forensic jobs. By attributing the responsibility of AI models, the society can prevent the misuses of AI techniques and maintain equality between people.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Mapping the integration of T cell fate control across time and space. This project aims to apply new methods to determine how coordination of signalling complexes impacts upon the fate of cells of the adaptive immune system. It expects to determine how the context of signallng orchestrates cell fates such as differentiation, death and proliferation. The project is expected to yield an experimental and analytical platform for further investigations into a broad range of biological questions, and to provide new knowledge of this fundamental problem. This platform should support further work that ultimately provides new models for tissue and immune cell regeneration, and new manufacturing platforms for therapies for humans and livestock, among other benefits. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology How do multicellular animals develop from a single fertilized egg? To date, developmental biologists have learnt much about the components of how development is controlled. However, a key missing element is understanding exactly how our ‘adaptive immune cells’ (T cells and B cells) develop so as to provide immunity to the wide variety of pathogens or cancers. Immune cells that are too aggressive can attack the ‘self’ and cause auto-immune conditions, so it’s also essential to understand how the body ensures that only cells with the right degree of effectiveness survive. New biological and computational technologies provide previously unimaginable opportunities to understand T cell development. This project combines these areas to form a comprehensive understanding of the control of T cell development in the mouse. Immediate benefits are better fundamental understanding of biological systems, enhancing Australia’s stellar reputation in immunology and developmental biology, and showcasing a multidisciplinary methodological approach to set the standard for more cost-effective biological experiments. These findings will then lay the foundation for further studies that have potential applications in tissue engineering for both humans and livestock. In the long-term, this research will assist precision design and understanding of the long-term durability of tissue for uses such as artificial organs and transplants, as well as development of better immunotherapies for cancer.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Optimisation of Buildable Structures for 3D Concrete Printing. This project aims to establish a systematic approach to seamlessly integrate optimisation, characterisation, and 3D concrete printing (3DCP) manufacturing for the construction and building industry. New optimisation algorithms will first overcome the manufacturing limitations of 3DCP by considering the print path and early-age concrete properties, and directly create high-performance and innovative designs of buildable structures. The outcomes of this project include a powerful design tool that enables architects and engineers to optimally design and construct the next generation of cost-saving and aesthetically pleasing buildings and infrastructures through the adoption of modern 3DCP technology. Field of research: 4017 - Mechanical Engineering Automated 3D concrete printing (3DCP) offers a quick and cost-efficient way of fabricating the next generation of buildings and infrastructures, but the design method and tool for this modern production technique are urgently needed. The project will fill a significant knowledge gap between topology optimisation and 3DCP manufacturing and develop an optimisation-based design method for the 3DCP production. The outcomes of this project include a series of topology optimisation algorithms and computer codes, and novel high-performance structures for concrete printing. This research will greatly shorten the product development cycle and reduce labour costs and material wastage in trial 3DCP fabrication, making the Australian construction industry more competitive and productive. The developed computer codes will be packaged into a powerful and easy-to-use design tool for 3DCP production. The research outcomes will be promoted through lab demonstration and industry collaboration and adopted by Australian architects and engineers to create and construct their-own high-performance, sustainable, and eco-friendly concrete structures.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Big time crystals: a new paradigm in condensed matter. This project aims to extend condensed matter physics to the time dimension using big time crystals created by a periodically driven Bose-Einstein condensate. Such a system is expected to offer exceptional versatility, allowing effective potentials and long-range interactions in a time lattice to be engineered almost at will by proper periodic driving and modulation of the particle interaction. Expected outcomes include realisation of novel condensed matter phenomena such as topologically protected states in the time dimension, time crystalline structures exhibiting disorder or quasi-crystalline order and time-tronics devices analogous to electronics. Potential future benefits include novel advanced materials and semiconductor-like devices. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics This project aims to apply a newly discovered form of quantum matter - a so-called time crystal involving ultracold atoms that crystallise in time rather than in space - to realise novel condensed matter phenomena in the time dimension. Novel condensed matter systems that have recently been predicted include semiconductor-like devices such as transistor devices and memory devices that operate and store information in the time dimension rather than in space. Condensed matter systems in the time dimension have the potential to benefit the future development of new advanced materials and novel semiconductor-like devices for the electronics and materials engineering industries. The project is at the forefront of the highly competitive field of ultracold quantum gases and involves novel quantum phenomena that promise to attract, inspire and provide excellent training in optics, lasers and quantum physics for the next generation of young STEM scientists. The research outcomes will be promoted to a broad range of audiences through the Swinburne Media Centre and the Swinburne Optical Sciences Centre website.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Robustness-oriented and serviceable design of innovative modular buildings. This project aims to unlock the full potential of prefabricated modular buildings through innovative framing solutions in combination with new evaluation methods to enhance serviceability and improve safety under extreme events. Advanced 3D hybrid testing and analysis will be used to create new knowledge on the complex system-level dynamic behaviour of modular buildings. The expected outcome of this project will lead to safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainabe modular building construction. The project will provide significant benefits to designers, manufacturers and regulators to improve the resilience of the building stock and to support greater design and manufacturing innovations. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering While lightweight steel framed (LSF) systems, particularly in form of prefab and modular systems, can support the need for resilient and sustainable construction, the state of understanding their complex behaviour in relation to serviceability and robustness against extreme events remains relatively limited. Modular buildings in Australia generally have limited capacity against disproportionate damage resulting from natural and man-made hazards, posing significant safety risks, especially for post-disaster buildings that must perform at elevated levels. Further, increasingly multistorey buildings are reported to suffer unexpected damage to non-structural elements and loss of amenity under service loads. This project aims to develop an innovative modular framing system in combination with new performance assessment and design methods that will enhance the welfare and safety of building occupants and reduce construction costs. Fundamental knowledge developed in this project would lead to the development of affordable prefab modular structures to help with disaster recovery that will benefit Australia in terms of disaster response nationally and put it at the forefront of international disaster response and recovery. The outcomes of this research will be incorporated into the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing (NASH) Standard which is referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC) and widely used by system developers, design engineers, fabricators, and builders.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Developing systemic interventions for intimate partner financial abuse. This project addresses the significant national problem of intimate partner financial abuse, which continues long after women leave abusive relationships. It works with frontline service providers and victim survivors to identify how financial abuse is perpetrated through financial, legal and government systems, and develops a framework for understanding post-separation financial violence. It harnesses policymakers' and practitioners' expertise through co-design workshops to develop practical solutions and a framework to implement them. The application of Safety by Design principles within implicated systems will benefit affected families, by closing down avenues for the perpetration of financial abuse. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration This project has significant policy and practical relevance, responding to key areas of national interest and concern. It responds to the Commonwealth Government’s Fifth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2022-2032 that specifies the need for the financial sector to build its capacity to prevent and respond to financial abuse. Similarly, the federal Joint Select Committee Inquiry on Australia's Family Law System identifies child support as a system through which post-separation financial abuse can be perpetrated. But very little is known about how such abuse can be prevented. This project foregrounds the experiences of the most vulnerable women who experience financial abuse within the context of intersectional disadvantages. By designing solutions that will work for the most vulnerable the project develops interventions that will be effective for all women experiencing financial abuse. Working with policymakers and practitioners the project develops an implementation framework to drive changes within and across sectors. As a result, this project will ensure that financial safety is prioritised across the entire post-separation financial, legal and government service system, providing benefits to victim survivors as well as all Australians. The project will produce economic benefits as a result of improved child support compliance and reduced social welfare costs. It will lead the world in solving this pressing social problem.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Bubble clouds in ocean waves. This project aims to predict the behaviour of bubble clouds in ocean waves. Bubble clouds are used in Europe to shield marine mammals from the dangerous noise of offshore wind-turbine construction, but would be dispersed by Australia's ocean swell and turbulence; and unlike in Europe, Australia's offshore-wind sites are frequented by endangered whales. Bubble clouds from breaking waves may also dissolve up to third of humanity's carbon in the ocean. Experiments and coordinated numerical simulations would predict the displacement and dispersion of bubbles in oceanic conditions. Experiments and simulations would then predict the acoustic behaviour of bubble clouds. This outcome would benefit new offshore-wind industries and climate science. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering This project will deliver data on the behaviour of air bubbles under ocean waves. Coordinated experiments and computer simulations will measure where bubbles go and how they block underwater noise. The construction of offshore wind turbines, proposed to begin in Australia as soon as 2025, generates dangerous noise levels as piles are hammered into the seabed, potentially damaging marine-mammal hearing. In Europe's North Sea, clouds of bubbles from air hoses on the seabed form 'curtains' blocking this noise, protecting small, dolphin-like animals which are not endangered species. However, unlike in Europe, Australia's wind-turbine sites feature ocean swell and turbulence that would degrade existing bubble curtains. Furthermore, Australian wind-turbine farm sites are frequented by huge, endangered whales, the Southern Right Whale and Blue Whale, and also the Humpback Whale, bringing us over a quarter of a billion dollars annually in tourist income. Expected project outcomes would be an understanding of bubble behaviour in ocean swell, valuable for models of how bubble clouds drive the ocean's absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide; and a prediction of the sound-blocking ability of bubble clouds in ocean swell. This would enable new bubble-curtain designs for a number of ocean industries, and may also give Australia's defence industries an edge in new technologies for the control of low-frequency underwater noise, a key to detecting submarines over very long distances.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Making Strongly Interacting Photons. This theoretical project aims to investigate strongly correlated polaritons in quantum physics. Known as quantum fluids of light, polaritons are half-light, half-matter particles exhibiting frictionless, zero-energy-cost flows, an astonishing quantum behaviour known as superfluidity. This project expects to make a breakthrough in our understanding of polaritons in the strongly interacting regime far from equilibrium and fill in the knowledge gap towards the realisation of a superfluid of light at room temperature. This should open a new era of quantum polaritonics that forms the basis for energy-efficient laser and all-optical transistor, establishing Australia as a world leader in commercialising novel photonic technologies. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Photonics, which involves the generation, manipulation, and detection of light in the form of photons, has a wide range of scientific and technological applications in our daily lives. These include medical diagnostics, biological and chemical sensing, and telecommunication technologies such as the internet. However, these technologies typically operate in the classical regime, requiring a huge number of photons and notable energy costs, posing a serious challenge to energy affordability in Australia and globally. One way to address this challenge is to push photonics to the extreme limit of the quantum world, where it can operate at an extremely low power level, one trillionth or billionth of a watt. However, achieving this requires a very strong interaction between photons, which is currently a major obstacle in modern photonics. Our project aims to overcome this obstacle by addressing several grand theoretical challenges involved in creating strongly interacting photons using a device that confines photons between two high-quality mirrors and couples them to an electronic dipole to form half-light, half-matter quasi-particles called polaritons. The knowledge generated from this project will be shared with industry to facilitate the development of energy-efficient, low-cost quantum photonics such as ultra-low-threshold polariton lasers and practical all-optical transistors, which could reduce energy costs and consumption for Australians and people around the world.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Cohesive Multipartite Subgraph Discovery in Large Heterogeneous Networks. This project aims to devise novel cohesive multipartite subgraph models and corresponding efficient search algorithms based on various applications. Significant advances in understanding big data will be enabled by the proposed novel theories and algorithms, which can leverage the value of heterogeneous network data and serve as the foundation of network analytics. Expected outcomes of this project include novel cohesive multipartite subgraph models, efficient searching algorithms and platforms for heterogeneous networks. This should provide significant benefits for different organisations and a myriad of applications dealing with heterogeneous network data, including but not limited to e-commerce, cybersecurity, health and social networks. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Big data generated by modern applications, such as online shopping systems, video-sharing platforms, and so on, are represented as relationships between a wide range of different types of objects. Mapping and searching these interactions requires specific types of modelling, but the variety poses challenges. This project will develop data analysis techniques that do not currently exist to enable complex searches of big data networks. Understanding such data will help organisations make intelligent decisions on finding the right groups to conduct different types of activities, such as marketing, research and business collaboration, and discovery and monitoring of potential criminal activities and various cyber-attacks. There is thus potentially significant economic and social benefit to Australia. The project will also build a system prototype to demonstrate the research, laying the groundwork for further studies with or adopting the methods by businesses and organisations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Origins and implications of cosmic explosions . This project aims to solve the origin of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) by conducting a study of a large sample (>100) of localised bursts detected with a new coherent FRB detection system called CRACO deployed at the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). Such a rich sample will enable novel studies of the structure of the Universe. The powerful and sensitive CRACO system will also search for transients that last for hundreds of milliseconds, exploring new types of astrophysical phenomena that give insight into the Universe's extremes. These discoveries will have a significant impact on science, establishing Australia as a key player in the international FRB community. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), enigmatic radio flashes that appear and disappear faster than the blink of an eye, have perplexed scientists for years. Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has made crucial breakthroughs, pinpointing a handful of these elusive bursts. This project will leverage ASKAP’s new detection system to revolutionise our understanding of FRBs by capturing sensitive images of the radio sky at an unprecedented rate and localising hundreds of FRBs. This vast sample, coupled with detailed studies of FRB host galaxies, promises to uncover their origin piquing the public's interest in astronomy while also encouraging student interest in science and technology. These groundbreaking discoveries will yield high-impact scientific results, disseminated through national and international collaborations. It leverages cutting-edge instrumentation to enhance our understanding of fundamental physics processes and cement Australia's position as a key player in the international astronomy community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Investigating Telehealth Psychological Support. This project aims to investigate how practitioners and LGBTIQ+ patients engaged in long term psychological support experience telehealth and navigate continuity of care in their experience of this support. This project expects to generate new knowledge to support the provision of best practice in telehealth support for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Expected outcomes will be enhanced understanding of how practitioners and patients navigate continuity of care and psychological support via telehealth and practice-ready resources for medical providers. This should provide significant benefits such as expanded accessibility, improved service delivery, usability and effectiveness in mental healthcare in Australia. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology Expanding telehealth access has been vital, but its suitability in delivering mental health treatment, especially for marginalised and vulnerable groups, is unclear. Taking a targeted population identified by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (LGBTIQ+ people) as an example, the project aims to investigate the experiences of practitioners and patients with telehealth in mental healthcare to provide a broad understanding of the benefits and limitations of this rapidly expanding treatment modality. The project will generate cutting-edge knowledge on telehealth practices for psychological support, and innovative education resources to expand accessibility and usability for LGBTIQ+ and other vulnerable groups in Australia. Addressing a key priority of the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan by focusing on innovation and real-world effectiveness of innovative support services for mental health, the project expects to guide these services to be better tailored to vulnerable groups, providing value for money and improved models of service delivery for all.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Galactic Outflows: Pushing the Distance Frontiers. This project aims to push the frontiers of our knowledge of galactic outflows: a key physical process shaping galaxy formation and evolution. Using cutting-edge facilities including the new, high-profile James Webb Space Telescope, this project expects to build the first holistic picture of outflows in the distant past, when present-day galaxies were still taking shape. Expected outcomes include a novel framework for measuring outflow properties, and new understanding of the physics of distant outflows. This research is expected to provide strong benefits by enhancing the legacy of Australia’s $122M partnership with the European Southern Observatory and placing Australia at the forefront of the James Webb Space Telescope revolution. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences Exploding stars power huge fountain flows that remove gas from galaxies and transport life-critical elements like carbon and oxygen across the Universe. Fountain flows launched during the Universe’s infancy fundamentally shaped the growth of present-day galaxies, but our understanding of these early fountains is limited. This project will solve this shortcoming by leveraging novel analysis methods and cutting-edge facilities including the Very Large Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. The program will dramatically improve our understanding of the physics and chemistry of the Universe, enhancing Australia’s reputation as a global leader in astronomy research and promoting the growth of our burgeoning space industry. Exciting new discoveries will be realised through academic collaborations and shared through accessible media releases, increasing the scientific literacy of the Australian public. The project will also train young Australians in data analysis, problem solving and computer programming which are crucial to many industries including engineering, climate science and finance.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Nanoengineered hybrid coatings that control inflammation to artificial bone. This project aims to develop novel biocompatible surfaces using nanotechnology approaches to understand how cells attach to and grow on artificial bone materials. This research is significant because it combines novel nanofabrication and surface modification strategies for unprecedented control and manipulation of inflammatory cell behaviour relevant to orthopaedic implants. The project will overcome current limitations of uncontrollable inflammatory reactions to surfaces. The multifunctional surfaces are expected to give the biomaterials field new tools to control and maintain bone cell functionality, in vitro. Potential long-term benefits include applications as coatings in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical implants. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry This project will use advanced modern manufacturing tools to generate complex, nano-engineered coatings for use on artificial bone materials. The new surface engineering technologies developed will have application in biomedical engineering fields and tissue engineering. The research will answer many fundamental questions about how inflammatory cells interact with artificial materials in the body, and provide an understanding of how to overcome the current limitations of bone replacement materials. As the demand for new materials in the healthcare sector increases, the research outcomes will inform further development of medical materials as well as better understanding how our cells function. The new surfaces developed aim to increase the growth of bone cells and minimise inflammatory reactions, leading to reduced bone implant failure. We anticipate that our technologies will make contributions to the expansion in Australia’s research and manufacturing base in biomedical materials and enhance our international reputation in research in nanotechnology and material science.