Swinburne University of Technology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials. The ARC Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials aims to provide pathways for job creation and a high quality workforce in manufacturing. Surface engineering for advanced materials is a core need in all manufacturing sectors and controls the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of Australian industry. This Centre will integrate industry-university cooperation for applied training within an industrial setting and will cover a spectrum of applications ranging from thin films to thick coatings and additive layered materials. The Centre will pursue outcomes that are reflected in terms of industry-fit researchers and deliver commercial benefits for industry. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Applications and tests of mesoscopic quantum coherence and entanglement. This project aims to probe the nature of quantum reality at the mesoscopic level. Quantum mechanics predicts strange spooky steering effects. Recent experiments have confirmed such nonlocality between two particles. The project's intended outcome is to provide a theoretical backbone to extend these experiments to larger laboratory- based systems. The objective is theory for experiments enabling spooky action to be quantified and quantum paradoxes including the notion of parallel universes to be better understood. Anticipated outcomes are the use of quantum nonlocality to provide secure communication and ultra-sensitive measurement capabilities. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Three-dimensional printable geo-polymer with orientable fibres for construction application. This project aims to develop a fibre-reinforced geo-polymer for three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP). 3DCP allows freeform construction without the use of expensive formwork, but is limited by the range of printable concretes and reinforcing methods. Geo-polymer is a sustainable material and has adjustable setting characteristics and better fibre-matrix interface properties than conventional cement. This project is expected to improve construction safety and costs. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A data driven paradigm for service-oriented system engineering. This project aims to design and develop a data driven paradigm for service-oriented system engineering that allows system engineers and domain experts in different domains to build software systems easily in order to enable fast technology transfer within and across domain boundaries. This model integrates and automates a suite of efficient approaches for system structure determination, validation and recommendation based on keyword search, subgraph isomorphism and substructure query techniques. This project is expected to significantly accelerate the application of new technologies, for example, big data analytics and Internet of Things, in many of Australia's critical domains such as e-Health, smart cities, and cybersecurity. Field of research: 0803 - Computer Software

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Revealing universal exotic super-fluidity with ultra-cold fermionic atoms. This project aims to develop novel, more accurate methods to better characterise universal exotic super-fluidity, predicted to occur in ultra-cold fermionic atoms confined to move in two dimensions. Exotic super-fluidity, flow without loss of kinetic energy in unconventional states of matter, exists universally in cold-atoms, condensed matter systems and neutron stars, and lies at the heart of some two-dimensional quantum materials. In addition to enhancing Australia’s role at the forefront of ultra-cold atomic physics, our research could be useful for emergent technologies based on exotic super-fluidity. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Ultra-low fouling active surfaces. This project aims to develop chemistries and fabrication approaches through innovative materials evaluation to develop ultra-low fouling active electrode surfaces. Development of ultra-low fouling surfaces will have significant impact in a range of applications where system or device failure is attributed to fouling. The growing field of bionics, where implantable electronic devices interface directly with the nervous system, is one such device. The expected outcomes will be an understanding of the material requirements that lead to the elimination of protein and cell accumulation at surfaces that degrades the performance and lifetime of these implants. The findings will benefit any application where fouling is a problem. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Linked semantic platforms for social and physical infrastructure and wellbeing. This project aims to develop the next generation of decision-support tools for interdisciplinary research on critical public policy issues. This project will use linked open data, knowledge graphs and collaborations across existing research infrastructure projects. Expected outcomes include inter-operability across major social science databases and new analytical tools that will transform the research capabilities for evidence-based policy making. Outcomes are expected on sustainable built environments and transport in urban and regional communities, social care and health in the community, work and wellbeing, digital inclusion and digital health. Field of research: 1205 - Urban and Regional Planning

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Australian quantum gas microscope. This project aims to create a quantum gas microscope for ultra-cold dysprosium atoms, realising a versatile system for quantum emulation, tests of fundamental, atom interferometry, and precision measurement. Quantum gas microscopy is a frontier area allowing atom-by-atom synthesis and probing of tailored quantum materials such as topological insulators. Using the lanthanide element dysprosium, which is highly magnetic and possesses both bosonic and fermionic isotopes, this facility will serve the needs of multiple research groups with diverse scientific interests. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Three-dimensional metal printing based on controlled removal of self-assembled monolayers. This project aims to develop a unique approach for three-dimensional metal micro-printing based on controlled removal of self-assembled monolayers. The application of electro-deposition for three-dimensional metal printing is currently hindered by the incapacity of site-selective control of the deposition area. The project expects to produce a new three dimensional metal microprinting technology, with benefits to manufacturing industries, particularly those requiring production of micro/nano metallic components. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Advancing cross-cultural approaches to violence risk assessment. This project aims to evaluate the usefulness of violence risk instruments for Australian Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse individuals who have contact with the justice system. Violence risk assessment is undertaken to estimate an individual’s risk for future violence. Instruments are widely used in Australian medico-legal and correctional settings to inform sentencing, treatment planning and offender management strategies. However their predictive validity and utility for Australians from diverse cultural backgrounds is unclear. An analysis of both existing assessment and new qualitative data is expected to produce findings that can contribute to improved violence risk assessment and the enhanced prevention and management of violence. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Seismic performance of precast concrete buildings for lower seismic regions. This project aims to develop a displacement-based method of assessing precast concrete buildings in regions of lower seismicity for risk of collapse and seismic performance. The project will investigate the system behaviour and vulnerability of buildings laterally supported by precast concrete geometric walls, which are currently poorly understood but dominate Australian construction. The modelling produced is expected to allow such buildings to be simply checked for seismic compliance using displacement principles, rather than the more complex force based methods with direct benefits for building costs and community safety. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Identifying technological trajectories using machine learning algorithms. This project aims to improve our understanding of why scientific knowledge progresses in certain directions and what causes it to grow faster or slower across fields. The project will create new neural-network machine-learning algorithms to scan patent and scientific article texts (specifications and claims) for natural language concepts. The results will potentially be used by patent offices to improve their own database search, by business analytics companies to reveal new technologies and potential collaborators, and by academic economists to understand how knowledge travels and accumulates. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Polymers with controllable networks. This project aims to understand the mechanism and molecular level factors controlling the network flexibility, reversibility and rapid curing of cross-linked polymer structures. A highly formable, rapidly curing polymer network could improve manufacture of composites where a fibre material is embedded in a polymer matrix. The key challenges for these materials are achieving high rates of production (one part per minute) and end of life recyclability. Expected outcomes are polymer materials with tailorable properties and the uptake of lightweight composite materials into mass transport systems. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Tracing transformation in galaxy groups. This fundamental astrophysics project aims to address the role of neutral gas in the evolution of group galaxies. The project will combine expertise in mining data from the WISE infrared space telescope with radio observations (ASKAP WALLABY/EMU and MeerKAT) and optical observations (AAO-led Taipan and Australian-led GAMA) to study the fuelling and cessation of star formation in the group environment. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Look closer: transforming the view of clumpy, turbulent galaxies. This project aims to make transformative measurements of gas mass, star formation and stellar mass of turbulent disk galaxies all at 100 parsec resolution. Roughly 80 percent of stars form in turbulent, clumpy disk galaxies. There is however almost no information about the star formation in these systems. The small amount of data that does exist suggests that the main mode of star formation in the Universe is different than in local spiral galaxies. In turbulent disks, star formation takes place in dense clumps. Using new data from the new ALMA telescope an expected outcome of this project is a systematic study of gas and star formation in clumpy, turbulent disks. The project will also use Keck and HST data to measure the stellar mass of clumps. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Safety, risk and wellbeing on digital dating apps. This project aims to build an evidence-base scoping and strategic planning of health promotion campaigns targeting Australian dating app users. The rise of digital dating apps generates a number of issues regarding cultures of health and wellbeing, including concerns regarding risks of sexual assault, and sexually transmitted infection transmission. Popular media reports raise concerns regarding sexual privacy breaches, in the form of ‘revenge porn’, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Despite this, little evidence exists regarding the role apps currently play in users’ everyday negotiations of consent, condom use, contraception, and other aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. The outcomes of this project will establish foundations for future health interventions promoting sexual health and safety for digital dating app users, and take an innovative participatory approach. This will result in practical, strategic recommendations regarding the future planning, and implementation of digital health promotion campaigns targeting diverse populations, including heterosexual and same-sex-attracted young people aged 15-30. Field of research: 2001 - Communication and Media Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Improving health equity of young people? The role of social enterprise. This project aims to explain the effects of social enterprise on the social determinants of health inequities among young people. During the transition to adulthood, health inequities may become entrenched, and young people in disadvantaged areas experience relatively poorer health than the wider population. Addressing health inequities upstream is critical to reducing them, with social enterprise gaining recent attention as one vehicle for doing this. The project will examine if, and how, social enterprises redress the root causes of health inequities. Intended outcomes include innovation in social policy, health promotion and social enterprise design to improve health equity for disadvantaged young people and their communities. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

BigPrivacy: Scaling privacy preservation for big data applications on cloud. This project aims to research scalable privacy preservation for big data applications on cloud. Privacy preservation is a major concern for big data applications on cloud, such as health data analysis where user privacy must be preserved. Scalable solutions can preserve privacy so that data analysis such as health diagnosis can be performed quickly. The expected deliverable is a unified scalable privacy preservation framework with associated algorithms and its prototype, which cloud systems can deploy for big data applications. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Mapping the effect of social enterprise on regional city disadvantage. This project aims to explore how social enterprises affect wellbeing and community capacity in disadvantaged areas of regional cities. Governments increasingly invest in social enterprise to benefit individuals and places. This project will use a spatial methodology to map where and how benefits are realised. To date, robust evidence about how social enterprise affects disadvantage is lacking, partly due to inadequate research methodology. This project expects to provide web-based design tools and applications to assist regional city communities and councils in the development of social enterprises that can help disadvantaged people and places. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Functionally graded modelling of geopolymer and Portland cement concretes. This project aims to investigate why geopolymer concretes crack less than the Portland cement concretes. Carbon emissions from Portland cement is second only to fossil fuels. Geopolymer may emit less carbon dioxide than Portland cement concrete because it bleeds less and has higher creep. The project will test this hypothesis on geopolymer and Portland cement concretes, and emulate its findings in all types of concretes. The project intends to create a specific market for geopolymer by developing a crack-free pavement and floors technology, while understanding cracking in concrete will reduce cracking issues. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Trajectory data processing: Spatial computing meets information retrieval. This project aims to develop multi-stage retrieval systems which leverage structured and unstructured data processing to efficiently and effectively search spatial, temporal and textual data collections. Search in heterogeneous data collections is an important research problem. In particular, spatial computing is a growth area as the quantity and quality of GPS data collected in multiple domains has significantly increased in recent years. Possible benefits from research advances derived from this project include disaster/event recognition and monitoring, monitoring of endangered species, farming and agriculture to increase crop yields and reduce cost, and minimising fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

From bulges to galaxies: Galaxy evolution revealed. This project aims to hunt for the descendants of an allegedly near extinct species of galaxy, through the analysis of near-infrared satellite images of massive galaxies. Popular opinion has it that the compact, massive galaxies observed at great distances when the Universe was young are extinct, having evolved to become today's elliptically-shaped galaxies, but no credible mechanism to do so has been identified. This project tests the alternative notion that they still exist as the bulges of today's disc galaxies. This project will potentially change our understanding of how galaxies evolve. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The physics of gas flows around galaxies at cosmic noon. This project aims to determine the physics behind outflows and inflows at the peak epoch of star-formation in the Universe's history. Surrounding gas is accreted into galaxies along filaments, which fuels the formation of stars. Determining the physics of galaxy flows is key to challenging galaxy evolution models, because they shape the galaxy's morphology, growth and chemical make-up. The project goals are to discover how galaxies are built and evolve by observing and simulating gas flows during their peak of activity. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Three-dimensional printing of structures using fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete. This project aims to investigate geopolymer binders for cement. Three-dimensional printing using concrete can eliminate expensive formwork but is hampered by a lack of underpinning theoretical material and structural research. Conventional Portland cement’s setting characteristics limit its use for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The project will develop a theoretical framework for the structural properties of the 3D printed concrete and flow of geopolymer binder through aggregate bed, and design a fibre reinforcement system. This project is expected to improve construction, reduce injury rates and create high-end technology-based jobs. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Quantum wires of Fermi atoms. This project aims to understand one-dimensional materials by engineering quantum wires of interacting fermions with ultracold atoms. Particles confined to move in one dimension behave differently than in three-dimensional matter, revealing quantum phases and exotic forms of superfluidity not seen in higher dimensions. Ultracold atoms allow the precise control of interactions and a perfectly isolated and defect free environment to study such phenomena not easily achieved in solid-state systems. The goal of this project is to provide quantitative insights into the thermodynamic and superfluid properties of one-dimensional quantum materials with potential significance for new innovations and applications in emerging quantum technologies. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics