Swinburne University of Technology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The mass and geometric phase of a superfluid vortex. This project aims to determine the mass and geometric phase of topological vortex excitations in a superfluid gas of atoms. Topological excitations in quantum systems behave as particles, and determining their mass and geometric phase is essential for understanding their dynamics. Understanding the dynamics of topological excitations is critical for developing future quantum technologies. The intended outcome is to open a pathway for experimental observations that may solve the long standing vortex mass problem in superfluids. The fundamental knowledge generated by this project could be useful for developing technologies based on topological quantum systems. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Theory-based implementation of nutrition guidelines into childcare settings. This project aims to develop a theory-informed evidence base to increase childcare services’ implementation of nutrition guidelines. The application of theory is critical to design and evaluate strategies to implement guidelines. The project includes a rigorous tool to measure theoretical constructs. It applies theory to identify barriers to guideline implementation and explore effective intervention mechanisms. This project is expected to identify effective interventions to implement best practice guidelines for the betterment of children and the community. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Biclique discovery in Big Data. This project aims to design algorithms to capture Big Data. Biclique is a popular graph model that can capture important cohesive structures in many applications. However, traditional biclique discovery algorithms which only focus on simple, small-scale, static and deterministic data are inadequate in the era of Big Data where data has Variety (various formats), Volume (large quantity), Velocity (dynamic update) and Veracity (uncertainty). This project expects to benefit real applications in both public and private sectors and add value to Australian manufactured products. Field of research: 0804 - Data Format

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Multi-colour ultrashort soft X-ray pulses. This project aims to create multi-colour, ultrashort, highly coherent, bright pulses of soft X-rays based on high-harmonic generation in a table-top multiple-section gas cell. Studying multi-electronic and non-adiabatic processes and other fundamental aspects such as multi-electronic correlations and non-Born-Oppenheimer vibronic couplings in complex molecules is a major challenge in current ultrafast photochemistry research. This project will use multiple driving pulses with different carrier frequencies to control the spectral properties and time delay of the pulses. It will use the soft X-ray source to develop an ideal platform for studying multi-electronic and non-adiabatic processes, multi-electronic correlations and non-Born-Oppenheimer vibronic couplings in complex molecules. This is expected to advance materials science, paving the way to soft X-ray technologies. Field of research: 0205 - Optical Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Collaborative embodied movement design network. This project aims to create a national collaborative network of arts/technology researchers to study the creative potential of movement-based human computer interaction systems. Movement-based technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, haptic and robotic interfaces form the cutting edge of human computer interaction development. This project will develop new infrastructure to enable researchers to work together to improve these systems from an embodied perspective. This is expected to benefit industry, commerce, education, health care and the arts. Field of research: 1904 - Performing Arts and Creative Writing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery. This Centre aims to explore the historic first detections of gravitational waves to understand the extreme physics of black holes and warped spacetime, and inspire the next generation of Australian scientists and engineers. The next-generation gravity wave detectors will enable a thousand-fold increase in detection volume and result in the new gravitational wave discoveries, triggering a new era of gravitational wave astrophysics. Building on decades of Australian investment in gravitational wave and pulsar science, this Centre will coalesce research activities into a focussed national programme whose discoveries are intended to experimentally validate Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and educate the public about the wonders of Einstein's Universe. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Three-dimensional concrete printing facility. This project aims to develop concrete types of construction materials and structural forms. Three-dimensional concrete printing is a process for construction automation, and adapting recent advances in Additive Manufacturing technologies makes rapid progress possible. However, unsuitable concrete and structural designs and a lack of underpinning material and structural research hamper development. The project will test material properties, fabrication technologies and structural design concepts; and build and test freeform concrete structures. Achieving construction automation is expected to reduce injury rates by eliminating dangerous jobs, create high-end technology-based jobs, and make concrete construction cheaper by eliminating formwork. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Universal few-to-many-body physics in two-dimensional Fermi gases. This project aims to study universal phenomena predicted to occur in ultracold Fermi gases confined to move in two dimensions. Universal phenomena are properties or behaviours found in collections of particles that are independent of the microscopic details of the constituents and their interactions. Such universal features can appear in cold atoms, condensed matter systems, nuclear physics and neutron stars, and span vast energy scales. This project’s findings are expected to provide quantitative insights into few-body and many-body phenomena ubiquitous in two-dimensional quantum materials. This may have significance for emerging technologies which exploit quantum effects in lower-dimensional materials. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The Analects of Antoni Gaudí. This project aims to investigate and record the missing dimensions of Antoni Gaudí's theoretical position and his way of working. Gaudí (1852-1926) is one of the most important figures in world architecture and a major shaper of modern culture, but wrote nothing on his theory or practice of architecture. Given its holism, aesthetic, structural and artistic richness, this is a problem for scholars. Work to complete the Sagrada Família, a living laboratory of conspicuously innovative architecture, is entering its final stages with anticipated completion in 2026. This presents a last opportunity to capture, interpret and disseminate Gaudí’s thoughts and analects for dissemination to the next generation of architects. Field of research: 1201 - Architecture

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Place and parametricism: Provocations for the rethinking of design. This project aims to explore whether quantitative methods of digital and parametric design can adequately encompass place. Quantitative digital and parametric approaches increasingly dominate contemporary architecture, but people assume architectural design should be essentially oriented to questions of place. The project will operate through a set of studio provocations based on the fictional places of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels. The project is expected to clarify the nature of place and parametricism, and rethink what design itself might be. Field of research: 1201 - Architecture

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Many-body localisation of ultracold fermionic atoms. This project aims to understand many-body localised systems, a state of matter that never thermalises. Many-body localised systems are the only generic exceptions to thermalisation and so are not described by standard quantum statistical mechanics. They could be useful for quantum technology because they retain a quantum memory of their initial state and protect quantum information from decoherence. This project will use highly controllable settings of disordered ultracold fermions in two dimensions. The project is expected to increase knowledge of many-body quantum mechanics and promote Australia’s research at the forefront of ultracold atomic physics. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

The role of branding and international trademarks in global value chains. The role of branding and international trademarks in global value chains. This project will examine the role of brands and trademarks on global value chains. Trademarks can help firms de-risk, scale up and add value to their offerings. This project will develop a machine learning algorithm to identify international trademark families and extend a novel global trademark family dataset. It will use the dataset to analyse how international trademarks are used and mis-used; how they enable vertical dis-integration and international dispersion of manufacturing production (two central features of global value chains); and how they affect businesses’ ability to enter and compete in global markets. This research should help Australian businesses extend their international reach and policy makers increase domestic gains from global value chains. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Open Standards design for improved road network information exchange. Open Standards design for improved road network information exchange. This project aims to design a draft digital open source performance-based construction contract specification for delivering road construction information to operational network asset management. This will be a common information exchange specification for all road agencies to standardise exchange of their assets data. Road network construction and maintenance costs $21 billion annually, but the outcome of this project is expected to save $65 to $130 million annually through data harmonisation. This project is at the leading edge of information management for roads and is expected to change several international standards. Field of research: 1202 - Building

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Information practices in non-profits: Knowledge management & technology use. This project aims to study the potential for nonprofit organisations (NPOs) to adopt low-cost tools (eg social media) for knowledge sharing. It plans to use an innovative qualitative design combining expertise in knowledge management, information behaviour and web usability to explore how NPOs manage knowledge to support their mission as they adopt emerging technologies. In an increasingly competitive environment, NPOs must maximise productivity by using low-cost, appropriate technologies. Results may inform the design of new tools and staff training to support NPOs’ goals. Field of research: 0807 - Library and Information Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Women’s access to child support. This project seeks to address the barriers to child support that women experience and in doing so, reduce single mother and child poverty. In Australia, unpaid child support debts currently exceed $1.35 billion. Yet often women do not pursue these payments, as doing so can expose them to additional burdens and harms, such as an increased risk of violence. This project will conceptualise child support requirements as a form of women’s labour, governed by socio-technical devices. It will also compare women’s interactions with child support institutions in Australia, the UK and USA. This project seeks to make child support more accessible, thereby reducing poverty and enhancing social inclusion and cohesion. Field of research: 1699 - Other Studies In Human Society

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Additive manufacturing of functionally graded geopolymers. This project aims to use contour crafting for three-dimensional printing of functionally graded geopolymer concrete. Contour crafting has been touted for producing uniform structural members made of conventional concrete mixtures. This project will develop the existing technique to produce microstructurally graded geopolymer structures and include functionally graded placement of fibre within a geopolymer matrix. It will investigate mechanical, thermal and durability properties of printed composite structures. The outcome of this research could lead to cost-effective automated production of specialised structural components. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

The Fundamental Physics of Galaxy Formation. The project plans to develop new insights into how galaxies form. Although galaxies appear to be complex systems, recent results have demonstrated the importance of fundamental physical quantities – angular momentum and gas fraction – in driving the appearance and basic properties of galaxies. The project plans to use a two-pronged theoretical and observational approach to incorporate these in cosmological models of galaxy formation and test key predictions against new generations of galaxy surveys. Australia has established a technological lead in the first large-scale systematic survey of galaxy angular momentum (the SAMI survey) and the project plans to test the evolutionary predictions by observing gas-rich high-redshift galaxies and local analogues using SAMI data. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Linked Data PolicyHub Stage II: Urban & Regional Planning & Communications. Linked data policy hub stage II: urban and regional planning and communications: This project aims to build on existing investments in open access knowledge infrastructure to develop collections of policy documentation and data and new tools for problem solving and analysis. Australia's ability to respond effectively to future economic, social and environmental challenges depends on our national capacity to develop and implement efficient and effective public policy. By enabling efficient universal access to historical and archived policy material, the project aims to provide critical research infrastructure that supports innovative approaches to Australian public policy research. This is expected to affect areas such as urban and regional community development and sustainability, planning and design of built and natural environments, infrastructure development, communications, and social and economic innovation. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Advancing network statistical models for social and economic behaviour. This project aims to improve our understanding of how social networks affect social and economic behaviour. Social networks underpin our everyday lives and are fundamental to issues such as disease transmission and healthcare system design. It has long been recognised that existing models of social and economic behaviour are missing critical unmeasured elements. In many instances, these are the invisible connections between people and organisations that allow bonds of trust to form and informal information to flow. Network analysis can elucidate these hidden channels. This project aims to develop a statistical co-evolution modelling framework for social networks for both cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Further, the project aims to deliver advanced network modelling software. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Catering for individuals’ emotions in technology development. This project aims to develop new approaches to integrate emotional design into software engineering. Modern technologies can positively transform lives. Many good concepts fail, however, to have a transformative effect by not meeting the emotional needs of intended users. Creating software applications that satisfy needs such as ‘feeling in touch’ or ‘feeling accepted’ is difficult, due to the hard-to-define, personal and subtle nature of these needs. The project aims to support the development of software that better meets emotional needs by focusing on people, their life context and technology adoption, in concert with existing methods for expressing functionality. The project plans to evaluate applications in two areas: assistance for homeless people, and financial literacy among older people. Field of research: 0803 - Computer Software

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Networked control for distributed renewable energy systems integration. The project aims to develop novel networked and coordinated control methods that greatly increase the capacity of the existing Australian power networks to host growing amounts of roof-top photovoltaic (PV) generation and customer load. These methods reduce the current need for high levels of continuing capital investments by optimally managing the existing network assets to fully exploit the inherent capabilities of PV inverters and new distributed battery storages that are now appearing at the domestic and network level. The project plans to combine robust networked control with stochastic optimisation methods to extract the best value from existing and new assets, while improving the load and generation hosting capability, for a given level of reliability. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Identifying and Tracking Influential Events in Large Social Networks. This project aims to invent a novel model and techniques for identifying and tracking influential events in large and dynamic social networks in real time. The proposed model would take into account the structure and content of social networks, and the influence of events. The project also plans to develop efficient strategies for identifying and tracking events in large and dynamic social network environments based on the model, In particular, the project plans to investigate flexible social network query methods to make users’ event search easy. Finally the project plans to build an evaluation system to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithms and effectiveness of the model. Field of research: 0804 - Data Format

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Effective and Efficient Query Processing over Dynamic Social Networks. This project aims to invent novel query-based social network data exploration techniques which would help individuals or organisations make smart decisions based on data from increasingly massive, complex and dynamic social networks. Expected project outcomes are formal result semantics, advanced indices, efficient query evaluation algorithms and scalable techniques for three types of commonly used queries. The project plans to develop a system prototype to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approaches and techniques. Query-based dynamic social network data exploration techniques developed in this project may have practical applications including event and influential topic discovery and tracking, buying trend analysis and political issues analysis. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Low mass galaxies and the growth of galaxy halos. This project aims to understand the evolutionary processes that shape low-mass galaxies and test current theories for the growth of galaxy halos from the continued accretion of low mass galaxies. Using new instrumentation on the world's largest telescope, the project intends to conduct the first survey to directly link galaxy halos with their expected origin. The project plans to compare the properties of low-mass galaxies with the substructures seen in galaxy halos, which are predicted to arise from such low-mass galaxies. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Sandwich Structures with Folded Core under Impact and Blast Loading. This project aims to support the development of new materials resistant to impacts. Novel sandwich panels making use of Miura-ori folded cores have superior performance relative to monolithic solid plates, in terms of stiffness and strength. They have great potential to be used in commercial and military vehicles as well as protective structures, which can be subjected to impact and blast loading. This project aims to systematically investigate the impact and blast response of such sandwich panels by establishing theoretical models and conducting experiments and advanced simulations. The findings may provide an insight into the fundamental mechanics of sandwich panels with folded cores under impact and blast loading, as well as guidelines for optimum design of these novel structures. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering