ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Development of rapid-drying barley for sustainable malting. Barley is a fundamental ingredient in the brewing and distilling industries, but traditional malting processes that germinate and dry grain are resource-intensive and challenged by rising energy costs. This project aims to identify natural genetic variation in barley that contributes to improved performance during gas-powered kilning, the most costly processing step for the $484M malt export industry. The multidisciplinary project team of seed biologists, maltsters, and breeders, is expected to generate new information regarding the basis for variation in grain drying. This is expected to deliver reduced-input barley varieties for Australian growers that require less energy to process and are highly valued in domestic and export markets. Field of research: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production Barley is Australia’s second most important cereal crop and adds ~$2B to the economy. Around 30% of Australia’s barley grain is used for malt production in an energy-intensive process that requires water for seed germination and gas for drying. Increasing energy costs are challenging industry’s ability to produce cost-effective malt. This project will address the need for resource-efficient barley varieties that meet these demands in an increasingly eco-conscious market. The project aims to identify barley grain features and genes that influence drying efficiency of malted grain and assess their ability to limit energy inputs during kilning. Promising gene variants will be introduced into barley breeding programs and tested in field trials. Economic benefits for maltsters and breeders will come from reduced reliance on energy resources and improved commercial marketability of grain to domestic and export customers. Grain growers will benefit from having access to new value-added barley varieties. Reduced reliance on fossil energy sources will contribute to the social drive to mitigate global warming and climate change. Australian maltsters and barley breeders will provide pathways to adoption by Australian growers and offer advantages to export markets demanding high-quality barley with an improved sustainability profile. Field days and interactions with regional barley advisory groups will also play an important part in our promotion, translation and adoption strategy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Multi-energy driven photothermal evaporators for all-weather desalination. This project aims to develop advanced Interfacial solar evaporation (ISE) technology to stably deliver clean water. This project expects to facilitate desalination practices by generating new ISE systems that use multiple energy sources from the environment and can operate under different weather conditions. Expected outcomes of this project include new knowledge in the area of renewable energy, improved ISE technique and enhanced capacity for desalination and industrial wastewater treatment. This should provide significant benefits to remote communities who suffer from severe freshwater shortages and enhance research capabilities to position Australia as a global leader in developing green and affordable desalination technologies. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Many Australians living in remote and rural areas have very limited access to quality drinking water. Solar evaporation technology is a green and affordable solution as it only consumes solar light as an energy source. However, it only works well when sunlight is present. This project aims to develop photothermal evaporators that can use multiple energy sources from the environment to provide a constant supply of clean water under all weather conditions, night and day. Sustainable, low-cost and easily deployable, the evaporators are an ideal complement to the current reverse osmosis membrane desalination technology and can thus enable all areas throughout Australia to access a drinkable water supply. This has social, environmental and economic benefits, contributing to the life quality and health of the people living in remote areas as well as local agriculture and livestock, and to the growth of Australia’s water and environmental industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Multifunctional Structural FRP Panels Incorporating Recycled Plastic Waste. The project aims to develop fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP)-based structural panels that incorporate recycled plastic composite (RPC). This project expects to identify the manufacturing processes to innovate RPC as a construction material. Sustainable panel systems will develop by utilising RPC and/or stiffeners as the inner core with a strong outer made from FRP. The expected outcomes include innovative RPC, experimental validation, numerical optimisation, design guidelines and field investigation for the panel system to adopt this new panel technology. The panel systems will increase our plastic recycling capacity in Australia. The RPC and panel systems present a step change in construction technology and sustainable infrastructure. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering There are currently large stockpiles of plastic waste collecting throughout Australia. It is of national importance to find viable uses for this waste and to contribute to Australia's response to the National Plastics Plan 2021 and the National Waste Policy 2018. This project aims to develop technology to convert waste plastic into sustainable, valuable and recyclable, easy to use, self-locking panels for use in the construction industry. Along with Partner Organisation Sustainable Infrastructure Systems, we will conduct lab experiments and numerical optimisations, develop long-term prediction models, guidelines and field trials, to identify optimal combinations of waste plastic and epoxy resins, and the most efficient processes required to create the fibre reinforced polymer panels. This technology will be amenable with a wide range of commercial and industrial construction applications. Economic, social and environmental benefits are anticipated to result from reduced reliance on costly construction materials such as timber, steel and concrete, and increasing the use of waste materials. Project outcomes will be promoted widely through industry forums such as Trade Shows and Expos promoting rapid translation and adoption of the technology. The interest expected from environmental groups will result in television and radio promotion to a wide public audience. Progress of the research project will be accessible through social media platforms, blogs and websites.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Preventing extinctions of threatened mammals with DNA in sediment archives. This project aims to prevent further extinctions of Australian mammals by strengthening reintroduction programs. It will combine ancient DNA extracted from sediment and bulk-bone deposits with ecological models to reconstruct spatial patterns of mammals and plants across Australian landscapes. Its significance is that it will establish historical distributions and habitats of Australian threatened mammals at geographic scales and spatial resolutions needed for evidence-based ecological restoration. Expected outcomes and benefits are new data, verified models and conservation decision-making frameworks that will enrich the protection and recovery of many of Australia’s most threatened species and reinstate their important ecosystem services. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Australia’s unique mammals have suffered the highest rate of recent extinctions of any continent. Reversing further declines, and averting new extinctions, requires more detailed understanding of past distributions and preferred habitats. This project will use innovative models and advances in sedimentary ancient DNA and bulk-bone metabarcoding to reconstruct spatial patterns of native mammals and plants in Australia and predict possible futures. Resulting data and ecological models will establish losses of mammals and changes in habitat at key conservation areas since 1788, pinpointing reintroduction and restoration areas that will best safeguard Australia’s distinct mammals, including under climate change. New scientific understandings will encourage investments in conservation activities that deliver clear, measurable net gains for imperilled mammals and their ecosystems. This will help Australia meet objectives of its national Threatened Species Action Plan, by improving vital reintroduction and restoration actions needed to prevent future extinctions, and its Nature Positive plan, by developing computational tools that help to increase protected areas in ways that maximise benefits to biodiversity. Project outcomes will be communicated via links with government, conservation and museum partners, and other national and international agencies, including Australia’s Threatened Species Commissioner and Scientific Committee, maximising cross-disciplinary research and impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Advanced Data Analytics for Cost-effective Mushroom Cultivation . Bringing together experts in data mining, machine learning, the Internet of Things and bioscience, this project aims to develop innovative models and algorithms, to monitor and understand the automated greenhouse mushroom cultivation environment with multi-modal multi-structured data. The project expects to explore the interplays among these different data modalities and structures to provide practical data analysis approaches establish the theoretical foundations, and generate new knowledge for Precision Agriculture. The cost-effective solution should provide significant benefits to Australian horticulture cultivators. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science The mushroom production industry and market in Australia has reached a production plateau, as global and domestic demand is impeded by high production costs caused by labour-intensiveness, and large waste. This project will develop a suite of models and techniques to scrutinise the relationship between the greenhouse mushroom cultivation environment with energy usage, mushroom growth, yield and flavour. This will allow cultivation environment optimisation for waiving human labours, decreasing energy usage and waste, and enhanced interpretability of the cultivation process. Outcomes will benefit the Australian greenhouse cultivation industry and are poised to bolster Australia's global standing in agricultural innovation. The generation of new knowledge, establishment of practical data analysis methodologies, and theoretical foundations will not only benefit local mushroom cultivation but also contribute to the broader field of Precision Agriculture. The research will also be critical to preserve our hard-won reputation for clean, safe and sustainable production. The adaptable learning framework and cultivation data of various mushroom types collected from the systems will be publicly shared. We intend to work directly with our partners to promote rapid uptake and adoption of the research findings.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Cultivating Systemic Safety to Prevent Workplace Sexual Harassment. A major barrier to preventing workplace sexual harassment is that common protections intervene at the individual level, targeting harassing behaviour but overlooking the underlying causes. This project aims to extend knowledge of its roots in the organisational system, then develop, implement, and evaluate novel interventions to cultivate systemic safety and reduce harassment risk. Expected outcomes include advanced understanding of the risk contexts for sexual harassment, evidence for intervening at root cause level, and detailed case studies outlining what works in realising positive duty obligations. Significant anticipated benefits include pragmatic strategies and resources for creating workplaces resistant to sexual harassment. Field of research: 3505 - Human Resources and Industrial Relations Workplace sexual harassment is a significant issue in Australia, costing our economy more than $3.5 billion each year. Sexual harassment disrupts business operations and slows down progress in achieving gender equality at work. Traditional prevention methods include policies, training, and reporting, which focus on the behaviour itself without addressing its root causes. This misdirection of effort is a major reason why the problem persists. Our project will learn more about the origins of sexual harassment in the organisational system, looking deeper into aspects like organisational culture, social dynamics, job and task characteristics, technology, and the physical work environment. By gaining a richer understanding of these risk factors, we will develop new evidence-based prevention strategies. Our research will provide valuable insights into where and how to intervene to change the organisational systems in which sexual harassment occurs. Second, it will offer a model approach and resources for taking action to create workplaces that are resistant to sexual harassment. To transfer knowledge beyond the project, our alliance of partners will work together to develop and disseminate a prevention toolkit, case studies, and recommendations. These resources will assist businesses in meeting the new positive duty related to sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Act. Additionally, government and human rights agencies will be better prepared to combat this pressing issue.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Autonomously expanding biomaterials for engineering growing tissues. Natural tissue and organs develop gradually and slowly, but we’ve failed to replicate this to date in artificial tissue growth. This project aims to engineer biomaterials pre-programmed to expand gradually and organically. This project expects to generate significant knowledge in achieving controlled, predictable expansion of the new biomaterials. Expected outcomes include 3d print structures, containing stem cells, to investigate how gradual expansion can aid stem cells to make tissue. Expected benefits include improved regeneration of damaged tissues, without using donor tissues or permanent implants. The new biomaterials should also be beneficial for wound healing and surgical applications, as well as pharmaceutical and cancer research. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering Only 2% of Australians who die in hospital each year can be considered for organ or tissue donation and 1,800 people are waiting for a transplant due to donor shortages. Thus, there is an urgent need for alternative sources of tissues and organs. Stem cell technology has raised the potential of growing tissues to address this crisis. However, getting stem cells to grow organised tissues is still a major hurdle. This project aims to develop biomaterials to aid tissue growth and development. These biomaterials will differ from existing ones as they will be engineered to grow gradually and spontaneously. This is how tissues grow naturally but has not been reproduced yet. Overcoming these hurdles would eventually lead to the benefits of reduced waiting lists for donor tissues. On the shorter term, these biomaterials could be used to improve current clinical procedures, such as the growing of skin through gradual stretching (similar to that seen in pregnancy) in preparation for reconstruction surgery. This is currently done by balloons that are inflated step-wise on a weekly basis. Here, the new self-expanding materials could reduce discomfort and require fewer hospital visits. The outcomes will be shared with Australian medical companies to aid their efforts in developing new therapies, improving Australia’s competitiveness in one of the world’s fastest growing sectors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

New approaches to define protein function during malaria host cell entry. Apicomplexan parasites of humans and livestock, including malaria, survive by infecting and reproducing in host-cells. To enable host-cell entry, these parasites evolved sets of unique and shared proteins whose functions remain unknown. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this project will define cross-species protein function of malaria proteins required for early and late stages of host-cell entry. Leveraging a substantial international network of research partners, outcomes of benefit to Australia include establishing a lead role in understanding the protein network driving different stages of malaria host-cell entry, characterisation of potential therapeutic targets and advancing imaging techniques applicable to other cellular systems. Field of research: 3207 - Medical Microbiology Apicomplexans are parasites that infect humans, livestock, and wildlife. These parasites, which include malaria parasites, cost >$16B in control measures and lost production, and cause >800,000 human deaths annually. To trigger disease, apicomplexans must enter and infect a host-cell. To do this they have developed unique solutions reliant on specialised proteins. Using the malaria parasite as a robust model, this project will apply world-leading imaging, gene-editing, and protein analytical methods to reveal the roles of key proteins needed for dynamic host-cell entry. These discoveries may underpin development of new control measures targeting parasite specific ‘Achilles heals’ for pathogens of significant economic and health importance to Australia, our neighbours and major trading partners. Outcomes will advance imaging technology and applications, initiate multiple avenues of biological discovery, and train emerging leaders that build national research capability. Research outcomes will be disseminated to the wider public and stakeholders through media releases, social media and presentations to both the public and Industry (e.g. School outreach, South Australian Museum, Malaria researchers, Livestock Producer Forums). This will facilitate community wide education of these parasites widespread impact and controls, lead to uptake of best-in-class experimental approaches and inform on conserved biology that could be targeted for control across diverse parasites.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Tracing cultural continuities in West Australia's ancient coastal wetlands. The project explores the impact of Post-glacial sea-level rise on ancestral coastal wetlands along Western Australia's southern coast. Through comprehensive surveying, coring, and immersive 3D visualizations, the project aims to map changing coastal palaeogeography and historical biodiversity, providing valuable insights into cultural narratives and songlines. Long-term records of wetland ecology and fire history will be obtained through high-resolution analyses, including ancient environmental DNA, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and plant biomarker analyses. Findings will guide adaptive management strategies to safeguard the ecological and cultural significance of coastal and marine landscapes in the face of future environmental change. Field of research: 4301 - Archaeology The Recherche Archipelago and its surrounding coastline represents an ecologically distinct and culturally significant, yet largely overlooked region in Australia. Through the integration of indigenous knowledge and scientific research, the project will uncover the historical progression of these cultural landscapes, shedding light on their evolution and enabling improved environmental management and conservation efforts. The project's examination of the effects of post-glacial sea-level rise, alongside its focus on cultural awareness and wetland biodiversity, underscores its alignment with national priorities for environmental stewardship, cultural heritage protection, and the promotion of sustainable practices within Australia's Blue Economy. By amalgamating diverse knowledge, the project contributes to a more equitable and knowledge-driven approach to the sustainable management of natural resources, advocating for co-designed research and collaboration as the future research paradigm. Furthermore, it serves as an informational resource for Australian policymakers who play a pivotal role in shaping our strategies for handling upcoming coastal changes. This project sets a precedent for the sustainable preservation and management of the Recherche Archipelago within the newly established South Coast Marine Park and the adjoining coastline, while also enhancing our understanding of Australia's abundant cultural and ecological diversity.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Comparative analysis of sensor noise for target detection in dragonfly eyes. Dragonflies hunt tiny prey in the low-light conditions of late dusk, a signal-to-noise problem that challenges any engineered system. Using a comparative approach across dragonfly species, we aim to use novel optical and physiological measures to determine how sensors with noise underlie target-detection, in varying scene brightness. The project outcomes will be a comparative characterisation of signal-to-noise measures of dragonfly eye optics (including eye size) and early sensory neurons. We will match detection thresholds with downstream target-detecting neurons and dragonfly behaviour. This will provide insight into signal detection, which is a ubiquitous problem across information processing, computer vision and autonomous systems. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences With a brain less than the size of a grain of rice, some dragonflies hunt tiny prey like mosquitoes, in the near darkness of late dusk. Neither humans, nor their technologies, match this signal-to-noise feat. Using a comparative approach, this project aims to probe what brain processing underlies these extraordinary capabilities. How signals are detected in noise is a fundamental problem applicable to sensing and information processing used in transport, manufacturing, surveillance and defence. For several years, working with industry and government, our laboratory has translated neuroscience discoveries into the development of autonomous systems. To address the Transport Science and Research Priority, computational models developed in this project would be integrated into our unmanned ground vehicle, tasked with moving payloads more safely and efficiently for the Australian community. These models would also aim to keep Australians safer, incorporated into our bio-inspired drones defending against threat drones. This project would contribute to the general neurosciences, providing a deeper understanding of how biological brains function. Knowledge gained would be disseminated widely to the Australian community, aimed at high impact publications. These biological and engineering insights may be used in the development of novel technologies that interface with the brain, such as the development of improved bionic vision systems and other augmentation technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

New biocatalysts for selective chemical oxidations under extreme conditions. This project will identify and design new enzyme biocatalysts which function under extreme conditions such as elevated temperature and high concentrations of peroxides. These enzymes will be sourced from microorganisms which are located in extreme biological environments e.g. hot springs (the so-called extremophiles). The expected outcome of this project are the identification of robust enzymes which can catalyse selective oxidation reactions in complex organic molecules, such as steroids. The new biocatalysts developed in this project will have significant benefit in the development of new routes to access bespoke molecules of value in fine chemical synthesis and drug development. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology This project will develop of a new set of proteins known as ‘biocatalysts’ that can drive challenging chemical reactions under extreme conditions, such as high temperature. The new biocatalysts developed in this project will be obtained from microorganisms found in extreme environments, including unique examples identified in Australian hot springs which enable them to function in non-standard biological conditions, such as higher temperatures. These protein biocatalysts are widely viewed and employed for use in lab-scale chemical production and in a few cases in industrial steroid production. Understanding how these proteins function at high temperatures is crucial to their optimisation for larger scale production and to expand their industrial application. The development of the highly stable and active biocatalysts from this project will have far reaching benefits for Australian companies and researchers developing applications involving enzyme catalysis in the future and will train the next generation of the nation’s chemists and biochemists to build Australia’s capacity in this area of research. Ultimately it will enable the synthesis of new chemicals with applications in the prevention of infection of humans or crops resulting in economic, social and health benefits for Australia. We will use the outcomes of our research to engage with relevant government, biotechnology and chemical industry partners to ensure the optimal commercial and economic outcomes are obtained.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

New mechanisms regulating the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles are small packages that contain active components derived from the cell of origin. These vesicles, released by most cell types, are critical for communication between cells. However, the processes of their formation and release remain poorly understood. This project aims to explore how ubiquitination, a type of protein modification system, controls the production of extracellular vesicles. Using a strong collaborative team and highly innovative approaches, the project will generate new knowledge to inform how cells communicate. Expected outcomes include knowledge of broad significance to cell biology, that can be leveraged to develop extracellular vesicles as tools for various biotechnology applications in the future. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology The average human body is composed of around thirty trillion cells and efficient communication between them is vital for optimal organ function. If cells are unable to communicate correctly, this can lead to disruptions in normal physiology. To aid communication, cells release various components stored in membrane bound packages, called extracellular vesicles or EVs in short. EVs deliver their information to host cells close by or in distant locations in the body. We recently discovered that EV generation is controlled by a cellular protein modification system that attaches a small protein tag to some proteins involved in EV production. The goal of this project is to gain further insight into the mechanisms of this process as there is a significant gap between what we have discovered and how this relates to controlling EV genesis and function. We anticipate that this research will contribute to building Australia's research capability in this field and has the potential to generate high-impact knowledge across various fields, such as cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Furthermore, the knowledge it yields can be applied in the biotechnology industry to develop tools for animal and human health, as well as for diagnostic purposes in the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Molecular mechanism of the PRC-dependent RNA degradation by the rixosome. Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) and the rixosome are evolutionarily conserved enzymes that are required for silencing the developmental genes of multicellular organisms. This project aims to investigate how these key regulators maintain gene repression using cutting-edge approaches ranging from biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology to genomics. The expected outcomes include generating new knowledge in gene regulation, strengthening the research capabilities of Australia in fundamental biology, and training the next generation of scientists. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology All of the cells within a multicellular organism contain the same genetic information – DNA. Timely and dynamic regulation of gene expression allows cells to progress from pluripotent stem cells to terminally differentiated cell types in tissues, which is essential for embryonic development. Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) and the rixosome are crucial enzymes for the development of multicellular organisms through the maintenance of gene repression. However, the lack of mechanistic studies hinders our understanding of these fundamental processes. This project aims to investigate how these key regulators maintain gene repression in mammals. This research will increase our understanding of how genes are silenced by a collection of key enzymes and what the consequences are if they are dysregulated. More broadly, abnormal embryo development represents one of the major causes of human infertility. Given the essential role of PRCs and the rixosome in embryo development, the knowledge from this study could be used to detect the risk of embryos failing to develop. In the long term, it could be used for preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening tests prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

A multi-scale theory for solid-granular transition due to fragmentation. The prediction of rock fragmentation and fragment sizes during its phase transition from solid (rock mass) to granular (ore fragments) is the most crucial problem in a cave mining operation. Current practice relies on empirical tools without fundamentals of fracture, and hence cannot reliably predict the fragmentation process and fragment sizes. This can lead to huge economic loss due to damage to extraction points, hold-ups for safety precautions, and mine closures. The project will develop a new theory and models to describe this solid-granular transition, and computational tools for simulations of cave mining operations. The expected benefits and outcomes include safer operations, and better control of production schedule and budgeting. Field of research: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy Australia’s mining industry accounted for 12% of the gross domestic product, with mining exports worth $231 billion in 2020. To meet the ever-increasing demands of several industries that rely on minerals, large-scale underground mining methods are used, with cave mining being one of the most cost-effective and productive methods in Australia. Cave mining operations need to be thoroughly planned right from the mine design stage, given they are highly capital-intensive. This challenging task requires accurate predictions of how specific ore bodies will fracture and ore production at extraction points, which are beyond the reach of current empirical approaches in the mining industry. This project will develop models and computational simulation tools for rock fracture and fragmentation in underground conditions, all of which are missing in current design practice and operations of cave mines in the mining industry. It will offer a reliable and cost-effective approach for scenario analysis towards better mine design and ore extraction strategies. This will lead to safer and more efficient cave mining operations, help increase production rate, and avoid time delays in the production cycle of cave mining operations in Australia. The project’s outcomes will be shared with the public to improve risk assessment & mitigation strategies for other underground operations in Australia, such as tunnelling in rocks and hydraulic fracturing in petroleum engineering.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Insect-inspired flapping wing robots: autonomous flight control systems. This project aims to design a novel control scheme for insect-inspired, flapping-wing, micro aerial vehicles. This type of micro aerial vehicle has complex, periodic, time-varying and inherently unstable dynamics, which are practically challenging to model and implement in hardware. This project will design energy-based automatic stabilization and task-dependent control, and develop the insect-inspired platform for testing nonlinear control strategies. The expected outcomes will include new system and control theories, concepts, principles and technologies in controller design that can provide reliable flight control for bio-inspired, flapping-wing systems. Field of research: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics Most autonomous aerial vehicles, such as drones, use rotary wings, which are expensive and have technical and application limitations. Flapping-wing versions that mimic insects could provide an alternative due to smaller size, improved stability and agility, and reduced costs. This project aims to investigate how insects control their wings to maintain positions and respond to changes with various winds. These natural and theoretical findings will be used to develop a novel autonomous flight control system with the ability to mimic insect flight and provide better control performance for the aerial vehicle. The project-developed flapping-wing aerial vehicles will have considerable advantages in operating with low energy cost, stable and low noise flight and much improved safety compared with the conventional aerial vehicles and will have practical potentials. The resulting benefits of this research will provide a significant advancement in aerospace and flight control technologies for Australian industries that currently use autonomous aerial vehicles including agriculture, defence, planetary exploration and manufacturing. The project team will collaborate with their existing industry partners, including South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Codan and IBM, to develop better solutions to real world applications. The team will also promote the research outcome through publications and media about the project outcomes to reach out a wider audience.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Carbon-negative concrete produced with innovative artificial aggregates. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions in Australia by 2050, this project proposes to develop carbon-negative concrete using two typical industrial wastes, recycled powder from construction and demolition waste and drinking water treatment sludge from the water industry. This project first aims to develop innovative artificial aggregates containing sludge-derived biochar and recycled powder under carbonation curing. The developed artificial aggregates with superior carbon absorption capacity are then used to produce carbon-negative concrete. The properties of artificial aggregates and carbon-negative concrete will be comprehensively investigated. This project creates a green engineering solution to stockpiled industrial wastes. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering The Australian government aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Therefore, it’s expected that a market-oriented carbon emissions trading scheme will be introduced, offering financial reward or penalty to those who emit below or beyond the allowed limits, respectively. Under such a scheme, the construction industry will be forced to significantly reduce its carbon emissions. This project aims to develop carbon-negative concrete with improved carbon dioxide absorption capacity using two typical industrial wastes: recycled powder from construction and demolition waste and drinking water treatment sludge from the water industry. Rather than releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide, the new concrete would be transformed into a carbon sink. In addition, using industrial wastes as innovative construction materials offers a green engineering solution, linking to Australia’s new National Waste Policy in the transition to a circular economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Mathematics to underpin and drive novel inertial microfluidic technologies. Particles suspended in flow through microfluidic ducts migrate under inertial and drag forcing to different regions in the cross-section depending on particle size, duct geometry and control parameters, enabling isolation of, for example, cancer cells/microplastics from a blood/water sample. Device design needs mathematical models yielding understanding of the particle dynamics, and tools for determining geometry and control parameters. Particle boundary conditions strongly influence the inertial lift and drag forces that drive particle motion. This project will develop these mathematical tools for boundary conditions applicable to both passive and active particles, so driving development of novel devices for existing and new applications. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics Particles being carried by a fluid along a duct or pipe migrate perpendicular to the direction of flow due to forces acting on them. This process, called “inertial migration”, can be utilised to isolate specific cells such as cancer/sperm cells from a blood/semen sample as well as to remove microplastics from a water sample. However, use of inertial migration is still in its infancy. Theoretical understanding is currently lacking, yet a deeper understanding is needed to drive development of novel devices for biomedical and industrial applications. We will address this need by developing theoretical models of inertial migration for both living and non-living particles in 3-dimensional flows of practical relevance. We will change assumptions made in previous theoretical studies that are likely incorrect for small and/or living particles. The understanding gained and tools developed by this project will enable identification of novel separation mechanisms and new applications enabling manufacture of new microfluidic devices of benefit to Australia and globally, in terms of improved medical diagnosis and commercial value. Results will be communicated via applied mathematics and fluid dynamics conferences and journals, including those of interest to practitioners/companies with the capability to utilise the results for novel device development. Codes will be made publicly available and experimental validation of theoretical results will be pursued.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Equipping Australian teachers today to face AI tomorrow. Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to transform society, including how people work and learn. Yet there is very little research about what Australian teachers need to know in order to prepare students to thrive in an AI-rich society and workforce. This study aims to construct a foundational understanding for teaching with and about AI. It will also show how to develop effective networks to empower teachers as active change agents. The expected outcomes will equip teachers with the knowledge and resources to lead the development of Australia’s future AI capability, including through enhanced classroom practices and more creative teacher networks. Field of research: 3903 - Education Systems AI is revolutionising the way we live and interact with the world. Its effects are still emerging, but critical impacts are visible in the changing nature of human learning and work. The Australian Government’s AI Action Plan states that investment in AI and training is a national priority to secure a future as a technologically capable country. But despite advances of AI in industry, in schools it is still at the early stages of development. AI adoption in schools presents a double challenge: teachers are not adequately prepared to integrate AI in the classroom, and AI resources do not sufficiently address teachers’ needs, imposing new teaching and ethical challenges. To address this gap effectively there is a need to collaborate with teachers to push the boundaries of research by benchmarking AI literacy and capability development. This study aims to construct a foundational understanding for teaching with and about AI, evidencing how to develop productive teacher networks and empower them as active change agents. The outcomes will equip teachers with the knowledge and resources to lead the development of Australia’s future AI capability, including through enhanced classroom practices, learning resources and effective professional teacher networks. Findings will be communicated with teachers as co-authors, translating research in results into open access tangible academic and free easy-to-use evidence-informed practical resources on AI in the classroom.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Linking Australia’s basement and cover mineral systems . The aim of this research is to use revolutionary new mineral-dating techniques to test the hypothesis that low-temperature fluids can transport metals from Australia's richly endowed geological basement to form new mineral deposits in the sedimentary basins that cover most of the continent. Sedimentary-hosted mineral systems are the largest source of the critical metal cobalt and the second largest source of copper on Earth. These two metals are essential to developing the green energy infrastructure and technologies that underpin a net zero economy. The expected outcomes are a detailed record of paleo-fluid flow and metal cycling in Australia's highly prospective sedimentary basins. Field of research: 3705 - Geology Australia’s transition to a net zero economy requires a secure supply of copper and cobalt to build green energy infrastructure and manufacture electric vehicles. The world’s largest copper-cobalt resources are found in sedimentary basins, similar to those covering most of the Australian continent. However, Australia’s sedimentary basins have not been considered prospective for copper-cobalt mineral deposits because a source for these metals has not been identified. This project will determine whether copper and cobalt can be transferred from older, deeply buried mineral deposits to form new mineral deposits in sedimentary basins. Global demand for copper and cobalt is forecast to rise up to 350% and 460%, respectively, by 2050. Australia must find new copper and cobalt resources to secure the domestic green energy industry and capitalise on the profound economic opportunity offered by the rapid expansion of low-emission technologies. Identifying the source of copper and cobalt in the deeply buried crust will help mineral explorers identify where new resources might be found in sedimentary basins.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Modernism's East Asia: Semi-Asiatic Literature and Global Modernity . This project aims to harness two important topics in the humanities: the global significance of culturally hybrid nations for global modernity, and the significance of East Asian Studies for World Literature. It compares the reception of French and Russian literatures in the West and East Asia by examining texts written mainly in English, French, and Japanese. Its expected outcome is a reevaluation of East Asia's role in the conceptualization of global modernism and modernity in the arts and society. Its innovative methodology combines East Asian Studies, English and French Literature, philosophy, and the history of ideas. It intends to fortify Australia's position in the humanities and increase its understanding of its own diverse history. Field of research: 4705 - Literary Studies The current project will contribute to Australian culture by providing the first systematic account of how modern English, French, and Japanese writers were influenced by the idea of Asian and European mixing in the arts and society. The history of Asian-European cultural relations concerns scholars of both modern literature and current geopolitical tensions such as those in Taiwan and Ukraine. Working with the GLAM sector, this project will create a public archive that shows how novelists, philosophers, poets, and translators in East Asia and the West believed that a mixed Asian and European culture was necessary for the health of modern society. By bringing this intellectual history to public awareness, this project will aid Australia by giving it a fresh perspective on the value of its own unique place as a Western nation in the Asia Pacific Region, deepening Australia’s comprehension of its rich mixed heritage and assisting it in valorizing its multiethnic population and cultural diversity.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Developing aluminium-sulfur batteries with high voltage and low cost. As use of renewable energy sources increases, so too does the need for suitable storage systems for the energy produced. Aluminium-Sulfur (Al-S) batteries provide a reliable energy storage option, but suffer from a low voltage output and despite aluminium and sulfur being two of the world’s most abundant and low-cost materials, other components in batteries are prohibitively expensive. This project aims to address these challenges by designing an Al-S battery technology with efficient electrode materials and low-cost electrolytes, making them both cost effective and capable of high levels of energy storage. The outcome will place Australia as a world leader in battery technology and support our future renewable energy storage needs. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering An integral part of the large-scale use of renewable energy sources is the development of cost-effective energy storage technologies. Widely used lithium-ion batteries (in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles) are expensive to manufacture due to the increasing consumption of lithium source and high cost of lithium mining techniques. This project aims to develop alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for future energy storage. It will use two chemicals called aluminium and sulfur (Al-S) in batteries and design efficient electrode materials with low-cost electrolyte that will significantly improve the voltage output and energy storage capacity. These batteries will provide a safe and reliable energy storage solution for the Australian renewable energy sector and reduce the cost of battery manufacturing.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Increasing confidence in Australian carbon disclosures. This project aims to investigate whether carbon disclosures made by Australian resource firms are less than actual emissions (i.e., carbonwashing) using satellite imagery technology. New knowledge will be generated by triangulating carbonwashing information against firm data, such as valuation, other disclosures, and hiring practices, to understand if and how carbonwashing impacts firm values and organisational controls. Expected outcomes include improved ways to detect carbonwashing and its relationship to management control weaknesses, benefiting all stakeholders (including investors and regulators) in supporting government-proposed reforms to the Australian Safeguard Mechanism in instilling confidence in Australian carbon disclosures. Field of research: 3502 - Banking, Finance and Investment Globally, there is a concerted effort to accelerate the process of reducing carbon emissions created by human activity. Even though Australia has committed to net zero emissions by 2050, there is little transparency when it comes to verifying the amount of carbon emission claims made by Australian resource companies, which raises questions on the discrepancy that may exist between actual versus reported emissions. Ultimately, this weakens Australia’s position to benefit from the international market’s demand for trusted efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This project will address the above lack of transparency by using novel satellite imagery technology to capture actual carbon emission releases from mine sites to determine potential discrepancies that exist between actual and reported emissions and how it can impact the value of the firm. This study will contribute to the Australian government’s climate change policy as proposed by the Australian Safeguard Mechanism which introduces a carbon cap and trade by improving the confidence and transparency in Australian firms’ carbon emission claims in the long run. This research will be promoted through peak industry and regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Services Council and the Australian Securities Investment Commission, and outcomes will be shared with key stakeholders of how discrepancies can be detected and how that may impact firm value and reputation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Leaky Dielectric Platform for Integrated Terahertz Components. This project aims to realise integrated terahertz components including programmable filters, compact spectrometers, frequency-scanning antennas, and broadband/broadside high-gain antennas. These components are crucial in emerging terahertz integration for field applications and will supersede decades-old bulky free-space terahertz counterparts. Silicon will be a key material for all of these terahertz structures to achieve tunability and highest efficiency. Effective medium theory will enable performance, functionality, integrability, and structural simplicity. The expected outcomes are building blocks towards high-speed 6G infrastructure and high-resolution stand-off sensing to reap economic benefits at the dawn of terahertz engineering. Field of research: 4006 - Communications Engineering The terahertz region, situated between the microwave and optical regions, is the last underutilised part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and holds potential for future applications in advanced sensing and communications. Currently, terahertz technology is transitioning from laboratory-based demonstrations to practical field applications, demanding compact systems and integrated components that are still very immature. The project capitalises on Australian research strengths in terahertz technology, and in particular our recent success in the world’s first integrated platform designed specifically for the terahertz spectrum. We will deliver key components including programmable filters, spectrometers, and antennas. These integrated components are enablers for high-resolution see-through imaging for security and high-speed wireless links for 6G communications. The research will contribute to Australia’s technological sovereignty that is critical under growing geopolitical uncertainties. The invention will serve an emerging global demand in terahertz technology. An estimated global market for terahertz applications will reach USD 3.5 billion by 2029. Development of these critical terahertz components at this early stage is very promising to generate intellectual properties for Australia. To promote the outcomes beyond academia, we will disseminate through scientific media and bring to discussion with our existing and new global commercial partners for research translation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Facilities for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Evaluation and Testing. This proposal aims to establish state-of-the-art stationary and mobile facilities for atmospheric wind, dust and plume measurements with unique capability to quantify the effect of climate change, surface topography and urbanisation on near-surface microclimate where humans live. To better predict microclimate, mitigate air pollution impacts and exploit local conditions for improved urban planning and agricultural yield, high quality observations of the near-surface atmosphere at fine temporal and spatial resolutions are required. The proposed Facilities for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Evaluation and Testing (FABLET) will advance Australia’s capability to make these difficult measurements of atmospheric boundary layer. Field of research: 3702 - Climate Change Science The proposed Facilities for Atmospheric Boundary Layer Evaluation and Testing (FABLET) will provide unique data that is needed to understand the impact of climate change and urbanisation on human life, which currently does not exist. Both academia and industry can extensively benefit from FABLET. In academia FABLET can provide the required dataset for development of fundamental understanding of the changes in atmospheric boundary layer and ultimately microclimate due to global warming and urbanisation. FABLET also can support development of new technologies in different sectors; for example, FABLET data can support increasing agricultural productivity, reducing cost of solar and wind energy technologies, and improving the comfort and health of humans around the world. By taking advantage of the state-of-the-art stationary and mobile facility, FABLET will allow unprecedented benchmarking and capability to assess and predict pollution, dust and wind in different environments including rural, urban, in densely populated cities or in the harsh Australian outback. FABLET data will be shared beyond academia using open-access web-based platforms. The facilities will establish the required fundamental and applied knowledge with a goal to improve accuracy and precision in predicting and measuring the impact of environmental changes caused by climate and local factors and provide significant support to the Australian Government’s Science and Research Priority on Environmental Change.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Engineering Hybrid Materials with Functional Bioactivity in the GI Tract. This project aims to use an advanced particle engineering approach to develop novel biomaterials with multifunctional activities in the gastrointestinal tract. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge of the key interfacial processes that control digestion and identify new pathways for modulating gut microbiome composition. By establishing structure-activity relationships through mechanistic in vitro and in vivo models, the knowledge gain will help guide material design for optimised bioactivity. Technology transfer of the lead formulation through quality by design manufacturing practice is anticipated to position the industry partner for future commercial opportunities within the nutraceutical sector. Field of research: 3214 - Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences The gut microbiome is a complex and vitally important ecosystem that is involved in many different biological functions ranging from intestinal health and metabolism to immunity and brain function. But there is limited understanding of how microbial composition can be influenced. This project aims to use an advanced approach to create new materials that alter the gut microbiome through several different actions. By applying advanced scientific techniques, the project is expected to advance fundamental knowledge of key processes that control digestion and identify new pathways for modulating gut microbiome composition. The knowledge gain and development of innovative technologies could open new opportunities for dietary supplements in Australia. As well as offering public health benefits, this has potential to create a clear market advantage that can ultimately promote job growth, expand core manufacturing capabilities, and generate economic outcomes. The team is well-positioned for commercial translation of research findings through an established commercial agreement, joint ownership of background intellectual property, patent protection and implementation of scaled up manufacturing considerations within the project.