ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Social Impact and Connection Outcomes Associated with Community Sport. Outcomes of social connection from community sport are widely touted and supported to exist. However, we know little about how social infrastructure actually delivers these benefits. It is difficult to understand and develop practices that organisations can use to maximise the outcomes of sport participation. This research aims to investigate how social infrastructure delivers social connection outcomes associated with community sport. Expected outcomes include novel practice based tools and guidance for community groups to enhance social connection outcomes and new understanding about the role of social infrastructure in enhancing community connection. Improved social connection is expected to improve resilience and community wellbeing. Field of research: 3504 - Commercial Services Australia is being confronted by a rising tide of mental health issues and decreasing levels of community connection. Australia needs to identify and promote pathways to promote community connection which is a recognised key driver of community wellbeing. Among the many positive impacts of participation in community sport in Australia is its ability to deliver positive social, physical and mental health outcomes. The direct physical health benefits of active involvement in sport have been well established, while there is a growing evidence base for the mental health benefits associated with sport. What is not as well established are the social and broader community benefits and outcomes related to social connection, and the social infrastructure that helps to deliver these outcomes. The outcomes of this project will provide actionable strategies to inform best practice and maximise investment in social connection infrastructure in the community sport sector. Specifically, the outcomes of the project will provide guidance to how a strengths-based approach can positively activate social connection.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Understanding the mechanisms that inhibit and promote biofilm expansion. Yeasts have been used for biotechnology throughout recorded history. They are important human pathogens, and major experimental models of eukaryotic cells. Although yeasts are some of the most studied organisms in biology, their modes of colony biofilm formation are not fully understood. Methods to investigate the environmental and genetic processes that drive colony biofilm formation will be developed in this proposed project. They will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that inhibit and promote biofilm formation, and colonial morphology in the different modes of growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with implications for this and other biofilm-forming yeasts of biotechnological or medical importance. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics The growth of microorganisms on surfaces contributes to the spread of diseases and the contamination of food. This occurs through the formation of a structure called a biofilm, a community of microbial cells that adhere to each other and to a surface. Biofilms are very difficult to remove, which has negative economic and health consequences. For example, biofilm formation on food processing equipment is a major cause of contamination, threatening Australia’s $110 billion food processing industry. The formation of biofilms on medical equipment can cause life threatening infections in patients who undergo invasive medical procedures. Using a combination of mathematical modelling and laboratory experiments, this project will identify the factors responsible for the formation of biofilms in industrial and medical environments. Working with the food and beverage, and the medical devices industries, this research will lead to improved control of microorganisms, the reduction of biofilm formation, and improved health, safety and economic outcomes.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Structural and molecular studies of endocrine disruption in Australia fauna. Contamination of waterways with compounds that disrupt hormone (endocrine) function is a major environmental problem and threat to the health and fertility of animals. Specifically, we lack an understanding of how these potent endocrine disrupting compounds function in native species. Using an innovative combination of structural and molecular biology approaches we will elucidate the mechanisms of action of environmental endocrine disrupting compounds in native aquatic species - model fish and the platypus; and develop novel technologies for their detection. This work will provide an understanding of the environmental threat of these pollutants to our unique wildlife and will guide future waterway management. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Chemicals derived from plastics, drugs, pesticides, and fire retardants can adversely alter a living being’s hormonal system. When released into the environment, they interfere with normal animal development, health, and fertility; these pollutants threaten all animal populations, particularly those in freshwater ecosystems where the chemicals accumulate to high levels. Australia’s unique and iconic native species are a vital part of our environment and national identity, with many species under threat. This research will provide insights into the mechanisms by which these pollutants affect Australian native species, including the platypus. Technology will be developed which is innovative, rapid, and low cost for detection in field. The pathway to adoption will include data sharing with the public and government to raise awareness of the threat of pollutant exposure and implementation of a future first-in-kind biosensor to monitor and manage these pollutants in freshwater to aid conservation of Australian native species.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Network Calming - Using Smart Sensors to Improve Water Asset Performance. Recent high-frequency monitoring in water distribution networks (WDNs) shows that pressure perturbations are significantly more dramatic than expected and cause pipe failures with highly disruptive consequences. This project aims to hydraulically calm WDNs to improve their performance, informed by smart sensors. The project will generate insightful knowledge of the hydraulic behaviour of real WDNs. The outcomes will be new strategies to identify, eliminate and suppress harmful pressure perturbations, leading to a reduced burst rate, extended asset life, improved system operation and advanced design principles. The resultant sustainable water assets provide significant economic and environmental benefits to the water industry and society. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Australia’s public health and economic prosperity rely on over 162,000 km of water mains. The current water network operation in the water industry and the performance of the networks lead to a rapid deterioration of the water asset condition with an increasing trend. The issue brings a major challenge: almost half of the assets with a total value of over $80b need to be replaced by 2050. The project will develop new strategies and techniques by learning from the historical pressure data to slow down the asset deterioration and guide the future water system design and refurbishment. With new strategies and techniques adopted, the lifetime of Australia’s aging water assets can be extended, which can save millions of dollars every year from pipe maintenance costs. Cities will see fewer pipe breaks, meaning less interruption to service and traffic, less property damage and less water loss. Australia will become a leader in this transferable technology, which has commercial potential globally.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Plastic brains: Neural adaptations to changing environments in reptiles. The project aims to quantify brain anatomy on an unprecedented scale in comparative neurobiology. Focusing on Australia’s diverse and extensive collection of reptiles, including goannas, dragons and venomous snakes, the project expects to generate new knowledge on the evolution of brains as these animals adapted to new habitats and climates. Data will be collected by cutting-edge micro-CT technology and advanced phylogenetic techniques, which will be complemented by detailed neuroanatomy. Expected outcomes include enhanced understanding of the effects of temperature on brains, and a large database of 3D digital anatomical models. A major benefit includes a greater ability to mitigate the effects of environmental change. Field of research: 3104 - Evolutionary Biology Climate catastrophes and habitat destruction have devastating impacts on many species; however, some species readily change in the face of environmental adversity. Understanding what makes some animals more ‘adaptable’ to change than others (evolvability) is key for conserving iconic Australian species. This project aims to understand evolvability in lizards and snakes by studying clues in the brains of preserved animal specimens held in museums. The project will unlock new data from these specimens and create a suite of digital 3D models of reptile brains using state-of-the-art CT scanning technology. Museum collections are an irreplaceable asset for tracking how species respond to changing environments, but they are largely inaccessible and degrade over time. By uploading 3D digital replicas of specimens to free online databases, and through outreach with school children, this project will increase public accessibility and the longevity of Australian museum collections, providing significant social and environmental benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

China’s changing internal migration: patterns, causes, policy implications. China’s massive internal migration is no longer simply rural–urban and circular but highly diversified. The project aims to unravel that transition: its patterns, causes, and effects. Using 2020 census data and major longitudinal datasets, a China variant of Zelinsky’s classic mobility transition theory will be developed and deployed to identify underlying mechanisms. Among expected outcomes are powerful methods for assessing spatio-temporal migration patterns and causes, applicable to many economies especially in the Asia–Pacific. Benefits should include a new evidence base for migration and related urban–rural policy in China; and for Australia, policy inputs to improve prosperity through better relations with our biggest trading partner. Field of research: 4403 - Demography This project targets new knowledge concerning migration and development, in the first instance through insights into massive and rapidly changing population movements within China. Capitalising on new theory and methodology, assembling and analysing first-rate evidence (from China's 2020 census, and more focused sources), this promises a dramatic advance in understanding of our main trading partner. Through journal and conference publications, a project symposium, and direct policy advice, findings on demographic and socioeconomic shifts in China's internal migration will help government agencies and industry in planning, responding effectively to changing Chinese demand for Australian goods and services, and improving our dialogue with the world's most populous nation. The project has broad relevance to developing greater appreciation of regional and global migration. This can contribute to wider knowledge fundamental to Australia's regional interests and positioning in the Asia-Pacific, especially in terms of Australia's role as a development partner and in regional alliances.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Build competency aware and assuring machine learning systems. Recent development in machine learning (ML) has seen ML models with extremely high prediction accuracy. However, to support human-machine partnership in decision-making in complex environments, beyond accuracy, it is essential for ML systems to be competency aware and reliable, and at the same time be exploratory. This project aims to develop novel techniques to equip a ML system with the ability to identify own competency, to justify its competency and decisions, to explore unknown situations and fully utilise existing expertise to deal with unknowns. The expected outcomes of the project will enable ML systems to become truely intelligent and reliable machine partners for human decision makers in a wide range of applications. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science This project aims to develop novel techniques to equip machine learning systems with the capabilities to transform them from simple tools to partners of human decision makers in complex environments. Current machine learning research is focused on accurate predictions. However, to support decision making in complex environments with different types of unknowns, there is a great need for an end-to-end system which can detect, predict and explore various cases. Moreover, for a machine learning system to be a human partner, the system needs to be developed with the same abilities and spirits possessed by responsible and astute human workers. This project has great potential to enhance Australia’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI). The research outcomes will provide game-changing machine learning techniques and systems to support decision making in complex environments faced by decision makers in a wide range of applications, such as cybersecurity, IoT, space, and public health. For example, the outcomes can be applied to industrial applications by our work with SmartSAT CRC, to enhance AI-based earth observations systems.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Creating pH-sensitive self-healing concrete using sludge waste for sewers. In Australia, our 117,000 km of concrete sewer pipes are currently internally corroding at a depth rate of 1-3 mm per annum. The repair of deteriorated concrete is costly and often short-lived. Based on an advanced composite technology, this project will develop a pH-sensitive self-healing concrete that can repair itself without human intervention at the early stage of corrosion. Sludge waste from drinking water treatment will be utilised as a healing agent to mitigate the corrosion. Combined experiments and molecular dynamics simulation will uncover all aspects of the healing process to enable the practical application of this technology. The findings will extend the lifetime of concrete structures and promote a circular economy. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Australia is experiencing infrastructure deterioration, but repairs of deteriorated concrete structures are often short-lived. Concurrently, disposing of water treatment sludge in landfill may cause significant CO2 emissions and environmental pollution. This project aims to address these issues by developing a novel self-healing concrete that can repair itself without human intervention based on advanced composite technology. A pH-sensitive microcapsule shell will be created together with sludge waste as a healing agent core to mitigate microbially induced corrosion in concrete sewers. This project is innovative as previous studies focused on the mechanical force to trigger the shell to release the healing agent which is not suitable for sewers. The environmental benefit will be twofold: maintenance cost of sewer system will be reduced with enhanced sustainability and large quantities of waste sludge could be reused. This project provides an excellent example of circular economy development and 3Rs goals (reduce, reuse and recycle) will take a big step forward because this new concept.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Bio-inspired nanomaterials with tunable drug loading and controlled release. This project aims to develop new platform technologies for making bio-inspired nanomaterials with tunable drug loading and controlled release. This project will revolutionise current approaches to make lipid nanoparticles camouflaged with natural cell membranes for delivery of both insoluble and soluble drugs. Significant outcomes will include a novel commercially relevant salt-induced nanoprecipitation platform technology for making precisely engineered nanomaterials with tailored functions for applications in controlled release and targeted delivery. Benefits include securing a sustainable future for Australia, with new nanotechnology strategies for advanced manufacturing. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Many modern drugs do not dissolve easily in water (hydrophobic), limiting their clinical applications. This can be overcome if the drug is delivered in a special biological bubble called a lipid nanoparticle (NP); COVID-19 mRNA vaccines use NP delivery technology. One of the key challenges of using lipid NPs is the limited amount of drug that can be loaded into the NP. This project will engineer bio-degradable lipid NPs with special properties that enable larger amounts of hydrophobic drugs (e.g. anti-cancer drugs) to be loaded into NPs. This technology will significantly improve existing drug delivery methods because it will produce small NPs that can deliver higher doses of drugs to target tissues. Adoption of this NP technology by pharmaceutical companies will enable them to manufacture a wider range of hydrophobic drugs or vaccines that need lipid NPs to get them into the body and reduce symptoms of a disease.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Enabling the future of the Australian collider physics program. The project aims to fund the continuation of Australia’s very successful experimental particle physics program to explore how the universe works at its fundamental level. We interrogate subatomic matter at the energy frontier at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and the intensity frontier at Japan's SuperKEKB collider. The basic contributions required for Australian membership of these two key programs will enable scientists to continue capitalising on decades of hard work and accumulated expertise, significant project outcomes and benefits include: access for Australia to advanced instruments and international research facilities; training of the next generation of researchers in detector construction and operation; and a rich science program. Field of research: 5107 - Particle and High Energy Physics This project will provide access to facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider for Australian researchers working on the instruments, electronics and machine learning methods required to discover new fundamental particles. The key benefits come from the technology; we will construct particle detection devices with applications in telecommunications, financial services, data analytics, and the protection of Australia by securing our national assets through improved cybersecurity which will potentially protect privacy and data of individuals. An additional benefit is cultural, positioning Australian science at the forefront of the international quest for Nobel-worthy physics discoveries. We will disseminate our results to Australian industry through our collaborative networks, including DST. We will inspire and train a new generation of Australian students, enhancing Australia’s technology and data science industry that the recent CSIRO artificial intelligence roadmap predicted will require 161,000 new specialised workers by 2030, contributing $315 billion to the Australian economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Androgen receptor: A master regulator of lipid metabolism. This project aims to understand how male sex hormones, or androgens, affect the amount and metabolism of fats in normal body tissues. By integrating our multi-disciplinary expertise in androgen action, molecular biology, metabolism and bioinformatics with novel techniques and instrumentation, this collaboration expects to generate the first detailed picture of how fat metabolism is controlled by androgens in humans, and how closely this relates to mice. Expected outcomes and benefits will be a new understanding of which aspects of fat metabolism are most influenced by androgens, and an ability to anticipate potential metabolic impacts of natural or pharmacological fluctuations in androgen levels in humans, laboratory animals and livestock. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Thousands of Australians every year undergo manipulation of their male sex hormones (androgens) for cancer therapy, gender transition and muscle building. Androgens are also used as growth promotants for fish and livestock industries. Despite their widespread use, our knowledge of how androgens control metabolism is limited. This project will provide the first detailed insights into how androgens affect the composition and metabolism of fats in different organs of the body. The outcomes will help us to understand normal sex-specific differences in metabolism, and pinpoint aspects of human metabolism that are not well modelled in other species, placing Australia at the frontiers of metabolic and endocrine hormonal research. Our knowledge gain will inform the design and implementation of strategies to improve the metabolic health impacts of the increasing hormone use in Australians. There is also significant potential to provide economic benefit to agricultural industries, by informing on the optimal use of androgens to promote growth and body composition in fish and livestock.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Earth’s mid-life crisis: recipe for a habitable planet? This project aims to establish the state and nature of the physical Earth systems (climate, topography, geography, erosion, carbon cycle, oxygen cycle) during the Neoproterozoic Era that made our planet habitable to complex life. By analysing these systems together, fundamental drivers and contributions to making a habitable planet will be untangled. Expected outcomes include the first ever series of climate models of this time period, as well a series of digital reconstructions of the physical systems themselves. Sedimentary hosted ore deposits, such as copper and cobalt, are formed partly as a function of erosion and climate, allowing us to provide a mechanistic driver to their formation, and consequently exploration. Field of research: 3704 - Geoinformatics Critical metals such as copper, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential for the energy and transport sectors; they are needed for solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage and electric vehicles. However, critical metals are difficult to locate and retrieve from the earth’s crust. Surprisingly, many critical metal accumulations are linked with the evolution of the planet’s biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. This project will investigate how the Earth system evolved many years ago to support complex life, to provide oxygen to the air and water, and produce deposits of critical metals so essential for the energy transformation. This research will assist exploration for critical minerals, helping Australia become more self-sufficient in these strategic metals and assist in the global push to decarbonise the economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Partial Differential Equations, geometric aspects and applications. The study of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) is a classical and prolific field of research having a fundamental role in the development of mathematical analysis and motivated by important applications in natural and applied sciences. This project aims to obtain substantial progress in the field of PDEs. The area of mathematical research covered is extremely broad, at the confluence of analysis and geometry, and with many applications to other areas of mathematics and natural and applied sciences. The results that will be obtained will produce a significant amount of new knowledge in this extremely difficult, but rapidly growing, field, by exploiting international scientific collaborations and interdisciplinary methods. Field of research: 4904 - Pure Mathematics Partial differential equations are a cutting edge and rapidly growing area of mathematics which are critical to our fundamental scientific understanding of thermodynamics, sound, fluid flow, and other real world phenomena. This research will result in new solutions for mathematical problems that will develop Australia’s capability in mathematical theory and, importantly, may underpin new scientific applications. The possible applications of this research are far-reaching, including finding shapes which enclose a space while minimising the surface area, potentially minimising construction costs of buildings. This research may result in economic benefits to Australia as better understanding of applied science concepts may lead to technological improvements in materials science (coating of composite materials) and other fields. Adoption of the results of this research will be driven through communication and collaboration with colleagues in other relevant applied scientific fields including materials science and engineering.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Evolution of sensory systems in the dark biosphere. This project utilises a unique Australian model system based on multiple, independently-evolved subterranean water beetles to explore the adaptive and regressive changes in the genome that occur when surface species colonise subterranean habitats. We aim to characterise and investigate the evolution of chemosensory and circadian rhythm genes, which play critical roles in the fitness of animals, including the ability to find food and mates in a dark, thermally stable environment. Knowledge of chemosensory and circadian genetic systems and how they dynamically evolve is fundamental to a variety of fields, including the process of speciation and biological adaptation (for example, to permanent darkness, pollutants and insecticides). Field of research: 3105 - Genetics This project will characterise the genes involved in smell and taste, and circadian rhythms (genes that set the biological clock of animals to a 24-hour cycle) of unique eyeless beetle species living in a dark groundwater environment. Using cutting edge genomic tools, it will identify these sensory genes for the first time in subterranean groundwater insect species and assess how they evolved to allow adaptation to the dark. The outcomes will provide valuable knowledge of how animals find their mates and food and adapt to changing environments (e.g., utilising new food sources or avoiding predatory species). The research will contribute to our understanding of fundamental evolutionary processes such as how new species evolve and biological adaptation, a field that has important implications for medical science (e.g., how viruses evolve and spread through communities). Further applications of this research by Australian government agencies and industries include the development of strategies to control insect pests (e.g., by using chemical baits as lures).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Cooperative Single Atom Catalysts for Zn-CO2 Batteries. This project aims to develop cooperative single-atom catalysts for efficient and selective electrocatalytic CO2 conversion and Zn-CO2 batteries. Cooperative catalysts at the single atom limit can potentially achieve enhanced electrochemical properties beyond state-of-the-art and will trigger significant theoretical and technological interests in energy conversion and storage fields. It is expected to generate new knowledge in materials science and electrochemistry, using interdisciplinary approaches of atom-precise material engineering, in situ characterisation and full-cell optimisation. Significant economic and environmental benefits are expected from developing carbon-neutral CO2 electrolysers with low cost and high energy efficiency. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology The design and manufacture of cost-effective, safe, and reliable batteries is essential to meet current escalating energy demands both nationally and internationally. This project aims to make substantial improvements to zinc-CO2 batteries, so they provide higher energy efficiencies (voltages), longer service life, and are re-chargeable. Because these new zinc-CO2 batteries will be more reliable than lithium-ion batteries and much cheaper to produce, they will provide a battery prototype to store intermittent renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind, and water power) for daily use, which can be incorporated into grid-scale energy storage systems for adoption by the Australian renewable energy sector. New energy storage systems will also offer more flexible, cheap, and efficient energy use for consumers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Discovery and directed evolution of small molecule biosensors. This project aims to address the need for novel small molecule biosensing capability in diverse fields including food and wine production, environmental monitoring, biocatalysis, and diagnostics using a synthetic biology approach. The significance of this work is the development of new biosensors by a strong interdisciplinary team contributing bioinformatics to identify new biosensors, innovative protein engineering approaches, and cutting-edge directed evolution methodologies. Intended outcomes include enhanced institutional capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration; discovery of fundamentally important bacterial sensors; and development of synthetic regulatory circuits enabling outgrowth of non-biological biocatalysis industries. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Man-made environmental contaminants can be active at very low levels, and are difficult and expensive to detect. Protein-based sensors (“biosensors”) are a new approach to this problem, designed to give simple visual readouts when the target chemical is present, even at low levels. However, very few suitable sensing proteins currently exist. To address this gap, we will engineer biosensors of man-made chemicals with potential application in diverse fields including food and wine production, and environmental monitoring. As an example, this project aims to deliver new proteins that can bind to fungicide chemicals used in Australia’s $60 billion wine and horticulture industries. Our protein engineering system is designed to be versatile and responsive to the needs of industry. Invention of new proteins for incorporation into simple point-of-use chemical detection devices will be of long-term commercial benefit for Australia, with the market for biosensors projected to reach US$36 billion worldwide by 2027.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Mapping climate change vulnerability of older Australians to extreme heat. Exposure to extreme heat is associated with negative health outcomes and has been recognized as a global health challenge in the context of climate change, especially among older people. While the direct heat-related mortality for older people reached a record high of 345,000 deaths worldwide in 2019, which was 80.6% higher than the 2000–05 average, there has been no detailed study in Australia. This project is to have a national picture of the impact of extreme heat on the health outcomes of older people and associated healthcare costs at Statistical Area level 3 (SA3), to inform the design and implementation of tailored interventions to minimize the health risk and costs from extreme heat to protect the health of this vulnerable group. Field of research: 4101 - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of negative physical and mental health outcomes, particularly among older people. Climate change and an ageing population are expected to exacerbate this global public health challenge and place additional pressure on health systems. This project will provide a comprehensive national picture of the impact of extreme heat on health outcomes and associated healthcare costs among older people by mapping and examining outcomes by geographical region across Australia; identifying and quantifying the contribution of extreme heat to these outcomes; and projecting future heat-related health burden under different climate change and demographic scenarios. Findings will inform health service planning and the design and implementation of tailored interventions to minimise health risks for older Australians and reduce healthcare costs. Researchers will collaborate with health service providers, social and emergency service leaders, and policymakers to translate findings into community adaptation approaches and healthcare workforce capacity building strategies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

To what extent does Australian food policy consider its health impact. This research will examine how public policies relating to food can be made healthier. The diet of Australians currently contributes to high rates of disease including diabetes, heart disease and the underlying issue of obesity. It will examine Australian agriculture and food processing, manufacturing and marketing and the environmental impacts of these sectors. The research will analyse policy documents and interview key people involved in each sector to determine their views on the ways in which our food supply affects our health. It will result in policy recommendations advising how the Australian food sector can be made more supportive of health and equity. Policy makers will be engaged with our findings through a Food Policy Summit. Field of research: 4206 - Public Health Australia is fighting an epidemic of obesity. This epidemic affects most Australians but those in vulnerable socio economic circumstances are more severely affected . While we know that diet affects health, less is known how food-related public policies affect health. Our research will examine how agriculture, environment, food processing, manufacture and marketing public policies either contribute to or detract from the health of Australians. The project will directly provide: 1) Detailed analysis of how to make our food supply healthier which will result in a healthier workforce and population, reduced burden of chronic disease and healthcare costs and contribute to reversing health inequities; 2) Evidence for Australian governments to develop coherent policy and clear targets across the food system to improve population health, environmental protection and mitigate climate change; 3) Information to Australian citizens and non-government organisations to support their advocacy for healthier food; and 4) Provide the basis for healthier and sustainable consumer food choices.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Integrated nonmetal-metal single-atom catalysis for selective synthesis. Single atom catalysts can achieve the maximum efficiency of active sites for a reaction. This project will develop integrated nonmetal and metal single atom-based catalysts for selective oxidation towards clean production and organic waste conversion to value-added polymers for carbon recycle. The project will result in new functional materials and green catalytic processes for chemical synthesis and waste reduction, and advance fundamental understanding of molecular structure of materials for catalyst design and process engineering for industrial applications. The outcomes will promote the development of chemical industry, waste recycle and green environment in Australia, making significant benefits to economics and society. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water are difficult to remove without the intensive use of chemicals that produce large amounts of toxic and hazardous wastes. The use of catalysts (e.g. heavy metals such as platinum and cobalt) can significantly improve the process. However, the existing metal catalysts are expensive, lead to secondary contamination, and require harsh conditions to work effectively. This project will build on previous successes to develop new green catalysts that not only remove the POPs, resulting in cleaner water, but also convert them into insoluble polymers for simple separation and recycling as value-adding materials. The new cutting-edge technology will be integrated at low cost into waste recycling and wastewater treatment plants and will support Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability. This project will also provide critical knowledge to reduce carbon footprints and industrial waste streams to secure water safety and sustainability for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Enhancing belonging for African diaspora youth in Australian schools . Schools are key sites to counter marginalisation and enable belonging. This study will investigate how Black African diaspora youth experience belonging in Australian schools and ways that schools can change practices to enhance belonging. The project will generate new knowledge of belonging and its importance for schooling using innovatory Participatory Action Research with African youth and teachers. Expected outcomes are directions for education policy and practices, development of professional resources for working with diasporic students and capacitating young African people as researchers. Anticipated benefits are improved school engagement, retention and outcomes for African diaspora youth and insights for other marginalised youth. Field of research: 3902 - Education Policy, Sociology and Philosophy Over recent decades, Australia’s Black African population has grown significantly. Visibly different groups within the community can experience marginalisation in schools and other institutions and this can cause significant challenges to their participation in, and contribution to, Australian society. Australian and international research demonstrates that racial marginalisation inhibits educational, social, cultural and economic outcomes. This study explores how Black African youth experience Australian schooling, and how schools can promote belonging through changes to teaching and learning in schools; teacher education programs; and state and national policies. Importantly, Black African youth will participate as active researchers alongside teachers to identify and trial possibilities for change in curriculum, teaching and professional learning. The study will identify strategies and practices to improve educational and social outcomes for Black African youth, enabling them to work with others in our increasingly diverse Australian society to build social cohesion and cultural inclusion.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Investigating neuronal oscillations and motor function in older adults. . This project aims to identify changes in brain function that contribute to age-related reductions in movement control. By implementing a novel, multimodal approach involving cutting edge non-invasive brain stimulation, this project expects to identify the causal role of brain oscillations in the ability of older adults to learn new motor skills. Expected outcomes include a critical understanding of the basic neural mechanisms that contribute to altered motor function during healthy ageing. These outcomes will provide significant benefits, including important neurophysiological insight that is required to develop targeted interventions aimed at improving movement in older adults. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology Ageing is associated with an inevitable decline in our ability to move and learn. This reduces independence, quality of life, and causes substantial personal, social and economic costs. While changes to brain function likely cause this decline, the exact neural pathways involved remain unclear. This project aims to explore and understand these by identifying how changes to rhythmic brain activity contribute to reduced motor function in the elderly. It will provide critical insight into how the ageing brain changes, allowing us to better understand the brain mechanisms that determine how well the elderly can move their bodies. Furthermore, it will allow development of cutting-edge interventions that use non-invasive brain stimulation to modify brain activity and improve motor function in older adults. We expect we can help older adults maintain better physical abilities for longer, and give them greater quality of life and save money on aged care across the community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Fine Tuning: A Reconciliation of Indigenous and Western Musical Traditions. Focusing on central Australian song lines, the project strengthens our knowledge, understanding and application of the intricate tuning systems that underpin traditional Indigenous musical practices. Employing a unique methodology that combines Indigenous and contemporary Western musical performance practices with cutting-edge digital technologies, the project will show how the highly nuanced and sophisticated tunings at the heart of Indigenous music-making can be preserved when transposed to contemporary Western art music contexts. In so doing, the case is made for a more genuine, equitable dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous music-makers, to the mutual benefit of musicians, audiences, and society at large. Field of research: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History The project reconnects three Central Australian communities with their traditional song lines. It will redress the cultural power imbalance between Indigenous and Western musical traditions and ensure a more prominent role for Indigenous music in Australia’s national voice. The research addresses Closing the Gap outcome areas 14 and 16, enhancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures using digital technologies to reconnect communities with their intangible cultural heritage, thereby strengthening social and emotional well-being in community. In strengthening our unique Indigenous cultures the project will enhance Australia’s global competitiveness in the arts, entertainment, and tourism markets providing both cultural and economic benefit to the nation. The project builds on the international reputation of Australian research through its innovative and inclusive design which facilitates a deeper dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous musical traditions by developing a new accessible musical language that places improved representation of Indigenous culture at its core.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Protecting cereal grain development at high temperatures. This project aims to investigate new temperature-responsive factors that regulate cereal grain development to protect grain production under heat stress. The new research will leverage international collaborations with access to cutting-edge genetic and technological resources, and refine novel X-ray imaging techniques in Australia, to observe how temperature affects flower structure and function in barley and rice. Favourable mutations that optimise plant yield and fitness will be defined and explored in other, more complex, cereals such as wheat. Expected outcomes will be fundamental breakthroughs in understanding how plants respond to, and buffer, the effects of heat to lead to translational breeding strategies that bolster grain yield. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology Heat stress during grain development in cereal crops can dramatically reduce yield; temperature increases of only 2°C at the wrong time can cause yield losses of up to 50% in barley. This project aims to investigate new factors that protect the shape of the grain-bearing head (inflorescence) and grain-forming organ (pistil) of crops in response to heat. Starting with two genes that appear to protect grain yield under heat, this project aims to define their mechanisms of action in model crops barley and rice, and explore their applicability to other, more complex, cereals such as wheat and oats; these crops represent the vast majority of Australia’s agricultural grain production and will be key to deliver on Australia’s ambitious Ag2030 goals for $100B farm-gate value by 2030. This project will leverage strong international partnerships in the UK and Germany to deliver new breeding targets and potential patents/licencing opportunities, as well as training opportunities for six young researchers to build and strengthen Australia’s reputation and research capacity in agricultural science.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Organic Bioelectronics: Solving Key Barriers to Precision Neuromodulation. This project aims to combine the principles of molecular electronics and neurobiology to create organic conductors with enhanced biocompatibility that enable optical neuromodulation. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding the properties of materials that promote connectivity with neurons and the ability of new microscopy tools to visualise this bio-interface. The expected outcome of this project includes new high performing materials, measurement tools and fabrication approaches to overcome the key challenges to precision neuromodulation. A significant benefit of the new materials is their printability, providing the opportunity to establish a sovereign capability to manufacture low-cost bioelectronic systems in Australia. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering Communicating with the human body using electronic technology is revolutionizing science. However, traditional electronic materials like metal and silicon are rejected by the body, causing implanted electrodes to fail. This project will develop electrically active inks formed from soft carbon-based polymers to solve this problem. By engineering the physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the materials at the nanoscale, these new materials will mimic the natural environment inside the body and avoid its defence systems against foreign materials. The project will deliver major benefits for our bioelectronics industry by creating a competitive advantage over international companies, whilst the new ability to print electronic devices will generate high-tech manufacturing sovereign capability and is anticipated to create new highly skilled jobs. This discovery and its future commercial development with Australian stakeholders in health and manufacturing will give Australians access to new low-cost technologies for prosthetic organs and treatment of neurological disorders.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Re-Activating Australian Dance Theatre’s Archive for the Future. This project aims to investigate how the rich, vulnerable heritage of Australian Dance Theatre (ADT), Australia’s oldest contemporary dance company, can be re-activated for the future. In partnership with Indigenous leadership from ADT, it will collaboratively research Western and Indigenous choreographies to generate an innovative work. Case studies of ADT's female Artistic Directors will produce new knowledge of gender in Australian dance, and it will experiment with 3D imaging of the costume collection. Outcomes include an exhibition, dance work, film, and a networked digital dance archive. It will benefit the performing arts by producing archival resources that can be adapted across the sector to preserve Australia’s cultural heritage. Field of research: 3604 - Performing Arts This project aims to enhance recognition and knowledge of the sixty-year heritage of Australian Dance Theatre (ADT), Australia’s oldest contemporary dance company, as a significant cultural resource for the future. It will develop new ways of inheriting dance, through an archival and creative re-activation that combines Western and Indigenous methodologies and that allows a First Nations choreographer to re-imagine past representations of Indigenous culture in ADT's repertoire. Case studies of ADT's female Artistic Directors will produce new knowledge of the role of gender in Australian dance, and it will experiment with 3D imaging of the costume collection. Outcomes will be a major South Australian exhibition, a touring dance work, a documentary, and a networked digital dance archive. By producing a new archival approach to dance legacies, it will benefit the performing arts sector, and thus contribute to the preservation of Australia’s cultural heritage.