ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Nonmetals for green catalysis. This proposal aims to develop nonmetal materials and technologies for frontier green catalysis that is targeted to contaminant degradation and chemical synthesis by catalytic oxidation processes. The project will systematically unveil the intrinsic nature of nonmetal elements in heterogeneous catalysis, develop rational design principles, and achieve scaling-up of intelligent nanomaterials and integrated green catalytic systems for high reactivity and selectivity. This cross-disciplinary research will deliver benefits to Australian industry in water treatment and fine chemical synthesis, foster Australian R&D in green technologies, synthesise catalysts from natural resources and industrial waste, and promote strong sustainability outcomes. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions and are incredibly important for many industrial processes. But the problem is that catalysts often use toxic and/or rare metals. An emerging green alternative is a new type of non-metal catalyst that is derived from natural or waste resources so is not toxic and costs much less to produce. This project aims to pioneer the development of these natural non-metal catalysts for the purpose of: i) removing highly toxic micro pollutants in water purification processes, and ii) producing fine chemicals such as pharmaceuticals using environmentally-friendly green manufacturing processes. The project will deepen fundamental knowledge of chemical reactions, and then use this knowledge to provide advanced solutions to accelerate adoption of green technologies by Australia’s manufacturing industry. It will also promote Australia’s capability and position as a global leader in green catalysts and bring about a transition to a more sustainable and environmental friendly future by reducing hazardous waste.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Ultra-low-loss fluoride glass optical fibres for the future global network. The transmission loss of silica optical fibres limits the capacity of the global internet. Fluoride glass fibres have the potential of reducing the loss by more than 10 times. This project aims to overcome two of the technological challenges of the ultra-low-loss fluoride fibre optics network: (1) commercial-scale manufacturing of improved fibres and (2) signal amplification at 2.3μm. By generating new fundamental knowledge on rare-earth transitions and glass crystal formation, expected outcomes include innovative fibre fabrication methods optimised for space manufacturing. Benefits will include enhanced internet capacity with lower energy requirements, and opportunities for sovereign capability in fluoride fibre fabrication in Australia. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The project is about developing key components for the next generation of fibre optic networks to overcome current limits in internet capacity. New optical fibres will be developed based on the fluoride glass type, which has the potential to achieve 10 times higher performance compared to the glass used for current optical fibres. One outcome of the project will be innovative optical fibre fabrication methods that are suitable for manufacturing in space to unleash the potential of fluoride glass fibres for enhanced performance. A second outcome is the development of a new type of signal amplifier that can be used in conjunction with the novel fibres. Further outcomes are Intellectual Property for commercialisation and training of a new generation of researchers. The next generation fibre optics network to be developed in this project will provide greater data capacity bringing Australia virtually closer to the rest of the world. This project provides access to an international partner with a depth of experience in working in space, boosting the emerging Australian space industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Co-research supporting the development of Aboriginal plant knowledges. Successful commercial development of products manufactured from Australian plant extracts based on shared Aboriginal Knowledges and Western scientific evidence is limited. This research project partnering with an Aboriginal Corporation and a skincare company aims to understand the processes that would be needed for Aboriginal-led product development from a traditionally-used plant. This includes examining how plant materials could be sustainably managed and harvested on Aboriginal homelands, the quantities of plant materials needed for product development and the feasibility of a homelands business. The learnings from this project are expected to inform other First Nations groups seeking to develop their plant knowledges. Field of research: 4506 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sciences There is limited development of Aboriginal medicinal plant products that is led by and of benefit to Aboriginal Traditional Custodians. This project, in partnership with an Aboriginal corporation and a skincare company, aims to understand locally relevant processes for developing a quality product from a traditionally used plant. This includes examining sustainable harvesting of plant materials on Aboriginal homelands, the quantities of plant materials needed, benefit-sharing, and the feasibility of a homelands business. The findings and recommendations would assist the Aboriginal corporation in understanding the practical steps towards product development. They would help the company, who aim to develop ethical products, to gain an understanding of the issues that Traditional Custodians consider important. The project could also be a case study for other First Nations groups looking to develop plant product enterprises. Such enterprises have the potential to provide economic returns, as well as wider social, cultural, wellbeing and environmental benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Early career teacher induction: Supporting precarious teachers. This project aims to investigate the ways in which Australian induction policies support precariously employed early career teachers to effectively manage student classroom behaviour. This project expects to generate new knowledge of workforce development and induction experiences of early career teachers employed on casual and short-term contracts. Expected outcomes of this project include alternative policy and practice recommendations to support the transition of insecure replacement teachers within the profession. The benefits of this research include, improving teachers’ classroom management practices; the retention of new teachers; improving teacher workforce development; and building a healthier education system. Field of research: 3902 - Education Policy, Sociology and Philosophy The continuing teacher shortage crisis presents a significant barrier to Australia’s commitment to create a world class education system. Left unchecked, this crisis threatens to turn into a major economic disaster as students are left unsupervised, unsupported and unengaged in our nation’s classrooms. Most new teachers are employed casually or on short-term contracts and as such, they do not receive good induction support, particularly in the area of managing student behaviour. This research will use innovative methodology to establish a new knowledge base around the induction of precariously employed early career teachers, and contribute to the creation of alternative policy recommendations which support new teachers to successfully transition into the profession. The findings will support education systems to deliver effective induction processes which enhance teachers’ classroom management practices; thereby enabling the retention of new teachers, increasing teacher workforce development and building a healthier education system.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Production of C1/C2 Commodity-Chemicals via Efficient Electrocatalysis. This project aims at sustainable and efficient production of methanol and ethylene glycol via development of revolutionary electrocatalytic processes that use renewables as energy input, water as oxidising agent and carbon dioxide-derived intermediates as feedstock. Outcomes include advanced knowledge of complex interface electrocatalysis and reaction-targeted catalysts with commercially relevant performance, achieved by combination of theoretical computations, atomic-level material design, in-situ spectroscopy tests and interfacial engineering. It will significantly benefit renewable energy use, commodity-chemicals manufacturing, together with carbon-footprint reduction to make Australia and the world carbon-neutral and sustainable. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Australia has a 2050 target to deliver net zero emissions. This project will address this ambitious target by developing new technologies to convert renewable electricity into transportable “green” chemicals and fuels without generating carbon dioxide emissions. By supporting this manufacturing transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources, this project will help Australia to develop its future renewable energy economy, and deliver economic and commercial benefits. By assisting Australia’s local manufacturing to become more technologically advanced, this project will significantly contribute to securing Australia as a world leader in renewable energy technologies. Reducing fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions will also have an impact on reducing air pollution and associated human health problems. It is anticipated that intellectual property developed during this project will be used by industry to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions in Australia and globally.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

How climate-resilient are our temperate fisheries species? This project assesses the resilience of our temperate fisheries species to climate change. Using natural warming hotspots and volcanic CO2 vents we study populations of fisheries species that are already pre-adapted to future climate, and therefore could act as key populations for replenishment of future fisheries stocks. An innovative and interdisciplinary approach combines the ecology, genetics, behaviour, and physiology of fisheries species to evaluate their climate resilience. An advanced food web model will be developed to forecast changes to fisheries production in a future world. This provides a much-improved forecast of climate adaptation and managing future biodiversity and fisheries species through resilient genes and populations. Field of research: 4101 - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Climate change is already affecting the health and biodiversity of our oceans, and the >85% of Australia’s population who live within 50 km of the coast. Addressing the effects of climate change on our marine resources will be one of the great challenges of Australia's annual 100-billion dollar Blue economy. Our reliance on sustainable seafood production will depend on how climate-resilient our fisheries species are, but their scope for climate adaption remains unknown. Here, we study populations of fisheries species in climate-change hotspots, to uncover their potential as sustainable future sources of climate-resilient fisheries stocks. Discovery and preservation of such climate-resilient populations may provide a realistic approach towards climate-proofing our ocean's seafood production. Recreational and commercial fisheries contribute > 10 billion $ to Australia's economy and are critical for job security, tourism, and seafood production, but are being affected considerably by climate change. This project can provide solutions on how our productive oceans can adapt to the effects of climate change.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Neural noise in human cognitive ageing and reserve. Age-related increases in neural noise degrade information transfer in the brain and lead to diminished cognitive function. Yet with cognitive reserve, some people are able to maintain healthy functioning well into their later years. This project aims to investigate the effects of neural noise on brain connectivity, cognitive performance and reserve, advancing breakthrough work on the neural physiology of healthy cognitive ageing and malleability of neural noise. This will be delivered by novel combinations of electrophysiology, neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation. Benefits extend from developing neural markers for measuring cognitive reserve to new strategies for building resilience to age-related cognitive decline. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology While cognitive decline is pervasive among older adults, ‘cognitive reserve’, on the other hand, can explain why some individuals are able to maintain healthy cognitive function into their senior years. Combining neurophysiological tools, imaging, and non-invasive brain stimulation, this project aims to uncover the neural mechanisms of cognitive reserve. It will offer the first evidence linking noise in the brain's electrical activity to cognitive reserve, advancing knowledge of the neuroscience of cognitive ageing. To enable adoption, we will share the findings with the research community and the broader public via journals, conferences, public lectures and media outlets. In the long term, the outcomes will lead to significant economic and health benefits for Australians by developing new strategies for building resilience to age-related cognitive decline, and future applications towards a novel diagnostic tool that can assess the risk of cognitive decline, ultimately improving the quality of life for Australia’s ageing population.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Past trends and future risk of climate extremes in southern Australia. Prolonged droughts and periods of heightened flood and fire risk present a major challenge for Australia’s society and economy. This proposal aims to better resolve the causes and risks of decadal climate extremes through a suite of high quality records of temperature, rainfall/evaporation and humidity in southern Australia over 2000 years. Novel geochemical analyses will be developed and applied to lake sediments – method development which is likely to benefit climate, minerals and biosecurity research. New knowledge of mechanisms underlying climate variability is expected to benefit fundamental research, while future-facing models will allow land managers and policy makers to better anticipate extraordinary climate events. Field of research: 3709 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience Droughts, floods and fire present major challenges to habitability and economic prosperity in Australia. Robust predictions of future climate risk require high quality records that capture the full range of natural climate variability. This project aims to address the absence of such records in southern Australia, by developing new temperature, rainfall/evaporation and humidity records for the last 2000 years. These data will be used to model multi-decadal climate extremes for the next 100 years to provide actionable advice for government, landscape, water management and tourism. The ability to anticipate, and plan for climate threats would support Australia’s Strategy for Nature, and the National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

A New Approach to the Structure of Atomic Nuclei. Starting at the quark level, we have derived a theory of nuclear structure, that in its initial application appears extremely successful. The aim of this project is to advance this revolutionary new approach to the theory of nuclear structure to the next level by exploring its predictions for a number of outstanding questions in modern nuclear physics. This includes the properties of superheavy nuclei, with atomic number beyond 100, including the potential existence of a new region of stability and complementing experimental searches underway internationally to discover the limits of stability with large neutron or proton excess, which is crucial to understanding the origin of the elements and may contribute new energy related technology. Field of research: 5106 - Nuclear and Plasma Physics Fundamental research in nuclear science has led to breakthrough discoveries in areas as diverse as energy production and medical imaging. This project will contribute to this important area by generating new knowledge about the structure and behaviour of atomic nuclei, the small dense regions at the centre of atoms. The knowledge gained will guide searches for new elements and contribute vital information to understanding how the known elements were formed. This deeper understanding of the structure of atomic nuclei will lead to more discoveries that could be adopted by national priority industries in the energy, security and defence sectors. This project will build national expertise in nuclear physics, maintaining the talent pipeline in Australia to contribute to the global effort and secure Australia’s reputation in this field. It will also contribute to the better understanding and acceptance of nuclear technology through careful communication of the results to the general public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Families with multiple and complex needs: refocusing on early intervention. Families with multiple and complex needs have been determined to be a priority group in Australia (National Child Protection Framework 2021-31). This study will fill the evidence gap by determining the typologies of families with multiple and complex needs and child protection involvement who face intersecting risk factors (e.g. family violence, mental health, intergenerational trauma, alcohol/drug use, justice involvement, disability, poverty and housing insecurity). Intergenerational (child and parent) linked data in three states will be utilised to investigate these families longitudinal trajectories of system involvement and to identify opportunities for enhanced prevention, points of early intervention and service planning. Field of research: 4202 - Epidemiology Families who are reported to child protection due to safety concerns typically have multiple and complex needs, including domestic and family violence, mental health problems, intergenerational trauma, alcohol and other drug use, criminal justice involvement, disability, poverty and housing insecurity. Child protection services cost billions of dollars per year and have life-altering impacts on families, yet these services are crisis-driven and delivered when children are deemed to be unsafe. This project will enhance understanding of families who come into contact with child protection services by analysing data collected through routine service delivery across three states. This data provides insight into how families experiencing different challenges utilize public services, the impact of early service provision and how services could be improved to be more timely and effective. Through briefings to government, the findings will inform the design and delivery of early intervention services.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Multi-phase modelling and characterisation of mudrush hazard in cave mining. A mudrush is a sudden, uncontrolled flow of wet fine particles (mud) into an underground mine that damages equipment, infrastructure, and can even cause fatalities. This project aims to develop cost-effective management and monitoring of mudrush hazards within the at-risk Carrapateena cave mine operated by OZ Minerals. Building on recent technological and numerical advances, a novel experimental–theoretical–numerical approach will be used to simulate mudrush risk based on moisture content, particle sizes, compaction, geological conditions, and seismic energy. Outputs will include a practical framework to boost the safety, productivity, and profitability of caving operations to benefit miners and the broader resources industry. Field of research: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy Mass mining methods, such as sub-level and block caving, are highly efficient and cost-effective. However their operations can be threatened by nearby aquifers, as water can seep into fractured rock, building pressure that erupts in an uncontrolled mudslide (mudrush). The Carrapateena cave mine in SA is moving through 2 aquifers, creating significant risks for miners, equipment, and operations. Our project will exploit technological advances in numerical and physical modelling, including an innovative 3D concrete printer that can generate controlled rock fractures, to build an accurate, field-scale simulation for mudrush hazards based on a mine’s unique geological and physical profile. Further, we will collate a comprehensive database linking rock/soil properties with mudrush risk that will be available to the broader mining industry. Along with training 31 students to provide a significant uplift in a research capacity, these outputs will enhance the long-term safety, sustainability, and viability of Australia’s resources industry, supporting National Science & Research and Manufacturing Priorities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Aqueous batteries for household and smart-grid electricity storage. This project aims to design and commercialise safe, cost-effective, long-lasting, fast-charging, high energy density aqueous sodium-based batteries to store renewable energy for use in households and smart grids. With a focus on developing and scaling technology and in collaboration with industry partners, the project’s expected outcomes include an enhanced ability to store excess energy and modulate its release into a smart grid during peak demand. Of benefits to Australia, this project will deliver access to reliable, safe and cheap batteries for smart-grid electricity storage in households and a competitive industry manufacturing capability. The downstream benefit is a reduction in energy costs and a contribution to net-zero emissions. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering The Australian renewable energy industry is rapidly increasing, with high demand driving the need for new storage technologies. Based on this growth rate, Australia could be powered 100% by renewable energy shortly after 2030 as long as energy storage technology can keep pace with demand. Current batteries are not up to the task of safely, cost-effectively, and efficiently storing renewable energy. This project will design and commercialise sodium-based batteries, in collaboration with two Australian industry partners (Iondrive Technologies and AUFU Group), that can be used in households and smart-grids. The outcomes of the project include pilot-scale production of cheap, safe, durable and “green” batteries. The benefits to Australia will be reliable capacity to store and distribute electricity. In addition, an innovative industry manufacturing capability will be established, provided economic benefits including export opportunities, all while helping to reduce energy costs and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Breaking through the manufacturing ‘glass ceiling’ for ZBLAN glass fibres. This project aims to develop innovative methods to improve the purity and manufacture scale of fluoride glass (ZBLAN) optical fibres to deliver faster and more efficient internet. This project expects to produce ZBLAN fibres with lower light loss than the best fibres to date by integrating innovations in glass science, materials purification, process automation and space manufacturing. Expected outcomes include industrial scale production of ZBLAN fibres with 10 times better performance than existing production. The project should provide innovative new manufacturing methods and improved economic and social prosperity by increasing the availability of ZBLAN for a wealth of applications touching many aspects of Australian lives. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The increasing demand for faster internet and global connectivity is anticipated to outpace what can be achieved with current fibre optic cables made from silica glass. The shift to optical fibres made from the different glass called ZBLAN is predicted to overcome this bottleneck because these ZBLAN fibres have the potential to transport light over much longer distances than the best available optical fibres. A key challenge is that current ZBLAN fibres have impurities that limit their full potential. This fellowship aims to overcome this challenge by working with industry partner Flawless Photonics to develop efficient purification methods to produce ZBLAN fibres without impurities. To allow production at scale, the project includes automation of ZBLAN fibre manufacture, which will be the first for any ZBLAN glass fibre in the world. These ZBLAN fibres will be commercialised for use in numerous industries (defence, mining, medical devices, data communications) through partnering with Flawless Photonics. The new ZBLAN fibre products will transform communication, mineral exploration and improve laser surgery.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Combatting wildlife crime and preventing environmental harm. Wildlife crime is one of the greatest threats to environmental and human security across the globe. In Australia, the illegal harvesting, killing, and trade of wild animals and plants endangers the country’s unique biodiversity and poses serious biosecurity risks to natural and agricultural systems. This Fellowship will deliver the intelligence tools and technologies, in wildlife forensics and cyber security, that are required for step-change reductions in wildlife crime in Australia, and Asia-Pacific. The project will establish new approaches for raising public awareness of the dangers of wildlife crime and provide much needed stewardship to protect Australia’s environmental assets and natural capital from current and future threats. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Wildlife crimes are an escalating problem for Australia. The illegal harvest, killing, and trade of plants and animals seriously threatens Australia’s $100 billion agricultural, forestry and fisheries exports, and tourism industry. This Fellowship will develop new digital and wildlife forensic tools to improve the surveillance and detection of illegal activities. These forensic tools and specialised data analysis will enable enforcement agencies to identify and halt the illegal harvest and trade of plants and animals. This project will raise public awareness about wildlife crimes and help change social attitudes towards these crimes. Project outcomes will be adopted through a community of practice approach with industry partners and environmental compliance agencies to help the uptake of forensic tools and analysis. These outcomes will also enable the development of policies for greater protection of natural resources. This multidisciplinary and highly collaborative project will improve environmental biosecurity and help to safeguard Australia’s biodiversity and natural environments for everyone to benefit.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Rational Electrolyte Design and Engineering for Next-Generation Batteries. The fast-growing energy storage market demands new battery technologies with high energy density. Lithium (Li) metal batteries are an ideal solution, although instability of the Li metal/electrolyte interface remains a challenge. The project aims to drive key advancements in electrolyte engineering for Li metal batteries with long life and high safety. Advanced characterisation and computation will reveal the structure-property relationship of electrolyte to build electrolyte design principles. This will contribute to ground-breaking knowledge, commercialisation, and boost Australia’s capability to design and manufacture next-generation energy storage devices for billion-dollar markets in smart grids, portable devices and electric vehicles. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This Project involves cutting-edge experimental and computational research in materials science, chemistry and engineering to design next-generation lithium metal batteries, which offer significant improvements of energy density compared with conventional Lithium Ion technology. This will contribute to long-range EVs and reliability of electricity grids in the shift to clean energy, reduced dependence on fossil fuels/CO2 emissions and increased national energy security. Further key benefits for Australia will be new knowledge in battery chemistry and related manufacturing, to support future access to high-tech markets and help position our industries to develop new energy storage devices. Additionally, from a resource perspective, Australia is the world’s leading producer of mineral resources for the battery materials. This project will help to accelerate Australia's battery manufacturing development to expand further into the battery value chain. Project outcomes will be disseminated via articles, conferences, and social media, with patenting of commercially valuable IP in collaboration with industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Engineered redox polymers for catalytic water purification. This project aims to develop a novel family of chemically and structurally controlled redox polymer as metal-free catalysts for wastewater micropollutant treatment. Innovations lie in the synthesis of high-performance and nanostructured carbon-based materials, multiscale modeling, and in situ characterizations for understanding structure-property relationship in carbon catalysis. Expected outcomes will deliver innovations in functional materials, mechanism, catalytic engineering, and sustainable separation processes. This project will provide significant benefits in renovating smart nanomaterials in advanced manufacturing and clean environmental technologies, promoting Australia’s economic development and environment protection. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering During COVID-19, large amounts of pharmaceuticals (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) were consumed and discharged into Australia’s wastewater from our households, hospitals and quarantine hotels. These hazardous micropollutants cannot be completely removed by traditional wastewater treatment plants and may lead to superbugs in nature. This project will develop a new class of advanced polymer materials for advanced water purification. Through combined theory and experiment, we will generate mass production of low-cost polymers to drive new green nanotechnologies for treating pharmaceutical-contaminated wastewater and drinking water. New technologies will be patented and commercialised for integration into existing wastewater treatment plants and other purification units in medical, petrochemical, farming and mining industries. These advances will provide significant benefits to Australia’s advanced manufacturing and clean environmental technologies, promoting Australia’s economic development and water safety in the post-COVID era.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Towards Internet of Things Enabled Automated Mushroom Cultivation. This project aims to develop novel Internet-of-Things based learning techniques to inform the design and construction of a portable, automated system for the cultivation of mushrooms. The expected outcomes are a portable smart mushroom cultivation system that provides access to new agriculture techniques and local, fresh supplies in rural and remote areas; learning algorithms that detect mushroom ripeness and set the best environmental parameters; and a dataset of mushroom cultivation parameters. These products, and associated training opportunities through a strong focus on public and industry engagement, will benefit the industry partners and horticultural producers to improve resource efficiency, waste reduction, and overall yield. Field of research: 4606 - Distributed Computing and Systems Software The fresh mushroom industry suffers high waste losses (up to 30%) as handling, storage, and transportation can all adversely affect product quality. Using the key industry partner’s existing semi-intelligent, large-scale greenhouse, this project will develop a small-scale, fully automated smart mushroom cultivation system that will transform the current mushroom industry to local growing and harvesting. This will significantly reduce waste. At the same time, the system can maintain an ideal growth environment for optimum yield. Cultivation data collected from the systems will be visualized and summarized in a data platform. Outcomes will benefit the Australian mushroom-growing industry and, in the future, other horticultural crop growers. Further benefits will come from better access to agricultural techniques and fresh produce between rural and urban areas. This project will position Australia as a leading pioneer in smart crop production systems.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Enhancing comprehension of forensic science in the justice system. Failures to effectively communicate the accuracy and reliability of forensic evidence to courts can lead to unreliable convictions and miscarriages of justice. This project aims to understand how best to distil complex information about error and uncertainty in forensic expert opinion evidence for enhanced comprehension of forensic science in the justice system. Outcomes include evidence-based strategies for communicating error and uncertainty in forensic science and an accessible online dashboard for visualising known error rates in forensic disciplines. The knowledge gained from the project will help forensic experts to calibrate how they present their conclusions to courts for improved comprehension and evaluation of forensic evidence. Field of research: 5204 - Cognitive and Computational Psychology Effective communication of forensic evidence in courts is vital to carry out justice. Misunderstandings about complex scientific techniques used to analyse evidence such as fingerprints and DNA can lead to miscarriages of justice, including wrongful convictions. This project aims to provide better communication strategies to improve how forensic science is explained in courts. These strategies will be developed in partnership with forensic scientists using interviews, surveys, experimental testing, and cognitive research into how forensic evidence is understood by people who are not scientists. These strategies will then be implemented through online platforms, with communication guidelines that will be available to all Australian forensic agencies. This will ensure that there are high and consistent standards of practice to assist forensic scientists when they have to give evidence in court. The outcomes of this project will not only reduce the incidences of misunderstanding when forensic science is presented in court, but they will also result in a fairer, more reliable justice system for all Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Development of rapid-response thermal batteries for the global market. In collaboration with Isothermix, this project aims to develop and commercialize cost-effective, rapid-response thermal batteries to meet the air conditioning peak demand of buildings. This project expects to generate new knowledge about the phase change materials which can be used to store thermal energy across a range of temperatures and the highly thermal conductive materials which can be used as a heat exchanger. Expected outcomes include the development of rapid response thermal batteries which can cool buildings across a range of temperatures and site conditions. This should provide significant benefits by reducing primary heating and cooling plant capacity and thereby our reliance on fossil fuels. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The demand for renewable energy is increasing, but solar and wind power can be unreliable since they don't generate electricity continuously, requiring battery storage. This project aims to develop a sustainable, cheap, and more compact thermal battery for use in building cooling systems. We will use safe materials primarily made of salt and water to store heat at the desired temperature and a novel form of heat exchange to quickly store and deliver heat. The use of this battery will improve the efficiency and reliability of the existing building cooling systems while minimizing their environmental impact. For successful adoption, regulatory support and industry willingness to embrace new technologies are needed. This project aligns with the Australian government's Low Emissions Technology Statement, which prioritizes battery storage as a means of reducing emissions. Our team is collaborating with industry partners, including Isothermix, which is already testing the first-generation thermal battery for air conditioners, to encourage the use of innovative batteries in addressing Australia's energy challenges.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Developing a deployment-ready robust controller for wave energy converters. This project aims to improve the economic viability of wave energy converters that convert the power of ocean waves into electricity. It will develop deployment-ready control systems which will effectively predict, model and respond to wave activity, maximising energy production and resulting in an overall reduction in the cost of renewable energy. The fundamental knowledge gained will increase the technology readiness of wave energy and drive the next generation of wave energy converters by improving their commercial viability. This project is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in the global transformation towards clean and affordable low-carbon technologies for domestic and global markets. Field of research: 4008 - Electrical Engineering Australia's transition to net zero emissions by 2050 requires new clean energy sources and storage technologies that are efficient, cost-effective and reliable. The movement of ocean waves can be converted into electricity, with the potential to contribute up to 11% of the national energy demand. However, the biggest challenge for the currently available technology is the significant cost. This project will develop new prediction and modelling techniques to more efficiently convert the energy associated with waves into electricity. The outcome will be a system that can better predict, model and respond to wave activity, maximising energy production and reducing the overall cost. The system will be deployed and validated in the open sea environment with the industry partner, providing pathways to adoption. This will be a step change towards cheaper and more reliable power production. The project will also position the industry partner as a global leader in the field and will enhance Australian leadership in offshore energy innovations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Securing the pipeline of lithium for the renewable energy transition. A major risk to global renewable energy is sustaining the supply of lithium needed for green energy storage via batteries. This project aims to fast-track new lithium resource discoveries, both from conventional hard rock deposits in Australia and newly emerging targets such as saline groundwater reservoirs. It will accelerate our ability to determine how and where lithium ore deposits form in the Australian continent, and develop novel mineral-based exploration tools for rapid and cost-effective discovery of new deposits. This will be advanced by a strong nexus between the minerals industry, government and academia, benefitting Australia as a dominant global lithium supplier by realising the potential of its enormous lithium resources. Field of research: 3705 - Geology Green energy storage in batteries requires lithium. However, projected shortfalls of lithium supply threaten to derail efforts to meet global emissions reduction targets by 2050. Australia, the world’s largest lithium producer, has enormous potential to increase lithium production, provided new lithium resources can be discovered in the immediate future. Working closely with our Key Industry Partner, Core Lithium Ltd, as well as government geological agencies, this project will deliver the new knowledge and novel mineral-based exploration tools needed by industry to accelerate lithium ore discovery. It will not only provide new pathways to fast-track ore discovery with minimal cost but also prioritise low environmental footprints in resource recovery. The outcomes will drive economic and environmental benefits to Australia, cementing its role in responsibly providing the pipeline of lithium needed for the global renewable energy transition. Further, a new Lithium Ore Research Network will be a platform for expanded and ongoing research coordination to benefit lithium ore systems into the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Striving for the path of least herbicide resistance. This project aims to investigate novel strategies to mitigate the rise in herbicide resistance threatening Australian agricultural production and exports. The project expects to pioneer long-term strategies for the development of herbicides that “resist” resistance generation in weeds to prolong their effectiveness. Expected outcomes include advances in the development of single- and multi-target herbicidal compounds with new modes of action, and validation of their potential to yield synergistic combinations and delay the evolution of resistance. This should lay the foundations for significant long-term benefits to farmers and consumers, both in Australia and globally, including increased crop yields and improved food security. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology Weeds represent a major threat to Australia’s $71 billion agricultural industry by drastically reducing the yield and quality of crop plants. Concerningly, Australia ranks second in the world for the largest number of unique herbicide-resistant weeds, yet only one herbicide with a new mode of action has been introduced to the market in the past 40 years. This research will investigate three strategies for designing herbicidal compounds that are less prone to generating resistance in weeds, and therefore remain effective for longer: by identifying new herbicide targets; by developing mixtures of new herbicidal agents to boost efficacy; and by developing herbicides that act against multiple targets in weeds simultaneously. The knowledge generated will contribute to the development of new herbicide technologies. Consequently, the outputs of the project will have long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits, bolstering weed management strategies to improve food production while reducing environmental impact, and pioneering new directions and leadership for globally relevant agricultural research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Photocatalysts for Converting Plastic Wastes into Hydrogen and Chemicals. The aim is to produce new fundamental science for sustainable production of hydrogen and value-added chemicals through a solar-driven photocatalytic approach using abundant plastic wastes and high-performance photocatalysts. A range of active, selective, robust and cheap photocatalysts will be developed for conversion processes at ambient temperatures and pressures, via an interdisciplinary approach combining atomic-level material design principles, in situ/ex situ characterisations and theoretical computations. Expected outcomes will be of high impact for solar energy use, and fuels/chemicals generation. Environmental impact will derive from consuming abundant plastic wastes; helping mitigate plastic contamination of global concern. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering In Australia, 2.5 million tons of plastic waste are generated every year. But only 13% of these plastic waste are recycled and about 130,000 tons of plastic waste are sent to landfill, polluting the environment and threatening the human health through the food chain transfer. This project will utilise Australia’s ample solar energy to convert plastic waste into clean/carbon-free hydrogen fuel and value-added chemicals, using the clean, environmentally-benign and cost-effective photocatalytic technology. The developed technology will be shared with government agencies responsible for resolving plastic-derived energy and environmental issues. This project will also expand the fundamental knowledge in catalysis and materials science, boost the Australian plastic waste upcycling industry/hydrogen industry, alleviate plastics contamination, and reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels in Australia. This project will endeavour to alleviate the environmental pollution caused by plastic waste, benefiting the environment and public health in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Organic Bionics: Soft Materials to Solve Hard Problems in Neuroengineering. This project aims to combine innovations in organic conductors, nanotechnology, 3D biofabrication and neuroengineering to develop a bioelectronic system capable of wireless neuromodulation with unprecedented stability and precision. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding the properties of materials that promote optical neuromodulation and new strategies to obtain long-term material stability in biological environments. The expected outcome is to generate new material design rules to facilitate wireless neuromodulation technologies in biomedical engineering. The project will position Australia as a leader in bionic devices by creating a new 3D bioprinting hub for low-cost fabrication of bioelectronic systems. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering Neural electrodes that can stimulate cells in the human body are a new frontier in biomedical engineering. Current devices are made from hard and stiff materials that suffer problems with long-term stability. This project will develop new organic materials that solves this problem. By systematically studying the links between electrical performance and material nanoscale structure, this project will develop new design rules to enable wireless communication with neurons and develop new strategies to obtain long-term material stability in biological environments. The project will deliver major benefits for the $21B 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 several new highly skilled jobs. This discovery and its subsequent 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

Multiscale geomechanical modelling of basin-scale CO2 storage. This project aims to develop innovative geomechanical models that will provide rapid assessments of the potential for reservoir deformation, including induced seismicity, during geological storage of CO2. The main expected outcome is a multiscale modelling approach that will help to identify storage locations at low risk for deformation and CO2 leakage in regions of little existing geomechanical data. The project will elucidate the technical and commercial viability of CO2 storage in Australia’s Cooper-Eromanga basins and provide broad economic and environmental benefits by reducing the geomechanical uncertainties that provide a barrier to the global need to upscale carbon capture and storage. Field of research: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy Carbon capture and storage is a priority technology required to meet Australian and global goals of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, though its deployment requires considerable upscaling. The most common approach to geological carbon storage is CO2 injection into porous sedimentary rocks, though it is widely known that the injection of fluids (including CO2) into underground geological formations can increase pressures. This can cause faults that are present to weaken and reactivate, which could trigger earthquakes, and allow injected CO2 to escape back to the atmosphere. This project will develop innovative computer models that can be used to identify reservoirs where CO2 injection may trigger earthquakes, and hence assist in the determination of safe and secure sites for underground CO2 storage. Our new approach will be applied to the Cooper-Eromanga Basin in central Australia to help accelerate its status as a leading global hub for carbon capture and storage, whilst contributing to Australia’s energy security and emissions reduction goals.