ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Assessing the quality of financial benchmarks. Australians who pay a mortgage or contribute to superannuation rely on financial benchmarks being fair and efficient. When benchmarks are distorted or manipulated, trust in markets declines, leading to costly inefficiencies and legal disputes. This project aims to assess the quality of financial benchmarks in Australia by developing new methods to detect and reduce price distortions. By analysing key debt, equity, and fund benchmarks, it seeks to improve market fairness, efficiency, and robustness. Expected outcomes include a monitoring tool for regulators, benchmark design recommendations, and policy insights to enhance transparency, strengthen oversight, and increase trust in financial markets. Field of research: 3502 - Banking, Finance and Investment Financial benchmarks play a critical role in Australia's financial markets. Indicators like The Bank Bill Swap Rate (BBSW), the Cash Rate and the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) closing prices determine the prices for trillions of dollars in mortgages and superannuation. Even small errors in these rates can lead to billions in mispriced transactions, directly impacting superannuation funds, home loan repayments and business investments. Given these high stakes, there is an urgent need for systematic evaluation of the quality of financial benchmarks across Australian debt and equity markets. To address this challenge this project employs an innovative noise detection methodology that uses state-space modelling to estimate the benchmark quality. Two key outcomes will be delivered: a tool for regulators to monitor and evaluate benchmark prices, and a set of benchmark quality metrics to shape policy on benchmark design. The project will benefit Australia by increasing investors’ trust in benchmarks and financial market transparency, leading to greater public confidence in the financial system, and promoting financial stability and economic growth. To maximise impact beyond academia, findings will be shared with regulators - the Australian Securities and Investment Commission and the Reserve Bank of Australia to support better benchmark oversight. The research team will also engage with benchmark administrators at the ASX to promote best practices in benchmark design.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Corrosion-resistant catalysts for stable and scalable seawater electrolysis. This project aims to develop corrosion-resistant catalysts for stable seawater electrolysis, providing a robust solution to the critical challenge of anode degradation in chloride-rich environments. By combining advanced material synthesis, in-situ characterisation, and device integration, it seeks to enhance catalyst stability and efficiency in green hydrogen production. Expected outcomes include innovative synthesis methods, new insights into anti-corrosion mechanisms, and engineering breakthroughs from the molecular to industrial scale. This research will contribute to Australia’s renewable energy transition by advancing sustainable technologies and enabling large-scale green hydrogen production to support national net-zero targets. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Australia, with its vast coastline and abundant seawater resources, is uniquely positioned to lead development of sustainable hydrogen production via the process of electrolysis. However, seawater electrolysis is hindered by the lack of durable and efficient catalysts (materials that speed up chemical reactions) that can endure the seawater environment. This project will advance corrosion resistant metal-glass catalysts to enable stable and scalable seawater electrolysis, directly supporting Australia’s hydrogen strategy and the move towards a net-zero economy by 2050. Through multi-scale innovation that involves new materials science, new insights into degradation processes, rational design strategies, and optimisation for device integration, the research will produce novel catalysts to enhance energy security, reduce reliance on freshwater resources, and stimulate economic growth. The outcomes will help strengthen Australian leadership in clean energy and electrolyser manufacturing, opening the way for investment and industry partnerships. The project’s engagement with industry, government, and the community via workshop presentations, reports, and broader outreach, will ensure its findings are widely shared and adopted. These efforts will support environmental benefits by lowering carbon emissions and fostering sustainable energy practices while delivering significant economic returns for Australia and positioning us as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

3D Printing Facility for Precision Micro & Nano Photonics. This project aims to create a 3D Printing Facility for Precision Micro & Nano Photonics that enables high-speed and precise fabrication of complex optical micro-structures with nano-scale features, ultra-smooth surfaces and high-accuracy alignment. This is expected to achieve seamless integration of optical fibres and photonic chips with each other and their environment, which is crucial for their practical deployment outside of well-controlled laboratories. Expected outcomes of the proposed facility include the convergence of multiple disciplines and the fostering of innovation, enabling research in quantum technology, secure communications, bioimaging, sensing, materials science and more—ultimately accelerating industrial translation. Field of research: 4009 - Electronics, Sensors and Digital Hardware The advancement of imaging, sensing, quantum computing, and super-fast communication technologies requires compact, high-performance photonic devices that can seamlessly interface with each other. Currently Australia lacks the capability for creating such interfaces. The proposed facility will overcome this technological gap by bringing a world-class capability to Australia that allows precise printing of micro and nano photonic components needed for realising the critical interfacing between advanced photonic devices into fully integrated systems. The proposed facility will operate as a shared and open-access research facility. The cutting-edge and portable photonic systems that will be enabled by the facility will create wide economic benefits across multiple industries by addressing diverse needs in areas such as environmental monitoring, Defence and National Security, telecommunication and health industries. Additional social benefits will be realised by increasing Australia’s competitiveness in imaging, sensing, information, and communication sectors. For example, this facility will enable 1) efficiently interconnected photonic chips to create systems for precision sensing and high-speed communication and 2) non- or minimal-invasively fibre devices to image and sense in previously inaccessible regions in brain, heart and embryos. Project outcomes will be communicated to the public through media releases, social media and proactive engagement with the media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Metal Isotope Facility for Advanced Research. This project aims to establish a reaction cell multi-collector mass spectrometry facility to enable a step change in research focused on novel isotope tracing of metals in geological, biological and man-made materials and settings. Expected outcomes of this project include new analytical capabilities such as online separation of elemental and isotope interferences via a reaction cell technology, which helps to overcome current analytical limitations and challenges for high-precision metal isotope measurements, radionuclide tracing and geochronology applications. This should provide significant benefits pertinent to resource exploration, ore processing, environmental and agricultural studies, as well as nuclear sciences and radiation safety. Field of research: 3703 - Geochemistry This project aims to address a pressing need for advanced isotope analysis of metals via the next-generation mass spectrometry instrumentation with relevance to geological, environmental, biological, agricultural and nuclear sciences. The research gap that it addresses is the lack of equipment dedicated to high-precision and interference-free isotope analysis of metals and radionuclides in natural and human-made settings. Such innovative research approaches will benefit Australians in many ways including the priority science areas of national significance. Economically, novel analytical capabilities will allow for more advanced and de-risked strategies to discover critical mineral resources in Australia. Environmentally, the project will help to mitigate climate change via a new and metal-isotope based quantification of carbon sequestration through CO2 mineralization. Additionally, the development of new isotope techniques will facilitate improved monitoring of metal pollution and radionuclide detection in the environment. The project will also provide social benefits, related to food security, via novel isotope tracing of metal nutrients for plant growth and sustainable crop development in generally nutrient-poor Australian soils. The outcomes of this project will be promoted beyond academia through engagement with industry partners and stakeholders to showcase the benefits of next-generation mass spectrometry to encourage its adoption and future investment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unlocking the potential of radiogenic isotopes for ocean conservation. Monitoring biodiversity is key to understanding and managing ecosystem health. The development of radiogenic isotopes for tracking terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity has become a gold standard because of their precision and predictability. But the poster child of radiogenic isotopes, strontium, does not work in marine systems. This project aims to road test a radiogenic isotope that is suitable for marine biodiversity: neodymium. This project expects to establish neodymium isotopes as a go-to method for tracking diverse marine organisms, from sharks to sea snails, and generating crucial data on their mobility and origins. This project should result in improved monitoring and conservation of marine biodiversity under threat. Field of research: 3103 - Ecology Australia’s oceans and coastlines are a core part of our national identity and lifestyle, and the ocean economy is growing two to three times faster than the rest of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, our capacity to monitor the health and life of our oceans is poor compared to our capacity to monitor life on land. This project aims to balance the scales between land and sea by developing an innovative go-to method to monitor and track marine biodiversity. The method will be applicable to a diverse array of marine life, from sharks to sea snails, and provide practical information on a species’ movement and geographic origins. Such information could help natural resource managers to better protect endangered species, optimise sustainable fisheries production, the placement of marine protected areas, or even determine whether seafood products originate from sustainable sources, a growing concern for consumers. As such, this project expects to improve the monitoring and conservation of marine biodiversity under threat, benefiting Australians economically, environmentally, and socially. To communicate and promote the translation of project outcomes and future possibilities beyond academia, a comprehensive media and outreach strategy will be implemented, alongside targeted communications to natural resource managers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing next-generation fast-charging and high-energy batteries. Fast-charging lithium-ion batteries are essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, but current anode materials limit charging speed and battery lifespan. This project will develop innovative interfacial engineering strategies to enhance lithium-ion transport and stability in commercial graphite, silicon, and lithium metal anodes. By regulating interfacial solvation structures and solid electrolyte interphase composition, this research aims to achieve safe and efficient fast charging while maintaining high energy density and long cycle life. The outcomes will advance battery technology, benefiting Australia’s energy sector and accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project aims to solve the challenge in the development of lithium-ion batteries by making them faster to charge, with higher energy density, and longer life. The focus will be on improving the lithium ion transport speed at the electrode/electrolyte interface, aiming to enhance the fast-charging performance of graphite anodes and next-generation materials such as silicon and lithium metal. By designing optimised interfacial structure, the project aims to enable fast charging in batteries with energy densities over 350 Wh kg-1. This will benefit Australia by creating more sustainable energy storage solutions, essential for electric vehicles, and contribute to Australia’s net-zero emission goals. The project will also strengthen Australia’s position in the global battery market, creating new commercial opportunities for local industries. These advancements will foster economic growth, improve energy security, and support the transition to cleaner energy. To ensure the broadest impact, the findings will be shared with the energy sector, manufacturers, and policymakers through workshops, industry collaborations, and public outreach to promote our research. The project will help inform energy policies and improve industry standards for battery technologies. Results will be shared through open-access publications, media platforms, and partnerships to support the uptake of these innovations across Australia and internationally.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Reaping Clean Power: Sustainable Energy Integration in Protected Cropping. This project aims to address the heavy dependence on fossil fuels in protected cropping systems by integrating low-carbon energy solutions that are tailored to Australia’s diverse climate zones. It expects to generate new knowledge in environmental and techno-economic assessment of renewable energy for high-tech glasshouses and vertical farms, advancing data-driven methods for reducing emissions and costs. Anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive framework for energy optimisation, improved resource efficiency, and guidelines for industry adoption. This will provide significant benefits, including strengthening food security, enhancing Australia’s leadership in sustainable agricultural practices, and transitioning to a net zero economy. Field of research: 3008 - Horticultural Production Australia’s high-tech protected cropping systems, including glasshouses and plant factories, produce fresh food year-round but are highly energy-intensive relying heavily on fossil fuels. This increases costs for growers and contributes to carbon emissions, undermining Australia’s Net Zero 2050 commitments. This research will develop sustainable, cost-effective strategies to integrate solar and bioenergy into protected cropping, reducing energy costs, cutting emissions, and enhancing food security. Project outputs are expected to benefit Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy while strengthening domestic food production and rural economies in the medium to long term (5 – 10 years). Lower energy costs will improve farm profitability, enhancing Australian horticulture’s competitiveness globally (valued at $2.75 billion, 2023-24). This aligns with the Australian Government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ economic plan ($22.7 billion from 2024-25) and multiple National Reconstruction Fund priority areas on low emission technologies and value-added agriculture. The research team will share the outcomes with Australian protected cropping industry through conferences, social media, public engagement workshops, and foster collaboration to support uptake. Industry’s use of our integrated energy scenarios in their sector will benefit Australian farmers, consumers, and the environment, positioning Australia as a global leader in climate-smart agriculture.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Developing the Climate Heritage Resilience Framework for Indigenous Futures. This project will generate new knowledge on the impacts of climate change on Indigenous heritage in the Kaurareg Archipelago, southwestern Torres Strait, and develop an innovative, scalable Climate Heritage Resilience Framework. It will integrate predictive climate risk modelling, advanced digital heritage documentation, 'braiding' it with Indigenous Traditional Knowledge to identify, record, and monitor at-risk cultural sites with unprecedented accuracy. By co-developing practical, community-led adaptation strategies, this research will deliver tangible outcomes for Indigenous governance, national disaster resilience planning, and climate policy, ensuring cultural heritage protection amid climate crisis is proactive, rather than reactive. Field of research: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History Australia’s Indigenous cultural heritage is under immediate threat from climate change, particularly in low-lying coastal regions such as the Torres Strait. Rising sea levels, storm surges, and erosion are actively damaging sites of cultural, historical, and spiritual significance, endangering Indigenous knowledge, identity, and wellbeing. Despite this, Australia lacks a systematic, Indigenous-led approach to identifying, documenting, and safeguarding at risk heritage. This project directly benefits Australia by developing a Climate Heritage Resilience Framework in collaboration with the Kaurareg community. By integrating predictive climate risk modelling, digital documentation, and Indigenous-led monitoring, it will provide practical tools for site protection while strengthening national disaster resilience strategies. Findings will be actively translated into policy and management frameworks through: targeted briefings and workshops, community-led training sessions, collaboration with Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and national agencies, and policy recommendations for heritage adaptation. The project supports Closing the Gap targets by enhancing Indigenous leadership, data sovereignty, and digital skills. By safeguarding irreplaceable cultural heritage and fostering Indigenous-led climate resilience, this research provides long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits, ensuring that Australia's Indigenous heritage is protected for future generations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Whole-of-Community approaches to regional migration, settlement & retention. This project aims to investigate diverse migrant settlement and retention in regional communities, a major priority for governments and regional stakeholders. It will refine and deploy a novel ‘Whole-of-Community’ conceptual framework that prioritises regional voices. It will generate new knowledge by using an innovative interdisciplinary, comparative, extensive, multiple methods approach over 4 years. Expected outcomes include producing rich analytical data and insights into migrant settlement/retention focusing on the NT, SA, NSW and Victoria. The project’s benefits will include new knowledge to inform migrant settlement policies across all levels of government, leading to better regional settlement outcomes for all stakeholders. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology While Federal and State policies drive regional migration policies, local communities lead the successful day-to-day settlement and retention of migrants: from local government authorities, to businesses, to churches, to sporting clubs, local people in regional Australia do the heavy lifting. Given record net overseas migrant growth rates and disruptions to long-standing internal migration patterns, policymakers and stakeholders urgently need to deepen their understanding of diverse local contexts that enable migrants to settle cohesively. This project will plug critical gaps by using an innovative ‘Whole-of-Community’ framework and comparative analysis to generate insights into the retention and onward mobility of diverse migrant groups in the NT, SA, NSW, and VIC. The national and local economic, cultural, and social benefits will be widespread, enabling all levels of government to support communities effectively and communities themselves to share innovative approaches to migrant/refugee settlement. The project has built promotion of research outcomes beyond academia into its core mission: through the direct involvement of numerous partner organisations; dissemination of public reports to regional and state-based local organisations; mainstream media and social media engagement; the creation of a public-facing website with user-friendly resources; participation in key migration conferences; and the creation of stakeholder industry reports.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

An advanced and sustainable precursor for biofuels and plastics from agave. This project aims to advance Australia’s positioning in the global transition to a net zero economy by leveraging potential from the high-biomass, climate-resistant plant, agave. Using the transformational 3 -methylanisole technology from VIA BioFuels, the project will develop yeasts that are effective and efficient in converting plant juice into sustainable biofuels and green materials. Expected outcomes include optimised and validated technologies and capacity for a valuable Australian-grown agave-for-biomaterials industry. The project should provide significant benefits, such as improved use and productivity of otherwise non-arable land, and renewable feedstocks to suit a range of applications for Australia’s carbon-neutral future. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology This project will establish production of versatile and valuable green chemicals from sustainable agave extracts. The core technology, patented by VIA BioFuels, will enable genetically engineered yeast strains to synthesise 3-methylanisole (3-MA), a high-energy-density drop-in fuel alternative and precursor for sustainable aviation fuel and bio-based materials, including plastics like polyester. The research will accelerate cost-effective biofuel production from agave, a high-yielding, drought-resistant biomass plant with the ability to grow on underutilised marginal land with minimal inputs, boosting the production potential for this alternative crop for farmers across all regions of Australia. Fermentation of agave juice will remove energy-intensive biomass pre-conversion, reducing costs and maximising industry profits. Establishing an efficient, world-first, agave-to-3-MA conversion process will directly benefit Australia’s low carbon liquid fuel industry by expanding renewable energy markets, strengthening energy security, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This will assist in transition to zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in Australia’s Bioenergy Roadmap. Research outcomes will be disseminated through a newly established agave peak body with membership including growers, bioenergy companies and industry end-users, whilst attendance at EvokeAg and Australian Renewable Fuels Week will facilitate broader contact with the agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Sustainable Residential Framing Systems using Recycled Plastics and Fibres. The project aims to develop pultruded recycled plastic composite (PRPC)-based residential framing systems that incorporate waste plastics and recycled plastic fibres. The PRPC materials will initially be developed. Structural members that employ PRPC will then be developed using pultrusion technology, followed by the development of residential framing systems. The expected outcomes include sustainable and durable PRPC, structural members and framing systems through experimental validation, numerical and analytical prediction models, design guidance and field investigation. The project promotes sustainable infrastructure by increasing Australia's plastic recycling capacity and easing the current disruption to the residential housing sector. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Disruption to the construction industry due to shortages in materials, price increases, and labour delays, is causing tremendous strain on society. The strain is being particularly felt in the housing sector, and such disruption can be a factor that is exacerbating the housing crisis. This disruption, however, presents an opportunity to innovate in the sector and also incorporate sustainability and circularity into the solution. In collaboration with Partner Organisations Forte Frame Technology and Studio Kite, the project aims to develop a sustainable and durable residential framing system utilising waste plastics and recycled fibres, whilst adhering to the principles of circularity. The project will develop appropriate pultruded recycled plastic composite (PRPC) materials and members as an alternative to timber and steel, with accompanying design guidelines. All research will be underpinned by extensive experimental testing, along with numerical and analytical studies and a full-scale field application. This technology is also expected to be applicable to commercial and industrial construction applications. The project will produce economic, social and environmental advantages by lessening dependence on in-demand construction materials and increasing the use of waste plastics. Beyond academia, research outcomes will be promoted through industry forums such as Trade Shows and training programs. Non-academic interest groups will be informed through online and print media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

3D Printed FRP Reinforced Energy-Storable Concrete Thermal Insulation Panel. This project pioneers an innovative 3D-printed FRP-reinforced energy-saving concrete for thermal insulation panels. By integrating advanced concrete with phase-change materials and digital construction, it aims to develop sustainable, high-performance thermal insulation panels that enhance infrastructure resilience and adaptation to climate change. The research focuses on energy-saving phase-change capsules, FRP reinforcement and 3D printing techniques. Through multidisciplinary research and industry collaboration, this initiative will strengthen building sustainability, reduce maintenance costs, and support Australia’s carbon reduction goals, reinforcing its leadership in advanced construction technologies. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering This project advances Australia’s construction industry by developing an innovative 3D printed and energy-storable concrete for thermal insulation panels. The research addresses key national challenges, including rising energy costs, material durability, and environmental sustainability, by creating smarter, more efficient building materials. By reducing maintenance needs through FRP reinforcement, the project will extend the lifespan of buildings, cutting repair costs and minimizing construction waste. The integration of energy-saving phase-change materials into 3D printable concrete enhances thermal performance, lowering heating and cooling demands, which is crucial for reducing household energy bills and carbon emissions. This research directly supports Australia’s commitment to carbon neutrality by promoting sustainable materials and minimizing reliance on resource-intensive traditional construction. The digital construction approach addresses labor shortages by streamlining building processes and improving efficiency. Through close industry collaboration, the project ensures that research outcomes are scalable and commercially viable, fostering local manufacturing opportunities and boosting Australia’s position as a global leader in advanced construction technologies. The results will directly benefit industries, policymakers, and communities, driving economic, environmental, and social progress for a more sustainable future.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Hunting the Most Extreme Accelerators in our Galaxy Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Mining soil microbiomes for bioactives to combat antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a global crisis affecting veterinary, medical, and agricultural industries and is driven by the overuse of antibiotics. This project aims to mine soil microbes for novel antimicrobial agents to act as probiotics or biocontrol agents against livestock pathogens and reduce the need for antibiotics in intensive farming operations. New knowledge on the Australian soil microbiome will be generated by the innovative combination of microbiology and advanced omics approaches. The project will bring significant environmental and economic benefits to Australia by providing sustainable, cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional antimicrobials to improve animal husbandry and ensure Australia's food security. Field of research: 3107 - Microbiology This project addresses the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance, a global crisis that costs the veterinary, medical, and agricultural industries billions of dollars annually in Australia and worldwide. The overuse of antimicrobials, particularly in food-producing animals, drives this crisis, creating an urgent need to limit their use. Intensive farming operations rely on antibiotics as a preventative measure to ensure animal health and stop the transfer of pathogens to humans. Our project aims to develop sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional antimicrobials, leveraging the rich and underexploited microbial diversity of Australian soil bacteria. The anticipated results will translate into substantial economic benefits for primary producers and the broader Australian community. This project is expected to substantially reduce economic losses in animal husbandry, enhance productivity, ensure food security, and create opportunities for the development of new products and technologies. The research team will actively engage with industry partners, policymakers, and the public to ensure the findings are widely understood and can be translated into practical applications. This will be achieved through a comprehensive outreach strategy that includes workshops, media outreach, newsletters, community events, and open days. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, we aim to maximize the impact of our research and contribute to a sustainable future.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Practical Mechanisms to Improve the Efficiency of Land Assembly Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Shining light on novel strategies to improve crop water use efficiency Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Practical Mechanisms to Improve the Efficiency of Land Assembly Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unravelling the bactericidal biomechanics of nanoengineered surfaces Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Exploring Rural Women's Needs for Creative Spaces Through Co-design Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Shining light on novel strategies to improve crop water use efficiency. Crop production uses >50% of Australia’s fresh water. With droughts and heatwaves predicted to increase, reducing crop water use while maintaining yield is a national priority. This project aims to identify new regulators that reduce plant water loss. A ground-breaking approach combining innovative light-activated ion transporters with single cell transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics is expected to deliver new targets for breeding or genetic manipulation, and demonstrate the utility of these cutting-edge tools for discovery. Likely outcomes include translation of findings from model plants to canola and providing validated candidates for extension to other crops to benefit food sovereignty and agricultural sustainability. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology Australian crop yields have stalled in the past thirty years despite improvements in agronomy and genetics, primarily due to shifting weather patterns and reduced rainfall. With forecasts for climate and crop growth predicted to worsen, and crops already accounting for 57% of national freshwater consumption, finding new ways for crops to use water more efficiently while maintaining or improving yield is a currently stated government and industry priority. This project will employ cutting-edge light-activated proteins, synthetic biology, and molecular analyses to identify novel genetic controls of plant water loss, validate learnings in the drought-sensitive crop canola (worth $6.6B), and test the limits of reducing plant water consumption without impacting yield in a commercial indoor farm environment. Project outputs will include traditional high-impact academic and industry publications, presentations at forums, a developed pathway for industry translation, and the production of videos and online stories to inspire the public, and to assist with advocacy for the utility of discovery science. Our targeted strategic research aims to provide future options for protecting primary production and farmer profits, as a contribution to maintaining a resilient and sustainable $71B agricultural sector, which accounts for 11% of our nations exports, and is a mainstay of rural economies and our nation’s food sovereignty.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Constraining the Standard Model with precision simulations of Kaon... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

How individual variation drives collective motion. A key yet unrealistic assumption of many collective motion models is that individuals are identical. This project aims to extend these models and build a unified framework to predict animal collective motion when individuals have heterogeneous influence on the collective. It will study (a) locusts, a major agricultural pest, where behaviour is linked to hunger and individuals appear identical to conspecifics and (b) sheep, a core Australian livestock, where individuals recognise each other and build social relationships. The strength of this project is its multispecies and multi-disciplinary approach, linking biological experiments, data science and mathematical biology to improve predictive tools used to manage these groups. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics The collective movement of large animal groups is governed by interactions between individuals and their environment. Current mathematical models allow us to test hypotheses about how group-level properties, such as shape, direction and cohesion, emerge from individual behaviour but rely on the over-simplistic assumption that individuals are behaviourally identical. This project will employ a novel combination of experiments, data science, and modelling to investigate the impact of individual differences such as hunger or familiarity on collective movement. The ability to better predict animal movements will provide the agricultural industry with new insights into how to minimise pest damage and/or optimise resource use by livestock. Our work will focus on locusts and sheep as case studies. A predictive model of locust movement will be a key step towards optimised biopesticide spraying, reducing the cost and environmental impact of protecting Australia’s crops. A better understanding of how livestock groups move across paddocks to find feed will help farmers identify strategies for managing herds more effectively in challenging conditions such as drought or extreme heat. Ultimately, insights from this project will underpin the design of new digital management tools. We will share our findings with end-users through our links to organisations such as the Australian Plague Locust Commission and Meat and Livestock Australia, so our research can inform improved on-farm practices.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Re-storying Arnhem Land's Aboriginal Knowledge Holders. This project aims to re-story the lives and knowledge of Aboriginal Elders who worked with anthropologists Ronald and Catherine Berndt in Arnhem Land from 1940s–1970s. The Berndt fieldnotes have recently (2024) emerged from embargo, providing a unique opportunity to foreground and reclaim the contributions of Aboriginal participants in their long-term collaboration. Combining archival/collection research and oral history recording, this community-led research expects to produce new biographies of key Aboriginal Elders, re-centring their experiences in anthropological research; and to repatriate digital archival materials. Planned outputs (a book, short films, and an exhibition) will be used to support community arts and cultural programs. Field of research: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History This research will reclaim and re-story the cultural legacy of key Aboriginal knowledge holders from Arnhem Land, whose contributions have long been under-recognised. By revealing and reinterpreting the rich collections held by the Berndt Museum, the project challenges and transforms entrenched colonial narratives, positioning Aboriginal voices at the centre of Australia’s research history. Aboriginal communities lead this process, using oral histories, biographies, films, and exhibitions to share accounts of resilience, knowledge, and connection to Country. The re-storying of these histories will not only reinvigorate community pride and cultural identity, it will have wide-reaching societal benefits. It will enhance our understanding of globally significant collections, support local cultural programs, and contribute to the development of museological best practice. By highlighting the role of Aboriginal knowledge in the Berndt’s anthropological research, the project strengthens links between cultural preservation and improved health and well-being outcomes for Aboriginal communities. To maximise the impact of these outcomes beyond academia, the project engages public audiences through exhibitions, digital media, and community-led storytelling. Ultimately, this initiative sets a global benchmark for elevating Aboriginal contributions to research and collections, demonstrating how public investment in research can generate economic, social, and cultural value.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Aperiodic neural activity across time. The aperiodic signal that pervades human brain activity changes over the lifespan and explains individual differences in cognitive function. Yet, the physiological and behavioural impacts of aperiodic signal fluctuations over shorter time scales remain unclear. This project aims to investigate the effects of time-varying aperiodic neural activity on human cognitive performance, brain excitability and neuroplasticity. This will be delivered by a closed-loop approach, using brain signals recorded in real time to target momentary shifts in aperiodic activity and infer direct causal relationships. Benefits include a detailed mechanistic understanding of how dynamic fluctuations in aperiodic neural activity across time affect human behaviour. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology The human brain always displays a pattern of activity, known as ‘aperiodic activity’, which is related to development and thinking abilities. This pattern can shift suddenly within an individual from one second to the next, but the functional significance of these changes is unknown. We aim to address this research gap by combining measures of human electrical brain activity, non-invasive brain stimulation, and behavioural assessment, to determine the importance of changes in aperiodic activity and how changes relate to thinking skills. We will use an innovative world-first approach to record aperiodic activity in real time, providing pioneering causal evidence linking rapid changes in this brain signal to behaviour. The outcomes will ultimately lead to new strategies for optimising brain plasticity and improved cognitive performance. Potential benefits to Australians are vast and extend across several domains, such as enhancing learning outcomes in educational settings, boosting workplace productivity in cognitively demanding jobs, and in health settings where changing brain activity can improve well-being and quality of life. To enable the adoption of our research, the outcomes and innovative techniques will be shared with the research community and the broader public via open-access journals, conferences, public lectures, and media outlets.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing the Integration of Greenery and Solar Energy for Buildings. Trees reduce urban heat but can block rooftop solar panels from direct sunlight, resulting in less electricity generated. This project aims to advance the integration of greenery and solar energy for buildings under different scenarios by employing urban analysis and building performance monitoring with simulations. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the interactions among urban greening, building energy consumption, and solar power generation. It will produce Australia’s first greenery-solar integrated utilisation guidelines for built environment. This should help governments in formulating better urban designs addressing greenery-solar trade-offs, improve thermal comfort and foster better living environment for Australians. Field of research: 3301 - Architecture Urban developments everywhere face a dilemma: the trade-off between urban greening and solar panels. While trees help mitigate the urban heat-island effect by shading buildings, this shade reduces the electricity generated from rooftop solar panels. We will develop Australia’s first guidelines for integrating greenery and solar utilisation in the built environment, by innovatively combining various simulations with real-world monitoring. This project will reveal, for the first time globally, the complex relationships among urban greening, indoor-outdoor thermal conditions, building energy consumption and electricity generation of solar panels. In Australia, about 35% of households have solar panels, and on average, 30% of urban areas are covered by tree canopies. This project enables Australians to benefit from the cooling effect of trees without compromising their rooftop PV performance, thereby maintaining low energy bills. It enables local councils nationwide to better select and place trees in public spaces, minimising the impact on residents’ solar panels. Globally, this research will position Australian cities at the forefront of liveable cities by showcasing how conflicting sustainability pathways can be effectively coordinated in urban developments. The guidelines will be shared with urban planners and developers, city councils, homeowners, architects, landscape architects, garden nurseries, and researchers to upskill relevant stakeholders and educate customers.