Griffith University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A microfluidic platform for optimised detection of protein complexes. This project aims to develop an integrated lab-on-a-chip platform interfacing droplet-based microfluidics with conventional mass spectrometry. The platform detects suitable protein complexes using a fraction of the samples used in conventional tools. The system creates droplets on demand, injects and mixes a controlled volume of reagents into a single droplet using an array of embedded electrodes. This technology will screen drug-like samples. This technology is expected to replace traditional time-consuming drug screening techniques, and reduce time and cost of drug discovery. Its commercialisation would complement the existing tools in the pharmaceutical industry. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Self-calibrating quantum devices. This project aims to improve control over quantum systems. It will develop self-calibrating quantum devices, the equivalent of Noise Cancelling Headphones for quantum systems. The project will create filtering protocols, suppressing characterised noise via appropriate controls. This is expected to lead to greater control over systems, demanded by quantum computers and nano devices, like next generation computer chips. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Radical right populist parties. This project aims to explain why some radical right-wing populists in Western democracies enter governmental alliances with mainstream parties while others remain isolated. The emergence, spread and electoral success of radical right populists is a problem facing liberal democracy in the twenty-first century. While these parties’ policies, ideologies and rhetoric are similar, their relationships with mainstream parties are different. By examining explanatory factors that Political Science studies have so far been neglected, this project seeks to explain this variation and explore its implications for coalition theory. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A defect mechanism for oxygen reduction reaction. This project aims to use defective carbon to replace expensive platinum as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Defective carbons incorporating non-precious metals are better than platinum in terms of over-potential, current density and number of electron transfer. They reduce the overall fuel cell cost but their better stability and higher open voltage and power density promise huge commercial benefit. This project is expected to be important for large-scale implementation of fuel cells. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Subband centroids and deep neural networks for robust speech recognition. This project aims to improve the robustness and accuracy of automatic speech and speaker recognition systems. Though these systems work reasonably well in noise-free environments, their performance deteriorates drastically even in the presence of a small amount of noise. To overcome this problem, this project proposes a missing-feature approach for robust speech and speaker recognition. This approach is expected to make the speech and speaker recognition systems less sensitive to additive background noise and make them more useful in telecommunications and business. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Content and source of teasing and victimisation in adolescents. This project aims to determine the content and source of teasing that are most toxic for adolescents' personal adjustment. Rejection, teasing and victimisation can distress teens, and cause eating disorders, body and muscle distortion, social anxiety and depression. This project will investigate these associations and discover whether teasing is more toxic depending on the content, and if the teaser’s sex causes more mental health problems. It will examine how coping, competence and support from others protect against the toxicity of teasing. The project expects to develop a theoretical model that guides effective intervention and identify factors that protect against the toxicity of teasing. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The production, use and effect of social work research. This project aims to reform social work research to improve the quality and effectiveness of human services. The human services industry is vital to many people’s quality of life, but lacks innovation and struggles to demonstrate its effectiveness. Crucially for social work, research expands thinking about how to respond to social disadvantage. This project intends to examine the scope and quality of Australian social work research in child protection, disability services, and aged care; assess the use of this research to the human services sector and its effect on generating innovation; and develop strategies to advance the production, uptake, and effect of social work research. Field of research: 1607 - Social Work

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Ultimate quantum limits to coherence. This project aims to discover the ultimate quantum limits to optical coherence. Quantum physics underpin the miniaturisation of technology, and quantum devices can do things better, often with vastly fewer resources, than conventional devices. Lasers underpin most modern optical technologies, and have been studied for decades, but the ultimate quantum limits are unknown. To find them, this project will use theoretical techniques that have not hitherto been combined. This project will likely influence the long-term development of lasers and other quantum devices and underpin innovation in miniaturised optical technology and other quantum devices, leading ultimately to commercial products that yield a better quality of life. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Rethinking the public inquiry on science, technology and environmental change. The project aims to strengthen public inquiry as a policy tool in governance transitions about controversial science and technology. The adequacy of public inquiry in Australia as an authoritative ‘advisory mechanism’ on the promising benefits and (socio-) environmental effects of ‘big’ science and technology is a growing public policy problem. The project will review whether the public inquiry is too decoupled from governance and environmental change. Through transdisciplinary participatory conduits, a deeper inquiry capacity is expected to address important national challenges of sustainability, economic and social prosperity, energy security, climate change and international competitiveness. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The origins of Australia's non-Pama-Nyungan speaking people. This project aims to test the likelihood of multiple migrations into Australia before European arrival and determine if the phylogenetic relationships among non-Pama-Nyungan languages is mirrored by their speakers’ genomic phylogenetic relationships. The non-Pama-Nyungan First People of Australia speak an extraordinary number and diversity of Aboriginal languages, but the origins of these languages and the genomic diversity of the people who speak them are only now starting to be understood. There is a remarkable concordance between the Pama-Nyungan languages and the genomic diversity of their speakers. This research could show whether genomes change languages or vice versa, or whether they evolve together over time. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Policing in a multicultural society. This project aims to explore how immigrants respond to police and to identify strategies police can use to improve relationships with immigrant communities. Police rely on the public to report victimisation, crime incidents and terrorist threats, but new immigrants can be reluctant to engage with police. This project will explore why immigrants disengage from police and examine how immigrants perceive and respond to procedural justice policing, an approach that emphasises respect, voice and fair treatment. It is anticipated the project outcomes will improve police relationships with immigrants and help to prevent crime and terrorism. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Risk and resilience in children of incarcerated mothers. This project aims to identify conditions that promote risk and resilience in children of incarcerated mothers. There are over 2,800 female prisoners in Australia, a 60% increase in 10 years. At least half are mothers. There is little research on maternal incarceration, but it is widely known that paternal incarceration severely affects children's psycho-social and behavioural outcomes, heightening risks for chronic offending. Maternal incarceration should be even more consequential, with chronic offending of offspring estimated to cost Australians over $336 million. This project should provide a critical base for theory, policy and service development. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Low cost solution-processable 2D nanomaterials for smart windows. This project aims to develop low cost and scalable synthesis of the active functional nanomaterials in smart windows, their facile application techniques, and their integration into the glass manufacturing process. Smart windows, with thermochromic and electrochromic functionalities, will play important roles towards efficient energy usage and conservation (in terms of air-conditioning and lighting) in most buildings including offices, schools, and residential homes. . The intended outcome of this project is to facilitate the commercialisation of low-cost, energy-saving smart windows for efficient energy usage and conservation, which is an integral part of a sustainable environment. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Coastal Engineering Research Field Station (CERFS). This project aims to establish a Coastal Engineering Research Field Station (CERFS) with instrument modules for measuring waves, tides, currents, seabed and beach profiles and sediment characteristics. There are critical knowledge gaps in the understanding of coastal processes, including the effects of climate variability and change, and a need to generate long-term data-sets for calibration of coastal models against Australian conditions. The coastal process data obtained will lead to improved models, management strategies and design guidelines improving techniques to address coastal infrastructure design, beach management strategies and impact assessment to meet the challenges of future major coastal development. This will help decision-makers to reduce the risk to coastal communities, coastal ecosystems and maritime operations from extreme storms, climate change, infrastructure development and urbanisation. Field of research: 0911 - Maritime Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Improved interviewing framework in sexual assault cases. This project aims to provide a better interview framework to be used by police in the investigation and possible prosecution of sexual assault allegations. The current interview framework used around the world was not specifically designed for adult sexual assault complainants and has been intensely criticised. This project will design a revised interview framework that meets the complex investigative and evidential requirements for these interviews. This is expected to increase just outcomes and victim satisfaction with the criminal justice response. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Functionalising sustainable natural binders for energy storage devices. This project aims to produce low-cost energy storage devices to meet the energy demands and safety requirements of electric appliances, electric vehicles and smart electricity grids. High-cost and non-regenerable resources and existing energy storage devices’ safety issues have hindered the electrification of portable electronic devices and vehicles and use of intermittent solar and wind energy. This project will use sustainable natural polymers to develop green electrode technologies for manufacturing batteries with greatly reduced production and environmental cost. The in-depth understandings from the combination of experiments and computation simulations will help create strategies to realise low cost, long-life and safe batteries. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Superior silicon carbide nanoscale sensors (SCANS) for harsh environments. This project aims to demonstrate a large increase in sensitivity, ultra-fast response, and super robust characteristics of nanoscale sensors suitable for harsh environment applications. Sensors in mining, power and aerospace industries must function properly in high temperature, aggressive chemical erosion, and high impact environments. Silicon carbide (SiC) sensors formed using a unique growth process of SiC films on large-diameter silicon wafers can meet these requirements through nanoscale structures. This project expects to bring direct economic benefits to the resource and manufacturing sectors, creating valuable intellectual property and new jobs for Australians. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The unknown ‘Ice Age’ artists of Borneo. This project aims to shift the focus of the search for art’s origins onto important new horizons. Who were the first artists? When and why did it become second nature for humans not simply to exist within the natural world, but to encode it with images of things both real and imagined? The discovery of cave paintings in Sulawesi and more recently in Borneo dating to at least 40,000 years ago has altered our understanding of the origins and spread of the first painting traditions. This project will build upon these breakthrough discoveries by constructing the first detailed portrait of the cultural and symbolic worlds of the unknown artists of Pleistocene Borneo. By doing so, it will further our knowledge about the process of the emergence of figurative art, one of the most fundamental cultural developments in the evolution of humankind. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

An international perspective on redress for institutional abuse. This project aims to produce a comparative analysis of redress for institutional abuse, understand survivors' aspirations for justice, and map theoretical developments in the field. Institutional abuse of children is a social and legal problem in many nations. The major responses to this problem are public inquiries, criminal prosecution, civil litigation and redress schemes. The project intends to gather data on 35 redress schemes in 13 jurisdictions, building on previous research on redress in Australia and Canada. The intended outcome is an authoritative and comprehensive research platform for developing redress policies and practices that can inform and guide Australian society in a compassionate and cohesive direction. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Developing a truly intelligent water meter through advanced data analytics. Developing a truly intelligent water meter through advanced data analytics. This project aims to develop intelligent pattern recognition algorithms using international data sets to autonomously categorise household water consumption data into end-uses (e.g. showers, leaks). Despite intelligent meters, big data chokes rather than enables decision making for customers and utilities. This project will resolve information synthesis concerns using a combination of non-linear blind source separation techniques adapted from the pattern recognition, signal processing and decision science fields. Expected outcomes are that utilities will be leaders of sustainable water use in the information age, and that customers can use phones to access real-time data of water consumption. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Data-driven water quality treatment management decision support system. Data-driven water quality treatment management decision support system. This project aims to develop a robust decision support system to predict manganese and the character and concentration of dissolved organic matter in drinking water reservoirs, using intelligent algorithms and data collected through remote autonomous instrumentation. These predicted water quality parameters could be used as model input variables to provide real-time decisions for plant operators on the required treatment regime for incoming raw water, and advise them on the optimal reservoir offtake depth. This will potentially minimise treatment costs and health risks for consumers. The ultimate goal is to significantly enhance current water supply management practices. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Australian rock art history, conservation and Indigenous well-being. Australian rock art history, conservation and Indigenous well-being. This project would examine the significance of Australia’s rock art heritage and why rock art is important for Indigenous identity and well-being but undervalued by others. It would produce new national strategies and knowledge about Australian rock art to enhance Indigenous empowerment and well-being; address threats to rock art and its conservation to protect it for future generations; and develop innovative ways to manage and promote rock art in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, especially in northern Australia, where unprecedented development threatens rock art landscapes. The anticipated outcome is that Australia would become the world authority and leader for rock art conservation. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Strengthening Australia's national integrity system. Strengthening Australia's national integrity system. This project aims to equip governments and civil society stakeholders with evidence-based options to improve the structure and operations of integrity institutions, by undertaking a second National Integrity System Assessment. Public integrity is vital to social and economic prosperity and the quality of democracy. This project intends to identify new, more effective strategies to prevent corruption and other integrity violations; coordinate the work of integrity institutions; ensure their accountability; and measure the effectiveness of integrity and anti-corruption policy settings. This research is expected to contribute to better evaluation of integrity policies worldwide. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Predicting fisheries change from cumulative impacts to aquatic habitats. This project intends to quantify the role that aquatic habitats play in fisheries, and to help identify where to restore degraded aquatic habitats. Fisheries are a globally important resource but their status is declining in many regions, often because of the loss of aquatic habitats. However, the role of habitat in fishery declines is poorly quantified, and new models are needed that integrate existing datasets to attribute change in a fishery to change in its habitats. The project aims to develop a new statistical analysis to examine the role of habitat loss in the global status of fisheries and how multiple human impacts to habitats affect fisheries, to decide how we can best protect aquatic habitats. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Navigating the complexity of conservation's illegal wildlife trade crisis. This project seeks to investigate the conditions under which policies that prohibit or regulate trade in wildlife products are more likely to lead to conservation outcomes. Illegal trade in wildlife is a pressing conservation issue, threatening numerous species with extinction. The crisis has attracted over US$350 million in donor and government funding since 2012, primarily for enforcement of trade bans. Fierce debates rage in the academic literature about the conditions under which regulated markets may yield better outcomes. Policy options are also constrained by opinions about whether pro-use policies for wildlife are morally appropriate. The project aims to investigate this issue and assess the impact of stakeholder values and preferences on policy decisions. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management