THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Identification of novel plant transporters responsible for sucrose efflux. This project aims to clone and functionally characterise previously unknown membrane proteins that facilitate high rates of sucrose efflux from cells located at key transport bottlenecks regulating sucrose transport throughout the plant body and hence plant productivity. These aims will be realised through employing systems specifically designed to clone and functionally characterise sucrose efflux proteins encoded in plant genomes. Expected outcomes will be an understanding of sucrose transport throughout the plant body, build a valuable international partnership and open up new biotechnological opportunities to improve crop yield. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Beyond successful ageing: Longevity & healthy ageing among Australian women. This project has three key aims. First, to test and contrast two empirical models of successful ageing. Secondly, to compare these empirical models with women’s own perspectives of their ageing gained from prospective qualitative data. Thirdly, provide insights into women’s experience of very old age through interviews with women in their 90s. In addition to interview data, the project will analyse data from the 1921-26 and 1946-51 cohorts of the Australian longitudinal study on women’s health. The expected outcomes will provide significant benefits, such as projecting potential health trajectories as women enter their later years. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Control strategies for Bagasse-fuelled boiler units. This project aims to improve sugar production and electricity cogeneration capabilities in the sugar industry by utilising novel control ideas for boiler units. In the sugar industry, sugarcane residue is used as biofuel for boiler units. Boilers use steam to crystallise sugar and generate electricity. However, variable steam demand and poor fuel consistency severely hinder production. The project aims to improve safe operation of boilers, reduce downtime, and maximise electricity generated to the grid. This will provide significant benefits to sugar manufacturing and, more broadly, biofuel energy generation in Australia. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Breaking through the Gram-negative cell barrier. This project aims to develop fundamental knowledge of the cell envelope in Gram-negative bacteria, which functions as a permeability barrier to small molecules. Combining innovative functional genomics with biochemistry, this project will determine how small molecules can pass across the cell envelope, and the chemical properties that they need to do so. Some Gram-negative bacteria are human pathogens and cause serious infections, whereas others are used in biotechnology for biosynthetic chemical production or bioremediation. This project expects to help the future development of new antibiotics and assist in the design of strains to be used in biotechnological applications. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Investigating the efficacy, complexity and sustainability of teacher change. This project aims to investigate the path from professional development to changes in teaching practices and student achievement. As a randomised controlled trial, this study integrates sophisticated quantitative and qualitative methods, driving innovation in educational research. Expected outcomes include significant insights into how professional development can impact measurably in ways that benefit the ongoing renewal of Australia's teachers to enhance student outcomes. This project will provide evidence to inform teacher development policy and practice in order to enhance student outcomes. Field of research: 1303 - Specialist Studies In Education

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Phonon based condensed matter imaging. This project will exploit observations of phonon-based chemical contrast in the SHeM to determine the physics that underpins the imaging mechanism and use them to probe vibrational processes in condensed matter imaging. Imaging is an essential tool for the discovery, application and fabrication of new materials, structures and devices. However, many delicate structures are irrevocably degraded and changed when imaged using conventional microscopy. This team recently invented the scanning helium atom microscope (SHeM), which can image surfaces non-destructively with nanoscale resolution. They will use the SHeM to determine the new fundamental physics that underpins the imaging mechanism. Outcomes include turning SHeM into a tool that materials and biological scientists can use in laboratories worldwide. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Two-dimensional inorganic nanostructures for hydrogen evolution reaction. This project aims to synthesise highly active electrochemical catalysts of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic nanostructure for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrocatalysis of water to produce hydrogen gas could generate clean energy, but the platinum catalyst’s cost and low activity make it impractical. This project will develop 2D inorganic nanosheets with tuneable pores and electronic band structures, hybridised with organic and/or inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials for HER, and use density functional theory calculation to investigate these hybridised nanosheets’ mechanisms for HER. These highly efficient and low-cost catalysts are expected to generate clean energy and create opportunities for Australian industries. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Cognitive models of mental architectures in consumer preference. This project aims to characterise the mental architecture of consumer preference, the decision mechanisms and strategies that people use to select products or service options. It uses carefully designed experiments and cognitive modelling of mental architectures that capitalise on the information in the product decisions people make and the time taken to make them. The project provides insight into how people reason with and use information to inform their decisions. This will help organisations to improve products and services and engage with consumers, to create competitive advantage, improve customer service and ultimately stimulate the economy. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Early modern women and the poetry of complaint, 1540-1660. This project aims to discover how early modern women used the widespread, powerful and diverse mode of complaint to voice expressions of protest and loss during the English Renaissance. The project will highlight women’s roles as writers, patrons and textual producers and consumers of the mode of complaint. The project expects to uncover how the imagined voices of the disempowered shaped the literary and political cultures of early modern England. Reconceptualising a mode in Renaissance literature will benefit Australia's standing at the forefront of research in early modern studies. Field of research: 2005 - Literary Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Optimal electromaterial structures for energy applications. This project aims to develop new mathematical and modelling approaches to determine optimal configurations and parameters for material structures created from three-dimensional printing of combined metals and electromaterials. Electromaterials are needed for sustainable energy, but solving coupled-systems of highly nonlinear governing equations is needed for optimal control of spatial arrangement and composition in nano and micro-structural domains. Dealing with this mathematical complexity is critical to developing high efficiency energy generation and gas storage systems. This is expected to enhance transport mechanisms within electrochemical devices and create opportunities for industry to use electrofunctional materials. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Bragg-Edge neutron transmission strain tomography. This project aims to use neutron strain tomography to improve solid mechanics research and advanced manufacturing techniques. The investigators have developed a tensor reconstruction algorithm, similar to an enhanced CT or MRI scan, which can determine the finely grained three-dimensional triaxial stress distribution inside solid objects by measuring neutron transmission. Using energy-resolved neutron detector technology, this project intends to realise and extend this technique to transform several areas of applied mechanics research. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Microcantilevers for multifrequency atomic force microscopy. This project aims to design a microcantilever with high-performing sensors more sensitive and with better noise performance than the typical optical system used in commercial Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). The AFM, a nanotechnology instrument, uses a microcantilever (with an extremely shape probe) to interrogate a sample surface. It has made important discoveries in nanotechnology, life sciences, nanomachining, material science and data storage systems. Despite its success, the technique’s spatial resolution and quantitative measurements are limited. This project could lead to breakthrough technologies such as atomic force spectroscopy to study elastic modulus of nanostructures, and establish Australia's prominence in this emerging field. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Mass transport in high entropy alloys. This project aims to understand mass transport in high entropy alloys. Alloys of 5 to 13 components have technologically attractive mechanical properties. A knowledge of mass transport could control their stabilities and optimise their properties. This project will develop an atomistic theory and a phenomenological method for rapidly performing experiments, and experiment on two key high entropy alloys. The outcome of this research will be an in-depth understanding of mass transport that is expected to fast-track these alloys to commercial uptake. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Electrostatic formation of liquid marbles. This project aims to design complex liquid marbles by electrostasis. Liquid marbles are particle-liquid aggregates which have inspired a variety of applications, including pollution and gas sensors, actuators, microreactors and drug delivery vehicles. Until now, only an external layer of non-wettable particles could be readily incorporated. This project will broaden the achievable complexity and application of the particle-drop aggregates, add value to Australia’s high-performance materials manufacturing industry, and expand knowledge in colloid and interface science and particle electrostatics. Industries including pharmaceutical and personal-care industries will benefit from low-energy, high-efficiency production of next-generation complex liquid marbles. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Decentralisation and robustness for practical control of complex systems. This project aims to develop the theory and tools to address the control of complex interconnected systems. There is currently an enormous disconnect in decentralised control between the celebrated theoretical advances and the concepts that are used for implementation, or even for computation. The project expects to isolate the key reasons for this disconnect and develop ways to address the control of complex interconnected systems. The expected outcome is a tool which can observe information from only a small portion of a network but which may ultimately effect a large portion of the network. This includes smart building management, multi-vehicle systems and convoys, irrigation networks, large array telescopes, and the power distribution grid. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Novel models to advance our understanding of mammalian development. This project aims to add to the understanding of cellular processes underpinning mammalian development. Protein phosphorylation is a dynamic process regulated by both protein kinases and protein phosphatases. While the role of kinases in cellular functions are well defined, the roles of protein phosphatases are not well understood. Using a range of laboratory models this project aims to discover the function of the phosphatase PP2A, in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and DNA damage repair. The anticipated outcome is an improved understanding of all stages of mammalian development. This will provide significant benefits in the biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Keystone microbes and planktonic guilds in Australia's oceans. This project aims to unveil the ocean’s hidden sentinels, “keystone microbes” that underpin precious ecosystem services, and which can be used to monitor and model changes in ocean function. Marine microbes account for 90 per cent of oceanic biomass and every litre of seawater contains ~20,000 different species, but it is not known which species control ocean health and productivity. This project intends to provide definitive evidence of these keystones’ cellular level biogeochemical and metabolic capacity. Ultimately, this knowledge is expected to predict the resilience of ocean ecosystems and their response to change. The capacity to predict their dynamics will help provide investment clarity and increase healthy outcomes from activities involving human-ocean interactions such as recreation, food production and tourism. Field of research: 0405 - Oceanography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Zero-dimensional symmetry and its ramifications. This project aims to investigate algebraic objects known as 0-dimensional groups, which are a mathematical tool for analysing the symmetry of infinite networks. Group theory has been used to classify possible types of symmetry in various contexts for nearly two centuries now, and 0-dimensional groups are the current frontier of knowledge. The expected outcome of the project is that the understanding of the abstract groups will be substantially advanced, and that this understanding will shed light on structures possessing 0-dimensional symmetry. In addition to being cultural achievements in their own right, advances in group theory such as this also often have significant translational benefits. This will provide benefits such as the creation of tools relevant to information science and researchers trained in the use of these tools. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Modelling trajectories of cognitive control in adolescents and young adults. This project aims to develop an innovative framework that models behaviour, brain function and brain structure to characterise developmental trajectories of cognitive control in typically-developing young people, and to test the model’s ability to predict psychosocial outcomes. Cognitive control processes are supported by complex frontal brain networks that develop well into adulthood. Poor cognitive control is linked to negative psychosocial outcomes (e.g. substance use, high-risk behaviours). This work is expected to inform evidence-based programmes that identify young people at risk and develop targeted training strategies to improve psychosocial outcomes. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Mesoporous conducting carbon-based materials for energy. This project aims to synthesise highly ordered mesoporous conducting polymers and graphitic carbons with a high conductivity, different pore structures, tuneable pore diameters, and functionalised with transition metal oxide nanoparticles. It will make a highly efficient, low cost and stable energy storage device using functionalised mesoporous conducting polymeric and graphitic electrodes that combine pseudo capacitance and electrical double layer capacitance, high power and energy density and a long cycle life. This electrode system for supercapacitors is expected to address clean energy generation and environmental problems and create opportunities for Australian industries. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How innate lymphoid cells regulate mammalian lung development. This project aims to determine the ability of a subset of lung resident immune cells to promote normal lung development through the regulation of stem cells. The lung is constantly exposed to countless environmental challenges including microbes. Mammals’ local immune systems protect the lung from these challenges. This is particularly important in early-life when the lung is still developing. However, impaired lung development affects humans and livestock, costing >$3 billion p.a. The intended outcome is to identify basic biological processes involved in normal mammalian lung development, which may lead to strategies to prevent chronic lung diseases in humans and animals. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Microbiological and abiotic marine corrosion of steel in particulate media. This project aims to study the complex interfacial physicochemical interaction between structural steel and inert particles in marine environments, including microbial growth influences. It will use field-testing and electrochemical laboratory experiments to understand the short- and long-term corrosion processes. It will develop mathematical models to predict likely corrosion loss and pitting, based on physicochemical corrosion principles. Industry increasingly needs such models to manage major infrastructure not protected against corrosion, including offshore energy systems, coastal structures and buried pipelines. These outcomes are expected to benefit Australian engineering consultants in the offshore energy industry, with potential for large foreign exchange earnings. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Folio Shakespeare texts and their Quarto and Octavo antecedents. This project aims to use statistical methods to assess different versions of Shakepeare’s plays. The Shakespeare First Folio is the most important source for the texts of Shakespeare's plays, but the dates of some Folio and rival versions, and the nature of their transmission from an original manuscript, are disputed. There is uncertainty whether some highly divergent versions represent authorial revisions, or adaptations for reading, or for touring, or simply corruption through careless copying. This project plans to conduct a statistical analysis of the language of the 18 plays that appear both in the Folio and in previous Quarto versions, focusing on patterns of word use and orthography, to provide a better understanding of the Folio and new evidence about the texts of individual plays. Field of research: 2005 - Literary Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Facility for Nanometer Scale Microscopy, Characterization, and Fabrication. Facility for nanometre-scale microscopy, characterisation, and fabrication: This project aims to create a collaborative research facility for the microscopy and characterisation of nanometre structured devices and materials, enabling researchers to visualise and quantify the topography, chemical composition and structure of samples with a resolution approaching the atomic scale. A WiTek Alpha300SR microscope is capable of simultaneous atomic force microscopy, near-field scanning optical microscopy, photocurrent mapping, and Raman spectroscopy. These capabilities would allow the mapping of topography and chemical composition, response to optical stimulus, and the structure of materials in 3-D with nanometre-scale resolution on surfaces. This instrument would support research in areas such as organic photovoltaics, nanofabrication, polymer electronics, ionic fluids, functional interfaces, and thermionic devices. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Innovating earthmoving mechanics for next-generation infrastructure. The objective of this project is to develop rigorous, mechanics-based models for ploughing and cutting processes in soils, which lie at the heart of earthmoving operations occurring on an enormous scale within Australia and worldwide. This project intends to integrate state-of-the-art physical modelling with the development of innovative techniques for numerical modelling to elucidate and predict the full unsteady progression of forces and deformations in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes. This project aims to help to increase the productivity, efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness of earthmoving operations by advancing the scientific understanding of how soils are moved and shaped. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering