THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Effective classification of closed vertex-transitive groups acting on trees. Symmetry is a fundamental organising principle in mathematics and human endeavour. This project aims to advance our knowledge of zero-dimensional symmetry, a frontier in symmetry research. In the longer term, advancements in fundamental knowledge in this area have the potential to inform the usage and development of digital structures in more practical contexts, such as data networks and information processing. The project is expected to develop new tools of both theoretical and computational nature that will accelerate ongoing research across the field and enable new approaches. This will cement Australia's position at the forefront of research in symmetry and its use in the digital age. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics This project aims to advance our understanding of symmetry, which is a fundamental organising principle in mathematics, science and the arts. It investigates the symmetries of digital structures, an important field of applications of mathematics to technology. The understanding gained will lead to the creation of software for the analysis of such structures and have the potential to inform their use in practical and nationally significant contexts such as data networks and information processing. The project will help to maintain Australia’s leadership of current international research on the subject by building on activities of the Zero-Dimensional Symmetry Group (Laureate Prof George Willis, UON) and The Centre for the Mathematics of Symmetry and Computation (Emeritus Prof Cheryl Praeger, UWA). In doing so, it will strengthen research links between Australia and other key centres in New Zealand and Europe. Finally, the project includes the training of students at various levels and thus contributes more broadly to the mathematical skills base that is vital to be ready for the challenges of the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Global Patterns of Mass Violence: Ottoman Borderlands in Context,1890-1920. This project examines the transformative dimensions of mass violence committed against the minorities of the Ottoman Empire – Armenians, Assyrians, Yazidis, and Greeks – and the historical impact and consequences of the Empire’s violent history on the Balkans and the Levant (Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon). In particular, it highlights the crucial role played by international, inter-state, central, and regional actors, who undertook critical roles in the national and community-building process of the Empire, resulting in the foundation of the new Turkish Republic (1923). It will rethink the classical historical narrative about the emergence of the post-Ottoman Middle East, and seek to understand the wider, global dimensions of mass violence. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies This project will contribute to Australia’s national interest by generating new knowledge about the origins of the present-day conflicts in the Middle East and the way we understand them in the modern world. Australia has been involved in military and humanitarian missions in the Middle East, from the ANZACs at Gallipoli to the Yazidis at Mount Sinjar. We have multiple, strong, and at times complex, relations with Turkey. The upheavals that took place between 1890 and 1920, which led to the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the modern Republic of Turkey, laid the foundations for the ongoing conflicts in the region today. The project will benefit research end-users such as history educators and cultural institutions but also the wider Australian community – which includes many people whose history of migration dates back to Ottoman Turkey – by providing historical depth to public debate. The project will further enhance Australia’s international reputation for historical research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Engineering interfaces to enable a new generation of hybrid materials. Hybrid combinations of hydrogel and solid materials allow a high level of functionality for devices such as tissue-engineering scaffolds and soft machines. However, the weak bonding between hydrogels and solids severely hampers their function. This project aims to develop versatile plasma processes that facilitate strong interfaces between hydrogels of choice and solid materials of all kinds. The expected outcome is a green platform technology for the modular construction of advanced solid-hydrogel hybrids with tailor-made functions; enabling critical advances in the design and synthesis of structured soft matter devices. The project offers significant benefits for Australian high-tech manufacturing industries from health to electronics. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering This DECRA program will develop a platform, plasma-based technology to solve a long-lasting challenge in the fabrication of functional and robust solid-hydrogel structures. This new enabling technology will position Australia at forefront of this globally significant, emerging field and bring substantial national economic benefits for decades to come. Major advances in interface engineering will be realized; underpinning the development of multi-component materials for modern, far-reaching applications. As one example, the new hybrid solid-hydrogel materials will be bio-functionalized for tissue engineering applications. The potential of plasma surface engineering for the fabrication of hybrid materials unlocked in this program will make future research directions and other intriguing applications possible. Examples include wearable electronic devices and artificial nerves in the emerging field of soft robotics. Translation of this green and environmentally friendly plasma-based technology will ultimately lead to the significant societal benefits of improved healthcare outcomes and quality of life.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Solar electrolysis for manufacture of sustainable energy storage materials. This project aims to develop a novel solar-driven manufacturing process able to produce advanced carbon materials which effectively sequester carbon dioxide (negative emission). The project expects to provide key data and insights into a new method of carbon capture and utilisation through advancement of the fundamental science of carbon electrolysis and carbonate regeneration. A combination of advanced electrochemical and engineering techniques will be utilised to achieve this from lab-scale experimental work through to process modelling. Expected outcomes of this project include a clear understanding of the practical potential of this negative emission technology in contributing to offsetting global carbon dioxide emissions. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering Australia has the potential to become a renewable energy superpower. The challenge with variable input energy sources such as solar and wind is how to capture and export these natural resources for enhanced economic prosperity. In this project, solar energy is efficiently channeled into a novel manufacturing process, generating advanced carbon materials able to be applied to another emerging market, that of electrical energy storage. This process is a negative emission technology option which both captures and utilises carbon dioxide as an input feedstock, leading to its permanent removal from the atmosphere and sequestration in an incredibly high value and stable carbon product. Uptake of renewable energy alone is not enough to stem the tide of global emissions. We also need negative emission technologies such as the one described here to offset emissions generated in all sectors, such as manufacturing, beginning to reverse what seems like irreversible carbon dioxide release.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A novel, dictionary-free, multi-contrast MRI method for microscopic imaging. This project aims to develop a novel quantitative imaging technique for comprehensive in vitro and in vivo tissue characterisation on the microscopic scale. The technology innovated in the project could revolutionise microscopic imaging techniques by breaking through the sub-millimetre image resolution bottleneck of current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the emerging field of biological imaging and to deliver an integrated imaging platform for mapping various tissue microscopic components at the cellular level. Successful outcomes have the potential for commercialisation and will accelerate a range of fundamental science and engineering studies requiring imaging techniques. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing Quantitative tissue microscopic characterisation is a prerequisite for many fundamental science studies. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods are commonly used for in vitro and in vivo imaging non-invasively but can only achieve a spatial resolution on the sub-millimetre scale. This project aims to innovate an advanced MRI technique, which will enable quantitative imaging at the microscopic cellular level. Successful outcomes will lead to more than 400% MRI scan time reduction, which could revolutionise the current imaging practice in Australia and save a tremendous amount of money for various research studies requiring tissue imaging. This project will also expand knowledge in signal and image processing technology as well as computer science and artificial intelligence, which may benefit a broader range of applications beyond life sciences. Finally, the high-quality research environment will contribute to the field of imaging research in Australia and promote national and international collaborations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Engineered clay-polysaccharide composites for efficient nutrient delivery. Nitrogen (N) nutrient use efficiency of most arable crops in Australian soils is low, leading to excessive application of this nutrient. The low N use efficiency is attributed to its loss through leaching and gaseous emission, which contributes to both economic burden of the farming community and also results in environmental degradation. This project aims to work with clay industries to develop fertiliser products with controlled release characteristics to increase N use efficiency and farm productivity. It will also create new market opportunities for the mining industry for the use of clays and create novel materials for delivery of nutrients and moisture for the agrochemical industry resulting in the creation of marketing opportunities. Field of research: 0703 - Crop and Pasture Production Improved understanding of interactions between natural clays and nutrients will pave way for producing slow release fertiliser products to overcome low nutrient use efficiency in Australian soils. The socioeconomic and environmental benefits of novel fertiliser products with low nutrient losses to environment will help ensure an economically sustainable future for all including the farming community that utilise these products to increase crop productivity and farm profitability. As around 57% of Australia’s land area is used for agriculture currently supporting 1.6million jobs and contributing 3% (about $50 billion) to GDP, the industry sector in Australia will stand to benefit from new, environment-friendly and sustainable fertiliser products. This project provides research training and mentoring to early career scientists and PhD students in a novel area of fertiliser technology directly impacting Australian farming community. This research aligns with Science and Research Priority of “Food” and addresses the Practical Research Challenge of “Enhanced food production through novel technologies”.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Nanoscale heating towards high efficient nitrogen reduction reduction. This project aims to develop nanoscale heating technique using AC magnetic field for efficient synthesis of ammonia, widely used for fertiliser and having potential for hydrogen storage. This project is to introduce nanoscale heating concept by heating catalyst only but not solution in electrochemical catalysis to achieve high catalytic activity. Expected outcome is the creation of low cost catalysts having high selectivity and formation rate for ammonia production. This unique technology has the potential to replace current ammonia production based on Haber-Bosch process, which consumes 2% of world energy and contributes 3% of overall CO2 emission. The project provides opportunities for new industries that will benefit Australian economy. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering Nanoscale heating is a recently introduced conception using a small AC magnetic field to heat magnetic catalyst to achieve extremely high efficient catalytic performance. This project is to develop halloysite/magnetic composite for high efficient production of ammonia using nanoscale heating technique, 90% of which used for the production of fertiliser and having the potential for hydrogen storage. By studying the synergy effect of nanoparticles distribution, magnetism, nanoscale heating and electrochemical performance for ammonia synthesis and understanding the mechanism, low cost and high efficient catalysts for electrochemical synthesis of ammonia with high Faraday efficient (selectivity) and formation rate are expected to be developed. Nanoscale heating using AC magnetic field for efficient ammonia synthesis is currently not applied in Australia. The project will critically influence the research on the synthesis of ammonia in Australia. The project will have strong impact on the agriculture and renewable energy industries and offer economic benefits for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

In-situ biofunctionalisation for additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing that incorporates printing of live cells can create hierarchical, multi-component structures that mimic biology. However, an ability to include spatially segregated biological cues is currently lacking. This project will develop plasma pen modules to selectively functionalise surfaces and interfaces, as they are being printed, with robustly immobilised hydrogels and biological signalling molecules to direct cell behaviour. The expected outcome is a green technology enabling the fabrication of structures that replicate the native environments of cells in the body to provide optimal efficacy in drug discovery and regenerative medicine, and significant benefits for the Australian biomedical sector. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering This project will develop a powerful new enabling technology for wide-spread use in additive biofabrication, a promising field of 3D-printing where living cells, hydrogels, molecules and polymers are combined into a single construct that can replace diseased or injured tissue. The prototype plasma pen device it will design will enable a 3D-biofabrication system to create structures that replicate the native environments of cells in the body. The plasma pen will be capable of producing more effective cell culture platforms for drug discovery, disease modelling and ultimately tissue engineered replacement organs. Developing this new, more sustainable, enabling technology will position Australia at the forefront of a globally significant emerging field and bring substantial commercial and economic benefits across the medical technology and health sectors. Translation of the technology will ultimately lead to significant societal benefits including improved healthcare outcomes through advancing and lowering the cost of personalised medicine.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Understanding the impact of missing family on forcibly displaced people. This project aims to investigate the psychological and social effects of having missing family on forcibly displaced people settled in Australia. This world-first project enlists a longitudinal mixed-method approach to compare those with missing family to those whose connections have been restored on key outcomes and coping strategies. Project outcomes will enhance the ability of Australian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross to understand and support the needs of families of the missing. This should provide significant practice and policy benefits for Red Cross’ humanitarian work in restoring family links in Australia and worldwide. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Not knowing the fate of missing family can have profound negative psychological and social consequences for refugees. This project responds to the need identified by Red Cross to understand the impact of missing family on forcibly displaced people settled in Australia, and how they adapt as they search for their loved ones. Such knowledge is vital so that key services like the Australian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross can ensure clients engaged in their Restoring Family Links tracing programs receive the right support at the right time. Project outcomes will enhancing coping and strengthen wellbeing of those directly affected by missing family, which will have important social and economic benefits for the wider Australian community. This project will also provide an evidence-base to inform policy and practice with the missing and their families on a global level, cementing Australia’s leadership role on this important humanitarian issue.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Combustion Modelling and Control for Biomass Fuelled Boilers . This Project aims to improve the operation of bio-fuelled boilers in the sugar industry by using novel approaches to modelling and control of the combustion process. In the sugar industry, sugarcane residue is used as biofuel for boilers. The steam from the boilers is used to crystallise sugar and generate electricity, which is used to power machinery and is also exported to the grid. However, due to poor fuel consistency and poor combustion conditions, critical problems arise that hinder production. Expected outcomes include: improved sugar production, safer operation of boilers, reduced downtime, and better electricity co-generation. This will provide significant benefits to sugar manufacturing and biofuel energy generation in Australia Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering The Project directly contributes to Australia’s national interests by developing knowledge that will improve sugar mill operation and electricity co-generation from biofuels. Sugar is Australia's second largest export crop with a total annual revenue of almost $2 billion, making Australia the second largest raw sugar exporter in the world. In addition, the sugar industry generates more than 40,000 local jobs, directly and indirectly. Therefore the Project has significant economic benefits to Australia. Wilmar Sugar is the largest renewable energy company in Australia. The sugarcane residue is used as fuel to generate electricity, which is used to power the machinery in the sugar mill, but is also exported to the electricity grid. Wilmar Sugar produces approximately 20% of the total renewable energy generated in Queensland. Therefore the Project has significant environmental benefits to Australia. Furthermore, the project has the potential to be beneficial, not only to Wilmar Sugar and other Australian industries, but will also give Australia a marketable economic advantage.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Juungambala: More-than-human agreement making with/as Gumbaynggirr Country. This project aims to develop & model Indigenous-led land practices, protocols & more-than-human agreements between Gumbaynggirr Custodians, non-Gumbaynggirr people & Country to enhance Australia’s capacity to respond to disruptive environmental change through Juungambala, setting things right. This project expects to generate new knowledge in Indigenous-led, Country-led environmental practice by working with inter-species communications (koalas, whales, plants) & innovative songline mapping. Intended outcomes include enhanced stakeholder capacities, intercultural & intergenerational learnings. Benefits include enriched relationships with Country, nurturing of songlines & biodiversity corridors, & development of environmental best practice. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management Ongoing disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, reflected in negligible advances in ‘closing the gap’ indicators, remain stark. Yet, there is growing community-wide recognition that to ‘do better’ requires new approaches—ways of knowing, doing and being—that take heed of Custodians and Country in ways that make explicit the interrelated social, economic, environmental and cultural factors underpinning these disparities. Industry and stakeholder benefits of heeding this call are starting to emerge but the mechanisms and processes to build and nurture long-term respectful and mutually beneficial understandings and ethical protocols, in the form of agreements between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians for environmental change, remain elusive. This project aims to strengthen environmental capacities by producing best practice guidelines and processes to enhance opportunities for social, economic, environmental and cultural benefit built through shared values that will heal Country and communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Removal and degradation of microplastics using halloysite nanocomposite. The project aims to utilize halloysite clay combined with novel highly magnetized nanoparticles for the removal and degradation of microplastics in the contaminated water system. The project expects to fabricate cheap and environmentally-friendly materials using innovative chemical synthesis and surface modification for adsorption and decomposition of microplastics utilizing both high surface area of halloysite nanotubes and catalytic activity of transition metals. This project will facilitate collaboration between multidisciplinary researchers and a vibrant group of industrial participants to advance next-generation composite materials for water treatment and ensure the supply of clean water for healthy living. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering The contamination of drinking water and wastewater can cause a significant threat to public health. Around 29 % of the world population does not have access to safe drinking water. The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in water has triggered intensive discussions on possible implications for human health. Recently, WHO recommends drinking water suppliers and regulators prioritize removing emerging pollutants such as pathogens, chemicals and microplastics. However, advanced technologies for efficient removal of MPs remain mostly underdeveloped. Herein we propose to develop a functionalized natural clay-based absorption and degradation technology for the treatment of microplastics and associated contaminants in water. The fabricated nanocomposite is simple to apply, eco-friendly and low cost. The research outcome has the potential to remove not only the microplastics but also other serious pollutants, which will ensure the supply of clean water for the improvement of people's health, reducing the cost of contaminated water related disease, saving money for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Understanding the impact of nature imagery on healthy food choices. This project aims to use an interdisciplinary approach to further the understanding of factors influencing food choice in digital environments. There has been a gradual shift in consumer food choice environments from in-person to digital settings, including smartphone apps and online websites. This project expects to generate new knowledge on how background images used in digital interfaces could be exploited to promote healthy food choice. This can provide important benefits to the Australian society by informing guidelines and policies for the design of digital food choice environments (e.g., online grocery shops, food delivery apps, school canteen ordering systems) and digital marketing and retail strategies. Field of research: 1111 - Nutrition and Dietetics In recent years, there has been a gradual shift in consumers’ food choice environments to digital settings. In 2019, one third of Australians considered shopping for groceries online. Restaurant food deliveries have an estimated revenue of over AU$ 2.8b in 2020 with an expected annual growth rate of >7%. Graphic design aspects of websites and apps strongly influence what, and how much, people purchase. The food industry uses this knowledge to promote sales of unhealthy foods. However, little is known about how specific design elements of digital interfaces could be used to promote choice of healthier foods and meals. Simultaneously, overweight and obesity cost the Australian economy AU $12b in 2018. Hence it is critical to understand how the shift towards digital food choice environments affects food choice and whether the purchase of more healthy options can be increased. This project therefore aims to investigate how design elements can be strategically used to promote healthy food choice. The findings can inform policy and practice and contribute to cost-effective health promotion.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Synthesis of High-quality 2D Perovskites for Efficient Light Harvestings. This project aims to develop a library of novel and two-dimensional Ruddlesden−Popper phases layered perovskites with controlled architecture and tunable bandgaps for high-performance energy harvesting applications. The as-synthesized perovskites are highly crystalline and sandwiched with staggered organic and inorganic layers, which are compatible with layer-by-layer manner to build vertical heterostructure, satisfying the premise of a solar cell with both high power conversion efficiency and low-cost. Apart from springing out a series of high impact publications and patents, a few of these demonstrations have a great potential to be substituted for fossil fuels which will help address clean energy generation and environmental problems. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Distributed Estimation, Control and Optimisation for Networked Systems. This project aims to study large scale networked systems in major infrastructures including power networks, transportation networks, internet of things, and other cyber-physical systems. This project is expected to develop new methodology and algorithms for distributed estimation, control and optimisation of these systems. Distributed solutions are essential because traditional techniques which were designed for small systems are not suitable for efficient operations of large scale systems. Application examples include distributed state estimation for power networks, control of multi-agent systems and optimal scheduling of transportation networks. The outcomes of this project are vital to the understanding and management of these systems. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering The distributed solutions offered by this project should bring significant benefits to efficient, reliable and robust operations of large scale networked systems. In particular, our results are expected to find applications in transportation, automation, manufacturing, mining, environment and other cyber-physical applications. The knowledge developed through this project should provide new understanding of large automated networks. The work is also expected to provide training of cross-disciplinary expertise in control systems and network operations, and promote applications of these systems to the Australian industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Efficient Computational Strategies for Three-Dimensional Limit Analysis. AIMS: To develop new computational methods and software for predicting the failure of civil infrastructure such as tunnels, roads, ports and foundations. SIGNIFICANCE: Australia will spend over $200 billion over the next five years on transport and other built infrastructure. This project will formulate new methods and computer programs to underpin the geotechnical design of this infrastructure. Emphasis will be placed on efficient computational schemes for three-dimensional problems and complex ground conditions, where current procedures are inadequate. EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS: International leadership in computational methods for designing cheaper and safer infrastructure, supported by scientific publications and software. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering To accommodate Australia's rapidly growing population, massive investment is now underway to upgrade its ageing transport and other built infrastructure. Safe and economic design of this infrastructure is thus central to Australia’s future prosperity. Due to the scale of the costs involved in constructing roads, railways, tunnels, ports and pipelines, even small percentage savings resulting from scientific research give large returns in absolute dollar terms (noting that the geotechnical fraction of these costs is typically in the range 15-50%, depending on the project). This research will deliver fast and memory-efficient methods for predicting the static load capacity of large-scale three-dimensional geostructures embedded in materials with complex properties, noting that existing approaches are often slow, rooted in empiricism and of uncertain accuracy. The resulting innovative engineering software will be able to be used by practising engineers to design complicated infrastructure in a safer and more cost-effective manner.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Catalytic conversion of Australia's natural gas to value added products. While natural gas (of which methane is the primary component) is an abundant source of energy, it is normally found in remote areas and for its successful exploitation it needs to be processed. The processing usually requires significant energy and resources input. In this project we will develop a fundamental understanding to a single step catalytic process that can utilise natural gas and nitrous oxide (both potent greenhouse gases) and oxygen to produce selectively methanol and hydrocarbons from a natural gas feedstream in a controlled manner. A single step process for natural gas conversion utilising waste green-house gases is expected to be of great benefit to the Australian economy, environment and energy security Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering Australia is fortunate enough to have abundant resources of natural gas. The demonstrated conventional reserves are 186,000 PJ, with significant additional quantities available in non-conventional reserves. Expertise to produce natural gas is well developed, but an impediment for the exploitation of this abundant reserve is the remote location of the gas fields. Furthermore, the value of products such as methanol is significantly higher due to the easy transport and distribution and thus beneficial to the Australian economy. Natural gas also has the lowest carbon footprint of all hydrocarbons and thus replacement of existing sources will help Australia meet its emission targets. While indirect, multistep processes exist for the conversion of natural gas to high value products, energy and emission levels remain high in these processing steps. In this proposal, routes to directly convert natural gas into high value products are developed through expansion of the fundamental knowledge for single step oxidation of natural gas using a variety of oxidants.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Data-driven Approach to Resilient Online Service Systems. This project aims to develop a data-driven approach to improving the resilience of online service systems. Many software systems are now provided as online services via the Internet on a 24/7 basis. Although a lot of effort has been devoted to service quality assurance, in reality, online service systems still encounter many incidents and fail to satisfy user requests. This project expects to develop innovative data-driven methods for effective fault identification, fault localization, and failure prediction. Expected outcomes of this project include novel techniques and tools for maintaining online service systems. This project will provide significant benefits, such as improving the resilience and reliability of our cyber infrastructure. Field of research: 0803 - Computer Software A large number of Australian business and government organizations provide their services online via the Internet on a 24/7 basis. Many of these systems are so critical and have become key parts of our cyber infrastructure. Failures of these systems could cause huge financial loss and may even affect the normal operation of our society. Therefore, high resiliency is essential as the systems should be able to quickly recover from incidents and keep the service disruption time to a minimum. In delivering more resilient and reliable cyber infrastructure this project will bring economic benefits to Australia and will also improve cybersecurity.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Bubble Dynamics in Fine Droplets: Behaviour and Control. The principal vision in this project is to gain a deeper understanding of the formation, growth and collapse of bubbles within micron-size droplets and, in doing so, provide the technical underpinning necessary to advance the development of a range of emerging technologies in the light alloys manufacturing, atomisation, non-invasive medical therapy, drug delivery, and nucleation / solidification in thermal energy storage systems. Expected outcomes include new experimental evidence and validated mathematical models for the analysis of bubbles encapsulated by fine droplets. The outcomes should significantly enhance Australia’s research and innovation capacity in the field of confined space bubble dynamics and related industrial applications. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering This project will significantly enhance Australia’s research and innovation capacity in the field of confined space bubble dynamics (e.g. bubbles encapsulated by droplets); laying a strong foundation for the development of a range novel and exciting technologies beyond the project time-frame in industrial applications as diverse as light alloys manufacturing, fuel atomisation in engines, non-invasive medical therapy, drug delivery, and thermal energy storage. The ability to optimise the performance of these emerging technologies simply by controlling the bubble dynamics will lower their complexity and cost; de-risking their scale-up and commercial roll-out. This should lead to the creation of new Australian products or added value to existing ones, ultimately, contributing to the Australian Government's effort under the Research Priority “Advanced Manufacturing”. The socio-economic benefits will be significant and include: research and development of innovative technologies; Intellectual Property (IP) revenue and licensing, market creation and export potential.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

2D Janus Nanoparticle Superlattice Sheets. The project aims to fabricate novel 2D free-standing Janus superlattices by developing a new ligand-symmetry breaking strategy. The proposed approach expects to generate new knowledge in the area of self-assembly and the new class of 2D plasmonic nanomaterials. Expected outcomes of this project include the fabrication of a series of 2D Janus superlattices that are difficult or impossible to achieve in traditional methods, investigate their functional-properties relationship and further apply them into dual-functional plasmonic-catalyst/sensor/filtration applications. This should provide significant benefits, such as developing new design principles for self-assembly and advance Australian expertise in the field of functional nanomaterials. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Multiobjective Memetic Algorithms for Multi-task Symbolic Regression. This project aims at developing the new generation of symbolic regression methods using a yet unexplored way to represent mathematical functions. We will use memetic algorithms to create mathematical models for symbolic regression. Our memetic computing approach will be data-driven and will use multi-objective optimization and multi-task evolutionary computation for symbolic regression, addressing a core need of many areas of science and technology. A large number of datasets will be investigated to benchmark the new methods. The expected outcomes will help support our national priorities with new data analytic capabilities. With a strong and interdisciplinary team in three continents, the project will attract international collaboration. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing We are approaching an era in which an increasingly large number of decisions will be automatically taken by algorithms after being trained with existing large datasets. It is then essential to create mathematical models that support these algorithms to predict future outcomes based on the observations from the past. Of particular interest is a class of methods called "symbolic regression" in which one particular outcome of interest is modeled, by the computer, as a mathematical expression that depends on a large number of variables. Symbolic regression methods are interesting because they produce a mathematical model without human biases, thus provide a unique perspective. They can support the discussion and complement humans at the time of decision marking, thus having a great economic, commercial and environmental importance in many areas of national scientific and technological interest. We will create new state-of-the-art techniques for symbolic regression based on the generation of models via a new mathematical approach for their representation and innovative search techniques.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Moving from assumptions to new learning. . Moving from assumptions to new learning. The project aims to investigate the processes that drive new learning by using automatically evoked brain responses to examine when new information triggers the brain to update beliefs about the world. The project will generate new knowledge on the maturity of this process at birth, how it declines with older age and the brain areas critical to the process. The outcomes will provide insight into how attentional resources are automatically marshalled when beliefs are challenged, and it will help identify the consequences for learning when a system is immature, or the process breaks down with increasing age. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Learning effectively in the world, for any organism, requires the ability to update beliefs when new experiences contradict expectations. However, not all sources of experience are equally reliable so the determination of when to update a belief versus disregard contradictory experience becomes critical to efficient and effective decision making. In this study we will advance a methodology that can be used to assess these fundamental principles of learning across the lifespan. We will explore the maturity of these learning principles at birth and their alteration as we enter advanced age. A deeper understanding of the factors that govern our ability to reshape beliefs is of central importance to the science of learning with implications relevant to addressing many problems impacting the human condition. Examples include failures to learn effectively during development, intervening in delusional or unhelpful beliefs, and preventing the acquisition of problems with new learning as we age.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Enhanced Fractionation of Mineral Particles According to Density. Aims: -to achieve a significant advance in the hydrodynamic fractionation of particles on the basis of density, and develop an algorithm to deconvolve the fractionation data to produce the underlying density distribution of the particles. Significance: This density distribution, which is used in resource assessment, plant design, and process evaluation in mineral processing, is currently produced using toxic, and environmentally damaging heavy liquids, despite the emergence of alternative mineral analysers. Expected Outcomes: -a safe, cost effective basis for generating the density distribution. Benefits: -increasing mineral resource recovery through improved access to critical data, while eliminating the need for the toxic heavy liquids. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy In minerals processing, the recovery and concentration of the particles of high metallurgical value requires new strategies to capitalise on an unprecedented growth in demand for metals, while also addressing falling grades. One strategy involves removal of waste ore at coarser sizes. Information on the density distribution of the coarser particles is therefore increasingly important for achieving accurate resource assessment, innovative plant design, and process evaluation. This project is expected to establish a new laboratory method that is cost effective, safe, and environmentally acceptable by eliminating the need for toxic heavy liquids. The project aims to generate this information by developing a novel method for fractionating the particles, and a new algorithm to deconvolve the data to generate the actual density distribution. This method will benefit the health of workers and the environment. The project will also deliver major economic benefits through increased access to data on the density distribution of the particles, in turn maximising the recovery of Australia’s mineral resources.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Control of Thermodiffusion in Liquid Multicomponent Alloys. Aims: The project aims to comprehensively study heat and mass coupling in liquid alloys by describing it mathematically, measuring it experimentally and calculating it by simulation. Significance: When a liquid alloy exists at different temperatures, the coupling of heat and mass flows causes rapid segregation of its components. This is a major complication in controlling solidification from liquid alloys in manufacturing and in the design of liquid alloy coolants for efficient heat transfer. It has never been addressed. Expected outcomes: This research is expected to be the pioneering foundation of the area. Benefits: It is anticipated that the research would provide the means to properly control the engineering use of liquid alloys. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering The research aims to provide the pioneering advance in the inter-coupling of heat and mass flows in liquid multi-component alloys and also to enhance Australian computational engineering by building significant research capability and capacity. The research expects to provide new guidelines associated with the design of next-generation heat transfer liquid alloys in concentrated solar power systems thereby improving their efficiency and reducing the cost of solar power. It aims to improve the use of room temperature liquid alloys for the highly efficient cooling of computer chips and to improve the design of new miscibility gap alloys for energy storage. It also aims to improve the control of the additive manufacturing of multi-component alloys used in biomedical devices, aerospace, marine and offshore components made by laser melting. In order to do this, in conjunction with industry and CSIRO contacts, the Chief Investigators expect to build on the project outcomes by making use of the Integrated Network Innovation program at the University of Newcastle partnered with the CSIRO accelerator program.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Linking arterial, brain and cognitive integrity in healthy older adults. This project aims to demonstrate that engaging the brain’s prefrontal cortex, an area that is highly sensitive to ageing, can improve the function of arteries that supply blood to this brain region. Using an innovative optical imaging methodology that maps the brain’s regional arterial health, it aims to generate new knowledge about the link between this arterial system and the progressive decline in cognitive control ability and in prefrontal cortex structure and function in healthy older adults. This interdisciplinary, international collaboration aims to put Australia at the forefront of brain optical imaging methods that may have significant benefits by informing approaches to promote and maintain healthy brain and cognition in old age. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology This interdisciplinary project brings together a strong team of early-mid career and senior Australian researchers as well as outstanding international colleagues with complementary expertise in brain and optical imaging, psychology, and neurology. In the short-term, this work will have social and economic benefits associated with establishing unique expertise among early-mid career researchers and creating opportunities to retain these internationally-competitive scientists in Australia. In the long term, the fundamental knowledge arising from this work will inform future development of approaches to detect and prevent brain vascular changes in healthy middle-aged adults, and protect their brain and cognitive ability from the effects of ageing. The fact that the average age of the Australian population is increasing has significant implications for healthcare and welfare needs. Successful completion of this project may bring important economic, social and cultural benefits by maintaining healthy cognition, prolonging economic participation among older adults, and reducing reliance on the healthcare purse.