THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Understanding gender inequality in the post-pandemic future of work. This project examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis on the working futures of young women and men in three advanced market economies where the pandemic hit with varying degrees of severity. Young people have experienced the greatest upheaval of all workers, and the impact has been gendered. Recovery strategies will have lasting consequences for women’s and men’s working futures. The project will produce macro-level mapping of post-pandemic national work/care regimes, and micro-level survey data on young people’s experience of and attitudes to the future of work in Australia, the UK and Japan, to deliver insights on the gendered economic and social impact of the pandemic and inform a more inclusive global recovery. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration This project advances Australia’s national interest by delivering economic and social benefits for the post-pandemic recovery. It will produce knowledge about the critical role work and care regimes play in shaping gender equality in the future of work at a time of significant economic and social instability. Data collected in the project will provide a unique evidence base to inform policy makers and labour market stakeholders with evidence and insights to construct a post-pandemic gender equitable future of work. Outputs will benefit Australian engagement in the global dialogue about gender and the future of work and will support Australia’s efforts to meet Global Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality and 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. Undertaken at a pivotal moment of heightened concern about the scarring effects of economic crisis on young people, women’s economic security, declining fertility and rapid aging of the population, project outputs will support long term productivity, growth and wellbeing in Australia and two of its major trading partners, Japan and the United Kingdom.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Charting age-related changes in the quality of episodic memory. As we get older, our capacity to remember events in rich detail becomes less efficient. The mechanisms driving these changes remain unclear, severely limiting our capacity to accurately assess and optimise memory function in later years. This project aims to determine how memory accuracy and memory quality change across the adult lifespan using cutting-edge experimental and neuroimaging techniques. It will deliver new insights into the relationship between confidence, memory success and memory quality, and the underlying neural substrates of these processes. This work will provide the essential empirical foundation to augment memory function, ensuring that older adults can continue to participate as active members of society. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology The Australian population is rapidly ageing with 15% of Australians over 65 years old. Age-related changes in memory are common and often herald the withdrawal of older adults from the workforce. For older adults to thrive, they must be supported to remain active and engaged members of society. The proposed research will use novel experimental and brain imaging approaches to establish trajectories of memory function across the adult lifespan and their underlying brain mechanisms. The resulting knowledge will benefit Australian society via improved understanding of the neurobiology of memory across the entire adult lifespan as well as providing the necessary foundation to optimise memory function in older age. Our proposal emerges at an opportune time to elevate Australian research capacity in a rapidly growing area, and place Australian science at the forefront of supporting older adults, enabling us to retain the wealth of experience of these citizens.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Dynamics of Suppressed Mixing Regimes in Australian Rivers. This study aims to further the fundamental science of turbulent mixing in the context of flow in Australian rivers. The focus is on prolonged low flow conditions which when coupled with warm surface temperatures cause the water column to become thermally stratified which then suppresses turbulent mixing. The extreme scale of the river systems has made investigating the true dynamics of the strongly stratified mixing regimes particularly challenging. By taking world first in-situ measurements of turbulent mixing and undertaking high resolution numerical simulations this study will provide definitive data which will allow correct characterization of the mixing regimes and how they are associated with river flow conditions. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering Australia’s inland rivers regularly experience periods of low flow and strong thermal stratification as a result of our unique climate. These conditions are associated with environmental catastrophes such as fish kills and toxic algal blooms. A major contributor to these events is the suppression of turbulent mixing within the water column by the stable stratification. This mixing is required to maintain dissolved oxygen transport for example. The impacts of these events can be very far reaching for the environment itself and the inland communities and industries. These rivers provide the main source of drinking water in regional Australia and are a primary factor determining economic output in the agricultural sector. This study will improve our understanding of and ability to model turbulent mixing in these scenarios. The knowledge obtained will lead to more accurate flow modelling and thereby support more sophisticated management of our waterways. It will also provide freshwater scientists with the means to quantify the influence of flow conditions on river ecology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Mapping mineral systems of deep Australia. We aim at enabling mineral resource discoveries by calibrating geophysical surveys using geochemical and petrophysical properties measured on mantle samples brought to the surface by recent volcanoes. National geophysical surveys deliver images of geophysical gradients in the deeper part of the Australian continent. The interpretation of these gradients in geological terms and in terms of economic mineral systems is the key to unlock deep exploration success. This project will turn Australia’s investment in National geophysical surveys into new discoveries of base metals. The benefit stems from enabling the transition to a clean economy which requires a much broader range of critical minerals and a larger quantity of base metals. Field of research: 0403 - Geology To enable the discovery of deep deposits of base metals such as copper, we need improved methods for interpreting the data from national geophysical surveys. A central goal of this project is to develop a workflow to map mineral systems and increase our ability to predict the regions in which base metals are located. Focused on southeast Australia, the research will integrate geophysical, geological and rock properties to build a model of the region down to the base of the uppermost solid mantle of the Earth. The results will transform our knowledge of ore mineralisation and provide tools that can be applied to mineral exploration throughout Australia. This will bring substantial economic and environmental benefits by reducing the cost of mineral exploration and improving capacity to supply essential resources for the clean-energy economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Unravelling the mechanics of particle deposition at the micro-scale. This project aims to discover the mechanisms responsible for the interactions between aerosol particles and surfaces in a range of air flow conditions. The project expects to transform our understanding of particle deposition through a combination of novel laser-based diagnostic techniques, optical coherence tomography, and state of the art particle formulation methodologies. Expected outcomes of the project include delivery of new methods to optimise particle deposition, development of tunable powder formulations, as well as definition of particle-surface interaction mechanisms in flows. The project should provide significant benefits to particle systems for applications ranging from additive manufacturing to aerosol delivery. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering This project will develop the science necessary to lead to aerosol delivery technology that can more efficiently control the deposition of particles onto a surface. Effectively depositing particles onto a surface is critical for a multitude of Australia's industries from coating processes in additive manufacturing, to agricultural pesticide sprays, and pharmaceutical powder delivery. The investigatory team will apply a combination of unique advanced experimental tools to develop new engineering capability which will help to ascertain how particle deposition can be optimized for a range of closely controlled conditions. The project will ultimately lead to economic/commercial benefits through i) providing the scientific foundations and new IP for new particle delivery technologies which can optimize deposition ii) a new non-destructive measurement technology specifically tuned for characterization of aerosols (optical coherence tomography) and iii) development of a data set that can be used to improve guidelines related to aerosol deposition.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Design of micro-decisions in automated transport. This project aims to design methods and market algorithms for vehicle control to tackle traffic congestion with interactive micro-auctions, micro-tolling and cooperative games. Specifically, this project develops and designs incentives, auctions and behavioural and pricing rules to manipulate micro traffic dynamics such as lane-changing, merging, energy-efficient driving, and driving at intersections, in roads without defined lanes and shared spaces to achieve collective macro benefits. The project targets mixed traffic where AVs and conventional human-driven vehicles interact and share the road. The project expects to generate new knowledge of transport science to lessen social, economic and environmental impacts of private cars. Field of research: 1507 - Transportation and Freight Services Australia is the most rapidly growing developed economy, and the physical size of its transport networks are expected to grow with population (with Sydney and Melbourne growing from about 5 million to 8 million in the next four decades). Developing safe, efficient, reliable, resilient, and fair transport networks for Australia is critical to a growing nation. The deployment of autonomous vehicles provides an opportunity to use technology to achieve those aims. This research will establish the design features for autonomous vehicles that increase traffic safety and reduce traffic congestion. The findings and tools will be open sourced to help practitioners in planning and transport agencies, and students, test AV policies for their resulting changes in safety and congestion.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

A dynamical systems theory approach to machine learning. Forecasting the future state of a high-dimensional complex multi-scale system is a challenge we face in areas ranging from climate science to epidemiology. Even when basic physical mechanisms have been identified, the actual evolution equations are often unknown. This project will develop a computationally cheap machine learning framework for forecasting. The proposed mathematical framework provides a forecast together with a quantification of its uncertainty. We will develop sophisticated mathematical theory underpinning the novel methodology, as well as applying it to the perennial problem of subgrid-scale parametrisation of tropical convection, a missing key element in current climate models. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics Machine learning algorithms have recently had spectacular success in vision and language recognition, propelling forward medical diagnosis, drug discovery, self-driven cars and security scanning. This project will leverage the success of machine learning to tackle the more challenging problem of forecasting dynamical systems such as our climate system. Equally important to issuing an actual forecast is to estimate the degree of uncertainty associated with the forecast. This is particularly important for policy makers who have to base their decisions on the outcome of an algorithm. This project develops new methodology to do so. It further develops sophisticated mathematics to put machine learning algorithms, which otherwise are mere black boxes, on a sound footing.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Employment Relations in Indonesia’s Commercial Fishing Industry. This project aims to investigate the role of the state, supply chain actors and activists in protecting commercial fishers' labour rights in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest source of marine catches and its largest archipelagic state. This multi-scalar study will generate new knowledge about employment relations at sea. Expected outcomes include a conceptualisation of employment relations that better accommodates fishers and workers in other non-standard occupations. The project’s findings will benefit governments, global supply chain actors and labour activists by helping them to identify and overcome impediments to more effective regulation of employment relations and work to reduce labour exploitation in commercial fishing globally. Field of research: 1503 - Business and Management This study of employment relations in Indonesia’s commercial fishing industry will improve our understanding of labour relations in seafood supply chains, and of possible institutional responses to labour exploitation involving governments in our region. It will help Australian companies meet their requirements under the 2018 Modern Slavery Act. In addition, the project supports the priorities of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which funds the ASEAN–Australia Counter-Trafficking Initiative, a 10-year $80 million program that focuses on victim inclusion and rights protection in Indonesia and seven other countries in the region. Much like the Act, an overarching purpose of this regional program is to prevent forced labour situations within Australia’s borders. In addition, DFAT provides $300 million in aid to Indonesia to support the achievement of 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development goals. This project supports progress towards Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities; and Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Expanding access to modified proteins via a novel semi-synthetic platform. This project aims to address a critical knowledge gap in understanding how post-translational modifications modulate the structure and activity of proteins. By developing an innovative semi-synthetic platform to produce pure proteins inaccessible by existing methods, the project will reveal how natural protein modifications influence structure and function. Expected outcomes include the delivery of breakthrough technologies for accessing modified proteins for a range of applications in academia and industry, as well as the generation of new knowledge in the fields of chemistry and biology. The project will lead to the training of interdisciplinary early career researchers and has the potential to benefit Australia’s biotechnology sector. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry This project will develop detailed and unprecedented knowledge on how chemical modifications that occur naturally on proteins can be used to control structure and biological activity. This will be achieved through the development of a novel technology platform that will enable rapid and efficient access to pure modified proteins that are inaccessible with currently available techniques. This project has the potential to provide numerous benefits to Australia in the following ways: 1) By delivering new methods for accessing valuable protein molecules with defined modifications for the burgeoning Australian biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, thus contributing to the advanced manufacturing science and research priority; 2) By providing knowledge on how to modulate biological activity of proteins which may lead to new intellectual property; and 3) by building critical capacity and advanced interdisciplinary skills in the rapidly growing fields of chemical biology and protein science in Australia by training early career scientists.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

The Great Barrier Reef in 2100. Our research aims to answer fundamental geomorphic questions about the future of coral reefs, focusing on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We will develop cutting-edge, fully open-source numerical models to quantify the eco-morphodynamic evolution of the GBR under IPCC climate-change scenarios. Our geomorphic numerical models will consider biotic/abiotic feedbacks including synergistic effects of multiple stressors such as waves, temperature, acidification and sediment transport, at individual reef scales. We will model the future of the GBR’s ecosystem-services, allowing for a quantum leap in the geomorphic knowledge and understanding of coral reef ecosystems. Expected outcomes include a gamechanger tool for future management of the GBR. Field of research: 0403 - Geology The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is one of the most iconic places in Australia, and in recent years it has received ample public attention because of its ecological decline, which has been linked to climate change, including global warming and acidification, and other factors such as biological invasions or water run-off from mainland Australia. Recent scientific and technological developments have given us a great understanding of the processes that drive change in coral reefs both at the geological, event, and short time-scales. For the first time, we are now in a position of developing numerical forward models that will analyse the most likely forecasts of evolution for the GBR, considering biotic/abiotic feedbacks and the combined interactions of multiple environmental stressors. The objectives and outcomes of this project include new numerical models and tools, as well as extensive datasets that will be essential for the future management of the GBR, thus offering social, commercial and economic benefits on top of the obvious environmental value. Undertaking this project is in Australia’s best interest.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Physics-informed hydrodynamic model for clay across scales. This project aims to develop a predictive model for the macroscopic behaviour of clay by combining direct observations of microscopic and mesoscopic mechanisms with rigorous physical principles. The project expects to track clay aggregates as they expand or shrink under variable loads and moistures using novel X-ray and optical methods. A key anticipated result is the development of a robust hydrodynamic model for clay that rationalises the observed phenomena. Expected outcomes include the accurate predictions of clay dynamics, either fast during landslides or slow under drying and wetting. As much of Australia experiences droughts and floods, this project should benefit the longevity and safety of critical infrastructure situated on clay. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering Much of Australia’s buildings and infrastructure, such as pipelines, roads and railways, are built on clays. Clays are highly problematic soils in engineering because their volume alters dramatically and unpredictably with changing water content during wet and dry seasons. They can swell up to the point of destroying infrastructure or shrink away to leave foundations exposed. This project will develop a predictive model for the deformation of clay, tracking clay aggregates as they expand or shrink under variable loads and moistures using novel X-ray and optical methods. The knowledge gained will significantly improve our ability to reliably predict the behaviour of clay in different conditions, allowing engineers to more effectively design structures built on clay. This research will benefit urban and rural Australia by lowering installation and maintenance costs and increasing the longevity of buildings and vital infrastructure. It will also help mitigate against the costly damage caused to buildings and infrastructure by increasingly frequent floods and droughts.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Narrative Ecologies of Warragamba Dam. We are living in a period of significant environmental and land use challenges, many of them accompanied by conflicting understandings and values. This interdisciplinary environmental humanities project focuses on the proposed raising of the Warragamba Dam wall to explore the role of narrative in analysing and responding to socio-environmental controversies: narratives of connection to place, of livelihood and economic prosperity, of deep cultural relationships to Country. Ultimately, this project aims to develop new resources for enhancing community understanding and involvement in these complex issues, utilising narrative to enable responses that are creative, inclusive, and just. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies Socio-environmental controversies are often highly divisive, pitting different community priorities against one another, while also having major implications for the economy and the environment. Stories play a central role in shaping how environmental issues are framed and negotiated: stories of risk, development, cultural difference and uncertainty. This interdisciplinary environmental humanities project will focus on the controversy over the raising of the Warragamba Dam wall, NSW, to explore the role of narrative in understanding and addressing complex socio-environmental controversies. Using public-facing research, it will develop a narrative-centred approach that will both enhance our understanding of community perspectives and enrich community understandings through collaborative and inclusive dialogue, making a major contribution to the way such controversies are understood and addressed. This project will develop new narrative resources for enhancing community understanding and involvement in these complex issues, and enable responses that are creative, inclusive, and just.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Epigenetic effects of environmental thyroid disruption. Anthropogenic impacts increasingly disrupt hormone-mediated responses to environmental change. The project aims to determine the interactive effects of climate warming, light-at-night, and plastic pollution on thyroid hormone signalling, and test whether these effects are passed between generations epigenetically. Epigenetic effects of endocrine disruption are one of the most important emerging conservation threats. Mathematical modelling of experimental data will help to predict how animals respond to anthropogenic impacts, and to acquire the tools necessary to maintain ecosystem function and services. The project will therefore have environmental benefits, as well as social benefits stemming from international collaborations and training. Field of research: 0608 - Zoology Human-induced environmental drivers, such as climate warming, plastic pollution, and artificial light-at-night have unprecedented impacts on natural systems. We therefore have to re-learn responses of animals to changing environments to acquire the tools necessary to maintain ecosystem function and the services these provide for human societies. The proposed research will benefit environmental management by introducing a mechanistic, physiological dimension in assessing the impacts of human modifications. This approach will result in more effective decision-making to increase sustainability of human activities, and conservation of natural resources. The ensuing social and economic benefits will manifest in the continued uses of natural habitats for recreational activities and tourism. The use of a model organisms can translate to benefits for human wellbeing, particularly concerning exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds from plastic waste. The project will comprise international collaboration, and training of students and staff, which will be of social and economic benefits to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Data breaches: A study of organisational disclosures. This project aims to study data breach disclosure rules and practices in Australia. Organisations are under growing pressure to inform individuals, regulators and the public of data breaches and this project will explore how these responsibilities are conceptualised within organisations, and how they are discharged in practice. We expect to yield rich empirical insights into both the voluntary and mandatory reporting of data related breaches, the scope and form of disclosures, the organisational framing of data related accountability, and we expect to provide insights into best practice. The project will lead to refereed research publications and policy relevant research reports. Field of research: 1501 - Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Given the importance of data security to the nation, the organisation and the individual, this project will assist stakeholders to navigate data related risks by shedding light on current data disclosure practices surrounding data breaches. The research will support the development of more uniform disclosures of data breaches that are comprehensive, timely and actionable in order to help mitigate data related risks. The benefits of this project will be seen in improved data breach related disclosure rules and practices, and in an informed public debate about data related accountabilities. Given that the future competitive advantage of Australia will be reliant on our knowledge and data, this project will help ensure that organisations and individuals provide, and are provided with, sufficient information so as to mitigate the organisational and personal risks associated with data breaches. Beyond this, the project will also help scope best practice strategies to ensure stakeholders are sufficiently informed and resourced to improve the overall effectiveness of data protection strategies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Extinction and response inhibition. Humans and other animals readily learn to perform an action if it is “reinforced” by a reward and will extinguish the action if it stops being reinforced. Popular models of learning describe extinction as the automatic outcome of a prediction-error correction process that gradually weakens, and eventually eliminates, the response-reward association. But there is much evidence that conditioned responses are not eliminated and can be quickly restored. Other evidence suggests that extinction might involve more specific inhibitory processes that suppress the response without eliminating the original learning. The current project investigates the role of response inhibition in the extinction of learned responses in humans. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Our understanding of how people develop certain behavioural disorders (such as the excessive consummatory behaviours that characterise drug dependence, gambling, and obesity) is rooted in our knowledge of the principles of associative learning. These principles describe how we learn to perform actions that are rewarded and how we learn to extinguish those actions when they stop being rewarded. Indeed, our understanding of extinction has been central to the development of behaviour therapies aimed at treating many disorders. But effective and enduring treatment remains a challenge because many disorders can be resistant to extinction or prone to relapse. These failures highlight the importance of continued research into the basic processes of extinction. The current project takes a novel approach to investigate the mechanisms of extinction, stemming from our recent discoveries about the neurophysiological substrates of response inhibition in the brain. It aims to test whether differences in these inhibitory mechanisms are responsible for differences between people in how readily they can extinguish a response

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Catching the fast waves: high speed RF sensing using Brillouin scattering. This project aims to develop a room temperature approach to fast sensing of microwave electromagnetic waves by harnessing stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS), simultaneously achieving high frequency range, high resolution and high-speed performance. This project expects to generate new knowledge in microwave photonics and SBS, specifically elucidating the transient temporal response of SBS. Expected outcomes of this project include a proof of concept RF sensor that has multi-Gigahertz real-rime instantaneous bandwidth with high-resolution that can be miniaturized on to a chip. This compact RF sensor, will play a vital role for situational awareness in space, defence and communications applications. Field of research: 0205 - Optical Physics Traditional radio frequency (RF) sensors relying on digital electronic processors have a slow response, so they cannot detect rapidly fluctuating time-varying microwave electromagnetic waves, leaving gaps in time or frequency, which limits situational awareness. The project will create critical sovereign capabilities in high-speed RF sensors to achieve 100% probability-of-intercept over Gigahertz of bandwidth with high spectral resolution and high frequency range. These novel RF sensors are essential for increasing situational awareness in an increasingly crowded and dynamic microwave spectrum and for reducing threats, which increases the lifetime of hardware and personnel. The size, weight, and power benefits of the photonics approach will ultimately be compatible with the requirements for mobile platforms, such as drones and CubeSats, with benefits flowing to the communications, mining, agriculture, and defence sectors. Future partnerships with defence end-users and SMEs will allow for the created intellectual property to translate to sovereign industry and attract overseas investment to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Space, time and boundary conditions: Mathematics for evolving plaques. This project aims to create new mathematical theory to model the morphology of atherosclerotic plaques, which cause heart attacks and strokes, as plaques grow or regress. The project expects to devise new mathematical tools for formulating novel spatial models for cellular processes inside the plaque. These should give a new window into plaque growth and spatial structures . Expected outcomes include powerful and reliable mathematical models, new tools to understand plaque evolution, and national and international collaborations with scientists and mathematicians. This should provide significant benefits including increased capacity to use mathematical models in vascular biology and training young researchers in interdisciplinary methods. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics This project will contribute to Australia through the knowledge that it produces and the training in interdisciplinary mathematical modelling that it provides. Heart attacks and strokes have a profound economic and societal impact in the Australian community. This research will provide foundational mathematical models, formulated as differential equations, for the cellular mechanisms and processes that lead to heart attacks and strokes. Although it is beyond the immediate scope of this project, these models will contribute to Australia's capacity to develop personalised medical treatment for vascular disease. This project will also train graduate students and an early career researcher in interdisciplinary research at the boundary of mathematics and the life sciences. Australia needs workers with this deep level of skills and cross-disciplinary experience to work, for example, in epidemiological modelling and disease control, designing medical technology, and agricultural and water supply planning.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Electrocatalytic Generation of Ammonia from Air and Water. The aim is to directly convert nitrogen under mild conditions, using renewable power, to form ammonia for fertilisers and fuels, enabled by new, nanostructured, electrocatalysts based on single-sheet and composite materials. Unlike nitrogen fixation using a three-electrode system, the project will use a novel mixed gas- and liquid-phase electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction two-electrode reactor. Based on fuel cells, it is designed to accelerate the naturally sluggish nitrogen reduction reaction, NRR, significantly improving the reaction rate and selectivity. The project will also gain atomic-level understanding of the mechanism of NRR, based on in-situ spectroscopies used under operando conditions, e.g., Raman or X-ray absorption. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural) Our combination of two fuel cells operating synergistically to drive the generation of ammonia from just water, air (i.e., nitrogen), and electrical power, will be a paradigm shift and form a foundation for significant economic, environmental and social benefits. The anticipated scientific breakthroughs in catalyst design and preparation, coupled to the technical implementation of these advanced materials in our novel ammonia generator, will lead to a new and exciting low-temperature, low-pressure, and (if using renewable energy) zero-carbon synthesis route for producing ammonia – the world's single-greatest CO2-emitting process for chemicals at about 2% of global emissions. Our in-depth, fundamental study of the reaction mechanism will generate the knowledge base for applied success. The project will help to position Australia at the leading edge of research into carbon-neutral ammonia production that can be used as inputs for key Australian industries such as agriculture (fertiliser production), mining (explosive manufacture) and energy (hydrogen transport vector).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Synthetic leukocytes: bio-inspired DNA nanorobots powered by flow. Inspired by the way white blood cells roll along blood vessel walls, our goal is to build DNA nanorobots that roll along surfaces in flow. We take a synthetic biology approach to using biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins, to build functional particles and surfaces. To achieve this, we will combine our teams’ technological advances in DNA nanotechnology, plasma-activation for biomolecule immobilisation, and microfluidic devices. This project will contribute new methods for synthetic particle motion in flow and provide new insights into biomolecule interactions and motion. Ultimately, this will allow us to harness rolling for the delivery of synthetic nanorobots for detection and remediation in flow systems, such as the body. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Our advances in the field of bio-nanotechnology to build nanorobots with the complexity of living cells will contribute to Australia's national interest by providing an enabling new technology platform for: precision fabrication of nano and microparticles for detection and remediation of defects in flow systems; microfluidic ‘organ-on-a-chip’ models for high-throughput screening of molecular interactions in flow; integrated computational fluid dynamic simulations of biochemical systems. These outcomes will build capacity in advanced manufacturing techniques in Australia and improve our intellectual capital in this field. These advances have potential future applications in diverse areas including: diagnosing disease; targeted drug delivery; surface cleaning in biomedical and semi-conductor industry; waste remediation in water systems; preventing fine particle damage in mining equipment; and colloid deposition in nuclear waste storage. Overall this technology promises significant economic, commercial and quality of life benefits to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Locating Giurgola: From Philadelphia School to Global Practice. This project aims to conduct the first major systematic assessment of the architectural career of Romaldo Giurgola (1920-2016), the principal architect of Australian Parliament House. It will review all known archives relating to his life and works, including significant collections in North America and Australia, and it will survey the full range of his architectural projects. The project expects to result in a new and complete assessment of Giurgola's architecture, figuring important Australian buildings into an international landscape of professional practice. The primary outcome of this project will be a large critical catalogue, presenting the full extent of his career for the first time and locating APH in that career in new terms. Field of research: 1201 - Architecture Australian Parliament House is one of Australia's most iconic and significant buildings. This project will offer new ways of understanding that complex informed by the long and important career of its principal architect, Romaldo Giurgola. This will not only enrich the public understanding of this building, but will inform publicly funded efforts to adapt its fabric to the evolving needs of a modern constitutional democracy. It will locate Parliament House in new terms within the history of late twentieth century architecture globally, providing new impetus to consider Giurgola's Australian work alongside his experience throughout the United States and in Italy, Brazil, Colombia, Singapore and Sweden. This research will add value to a major public asset, placing Giurgola's work into conversation with major figures in the history of American architecture, and moving beyond national collections to enhance our appreciation of his Australian buildings. It will foster public literacy of architectural works of clear national significance and build a corp of expertise in connection with those works.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

The shock of the old: Rediscovering the sounds of bel canto 1700-1900. Bel canto—beautiful singing—describes a forgotten tradition (1700–1900), epitomising clear communication of expression and meaning of text. This project aims to generate new research-based knowledge of bel canto sound vocabulary, music, and history through implementation of a multi-modal method—working with an international community of singers—to produce multi-faceted outputs that inform future scholarship and creativity in singing. Modern classical singing fails to communicate the meaning of the text in bel canto repertory. Expected outcomes are revitalisation of global practices to produce classical singers better equipped to convey the text, increasing audience engagement, and the sustainability of the classical music industry. Field of research: 1904 - Performing Arts and Creative Writing Bel canto—an admired style of singing operas and songs (1700-1900)—piqued the interest of crowds through its compelling communication of story lines, providing high levels of cultural and economic stimulation. While bel canto music remains the staple of industry programming in Australia, its unique performance style is forgotten; its powers to communicate text severely tarnished; its relevance to modern Australian life continually in question. We will undertake vital research with a community of singers in Australia and internationally to rediscover the communicative sounds of bel canto, which will illuminate this significant era of cultural history. It will influence revision of Australian singing pedagogy, providing new tools to increase the capability of its singers. This will attract excellent national and international students. The project will re-ignite interest in classical singing to expand Australian audiences and the music economy. It will position Australia as world leading in classical music performance research, and render its musicians and outputs more competitive on the world market.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

The critical role of rhizosheath biophysics in plant water availability. This project aims to determine how plants can increase their water availability by altering the small volume of soil, rhizosheath that adheres to roots. This project expects to integrate root exudates metabolomics, biophysics and microbial ecology to determine for the first time which of a suite of interconnected factors increase water availability in the root zone. Expected outcomes include better understanding of the direct and indirect roles of soil pore geometry, root exudates and microbial communities play in shaping plant’s ability to take up water from soil. This knowledge may ultimately pave the way for engineering the rhizosheath of crops to cope with increased drought conditions. Field of research: 0503 - Soil Sciences Over the past 50 years, Australia’s real gross farm product has declined by 27.5 per cent during droughts; including 8% decrease in wheat production, 35% below the 10-year average to 2018–19. In 2019, east coast production of the five core grains — wheat, barley, canola, chickpeas and sorghum — was down 53.9 per cent to 7.7 million metric tonnes. For vast regions of the eastern states, there was no 2019 harvest. The heat stress that crops suffer during a drought may also exacerbate the yield loss. For the past 1000 years we have selected crop varieties based on aboveground traits of the plant. Our focus will be on the hidden half of the plant, the plant roots, which take up the water and nutrients that drive plant growth. Our new, multidisciplinary approach will enable us to integrate and understand the plant, soil and microbiome, will provide opportunities to select plants with desirable soil-root interface, better able to cope with the increasing drought and heat stress conditions in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Tuning mesenchymal stem cell lifespan, performance, and differentiation. This project aims to fully characterise a unique molecular process that strongly modulates mesenchymal stem cell lifespan and behaviour. This work is significant, as it is expected to reveal new concepts underpinning the mechanistic actions of classical structural proteins. It will also shape a more nuanced understanding of the context-dependent mechanical and biochemical signals that regulate stem cell fate and function. Expected outcomes include new knowledge surrounding native extracellular matrix and stem cell biology, and the development of strategies to define and tailor stem cell properties. This work is anticipated to drive new technologies that can efficiently and robustly manipulate stem cells for diverse functional applications. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) possess regenerative and protective capabilities that make them potentially valuable therapeutics for a wide array of diseases and disorders, and avoid the ethical and safety concerns of other types of stem cells. This project aims to uncover new mechanisms to regulate MSC behaviour using tropoelastin that can potentially prolong cell lifespan, enhance the properties of these stem cells, and direct their function. This research will lead to strategies for MSC production and manipulation that directly enhance the feasibility, efficacy, robustness and cost-effectiveness of fundamental and translational stem cell work. Outcomes of this research will unlock innovative technologies to address the emerging global demand for functionally defined MSCs and derivative cells. This project will in the longer-term deliver economic benefits to Australia’s medical industry and better health outcomes for Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

High-resolution multiscale modelling of pandemics: COVID-19 and beyond. The project aims to develop high-resolution computational models for pandemic mitigation and control, focussing on the novel coronavirus and its emerging variants, and leveraging demographic, genomic and epidemiological data. It expects to rigorously compare multi-scale effects of complex vaccination and social distancing strategies and quantify optimal responses under the COVID-19 induced uncertainty. The intended outcomes include computational models of how the most infectious viral variants emerge and spread in presence of interventions, how to predict the outbreaks, and which are the most vulnerable communities. This should make a significant economic and social impact, improving population health while maintaining a resilient economy. Field of research: 0299 - Other Physical Sciences The project results will increase resilience of the Australian society to disruptions caused by pandemic crises. The benefits will include increased vaccine adoption by the community, reduced frequency of super-spreading events, more efficient risk-based interventions during outbreaks, and lessened economic cost of local and regional lockdowns. The project will model feasible interventions across diverse demographics, hospital and aged care facilities, complex travel patterns, in presence of novel infections and their variants, reimportations and reinfections. This will make a significant economic and social impact by improving health of the population, including its most vulnerable parts, and significantly reducing disruptions to business and social activity. The project will also develop a leading position for the Australian research in the field of computational epidemiology. The novel computational models, verified across different epidemic scenarios, demographics, risk and genomic profiles, will form foundations for a comprehensive and rigorous pandemic crisis modelling framework.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

How does an essential histone variant effect changes in gene expression? The mechanisms that determine how genes are switched on and off in different tissues and at different times are not clearly known. It is well established that gene expression patterns are determined in part by the molecular signals transmitted by variation in the proteins that package eukaryotic DNA. Our aim is to understand new aspects of these mechanisms that revolve around how our DNA is packaged. This foundational knowledge will deepen our understanding of gene regulation in all complex organisms and will inform future efforts to rationally modulate gene expression patterns in agriculture, research and other important areas. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics This application investigates one of the most fundamental and long-standing questions in biology – how does an organism ‘read’ the right parts of its genome at the right times and in the right places to develop and thrive? The answers to this question are largely shared by all complex organisms, ranging from fungi to plants and animals. The delineation of the mechanisms by which the genome is interpreted will have significant implications across fields such as agriculture and biotechnology. As well as providing a deeper understanding of the world around us, determination of these mechanisms will potentially allow more efficient and higher-quality agricultural production and other biotechnological applications. A number of examples already exist of such applications and a stronger grasp of the underlying mechanisms will significantly expand our opportunities to have economic and agricultural impact.