THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Terahertz technology for cultural heritage testing: a Taj Mahal case study. Countless visitors to the Taj Mahal have been profoundly impressed and moved by its grandeur. Yet, today it faces an urgent threat of environmental degradation: a fate shared by many stone monuments worldwide. This study aims to advance critical knowledge supporting UNESCO and UN initiatives in preserving sites of cultural heritage. By employing cutting-edge terahertz imaging and spectroscopy, this project aims to deploy non-destructive testing methods to tackle two pressing challenges: (a) detecting surface deterioration caused by chemical, biological, and nano-scale agents, and (b) assessing structural integrity and stress issues arising from material degradation and environmental changes. Field of research: 4009 - Electronics, Sensors and Digital Hardware The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments, faces a growing threat from environmental degradation, a challenge shared by many historic stone structures, including those in Australia. This research will use cutting-edge terahertz imaging and spectroscopy to develop advanced, non-destructive techniques for detecting surface deterioration and assessing structural integrity. By identifying damage caused by pollution, biological growth, and climate-related stress, this project will support global conservation efforts led by UNESCO and the UN. Australia, with its expertise in scientific innovation, will play a key role in preserving irreplaceable heritage sites, ensuring their survival for future generations. Beyond academic impact, the research will benefit conservationists, policymakers, and the tourism sector, strengthening Australia’s contribution to international heritage protection.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Co-designing an Indigenous STEM learning model with Traditional Owners. Indigenous students are underperforming in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This trend causes economic and social justice issues for Australia as the STEM workforce minimises. This research aims to improve Indigenous student engagement in STEM through co-designing with Traditional Owners & community members a learning model, curriculum and place based resources underpinned by Indigenous knowledges. It expects to produce new knowledge about the co-design process with Traditional Owners & community members in Indigenous STEM education and best practice for engaging Indigenous students in STEM. This new knowledge will directly benefit Indigenous peoples, schools, educators, students, policy makers, and governments. Field of research: 4502 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Indigenous students’ achievement and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is either unchanged or declining. Poor educational outcomes for young people lead to social justice and economic issues for Australia. Currently, there are alarmingly only 0.5% of Indigenous people that hold a university qualification in STEM. This Indigenous-led research project aims to offer new and innovative ways of investigating a persistent problem and disrupt past approaches to STEM teaching and learning in primary school. We will privilege the voices of Traditional Owners and Indigenous community members as the knowers and doers of STEM to co-design an Indigenous learning model, curriculum and place based resources underpinned by Indigenous knowledges to support the implementation of STEM in the classroom. There is minimal evidence about Indigenous learning models that forefront Indigenous voices in co-designing STEM curriculum and resources and how it is implemented in schools. This research will provide evidence to support educators on culturally safe and engaging STEM learning model and provide new ways of thinking about the practice of STEM including hearing about the experiences of Traditional Owners and community members in co-designing and how this is done successfully. We will contribute to providing an evidence base on how to engage Indigenous students in STEM and whether co-designing is mutually beneficial for Indigenous peoples and students.

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

Needle-free mRNA vaccines for the protection from and treatment of HER2+... Category: Medical Research

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

Advancing a first-in-class therapy for the treatment of advanced and... Category: Medical Research

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

Terahertz technology for cultural heritage testing: a Taj Mahal case... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Long-range calcium-dependent neuronal signalling in learning and memory. Memory is a core element in our brain that underpins learning, problem-solving, behaviour and environmental adaptation, and requires a continuance of gene expression and protein synthesis in nerve cells. This project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of how nerve cells regulate the long-term expression of memory-related genes using an innovative combination of quantitative microscopy, gene knockout mice, epigenomics and behavioural neuroscience techniques. The expected outcomes will enhance our insights into the inner workings of genes that govern learning and memory formation, knowledge that is critical for our understanding of how memory is established and maintained over the long term. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences Memory is a core brain feature that is fundamental to survival. It allows us to remember learnt experiences, shapes our sense of self, helps with decision-making, and determines how we interact with the world. This proposal will address molecular mechanisms underlying long-term memory formation in the brain, addressing a long-standing knowledge gap in modern neuroscience. The outcome of this project will enhance our understanding of how the brain processes, stores and retrieves information. New knowledge gained will benefit multiple industries, ranging from brain-inspired artificial intelligence in engineering to the future development of new drug targets for enhancing cognitive performance. Since memory deficits can lead to poor educational outcomes, reduced productivity and social isolation, the outcomes could also have major implications for improving the creativity and quality of life of the Australian population and increasing workforce participation, thus bringing long-term social and economic benefits across generations. We will disseminate our findings and engage with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, educators, and community groups. Translating these discoveries and any resultant intellectual property would require longer-term engagement with industry partners via patent protection and licensing agreements. The short-term outcomes of this project will also enhance Australian research and train the next generation of neuroscientists.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Understanding threats to totemic stingless bees. This project investigates threats to native stingless bees and reported declines by integrating Indigenous knowledge and scientific methods. It will assess population trends, climate resilience, and the ethics of research on culturally significant species while establishing Indigenous-led monitoring programs. By combining ecological research with Indigenous stewardship, it will generate new knowledge on bee health, conservation needs, and sustainable land management. Expected outcomes include improved pollination management, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity protection. This project strengthens Indigenous-led conservation, supports environmental governance, and fosters ethical, reciprocal research partnerships. Field of research: 4503 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledges and Management This project contributes to Australia’s environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural resilience while advancing Indigenous-led research. Native stingless bees are critical pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems, underpinning food security and ecological stability. However, recent declines threaten biodiversity, cultural heritage, and pollination-dependent industries, yet no systematic research has addressed these losses. This project integrates Indigenous knowledge with ecological, genomic, and physiological approaches to identify and mitigate these threats. Aligning with Australia’s Science and Research Priorities in Environmental Change and Food Security, this research enhances climate resilience, supports sustainable agriculture, and informs biodiversity conservation strategies. By delivering data-driven insights into stingless bee population trends and climate adaptation, it will provide evidence-based recommendations for land management, conservation policy, and agriculture. Beyond academia, this research will benefit Indigenous communities, farmers, conservation agencies, and policymakers. Findings will be shared through industry workshops, Traditional Owner partnerships, and biodiversity initiatives. Embedding Indigenous governance and data sovereignty, the project will establish ethical research frameworks for culturally significant species, ensuring national benefits in conservation, food security, and Indigenous-led research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

How Adherens junctions coordinate cell signaling for epithelial homeostasis. Epithelial tissues are the fundamental barriers of the body. During life, healthy epithelial cells constantly monitor their locale for cell injury and engage homeostatic responses to preserve tissue integrity. This application probes how the junctions that hold epithelial cells together control signaling networks within the cells to regulate homeostasis. The expected outcomes are fundamental new knowledge using an innovative combination of quantitative cell biological and biophysical experiments, interdisciplinary training for young scientists, new national research capacity and growing international collaborations. It will benefit Australia by enhancing its scientific world linkage, status in scientific leadership and research capacity. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Epithelia are barrier tissues that protect the body from toxins and infections in the outside world. They are at constant risk of being injured, leaving the body prone to infection. Therefore, epithelial tissues have ways to detect and rapidly repair these injuries. This project now addresses the key research gap of understanding how these response mechanisms are controlled so that they do not respond excessively (too far or too long) to the injury. Such mechanisms are essential to ensure that the repair process does not itself disrupt epithelial integrity and lead to inflammation. The outcomes will be new knowledge that enhances Australia’s reputation as a scientific leader, that can form the foundation for new technologies. The project sets a framework for interdisciplinary research in Australia, advancing our position in this field, providing world-class training for Australia’s next generation of scientists, and creating new tools for the national research community. Maintaining Australia’s profile as a research leader is in the nation’s interest for many reasons, including retaining our attractiveness as a world-class training destination for national and international students. Our results will be communicated to the broader community through outreach and social media programs.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Characterising blood oxygenation changes in functional human brain imaging. This project aims to characterise and image the human vasculature in vivo that underlies functional brain mapping techniques, which can blur and mask the accurate mapping of human cognition. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the field of functional imaging and anatomy, physiology, and function of the human brain. Expected outcomes include a detailed map of the blood vessel anatomy of the living human brain, and vascular models of functional brain signals in space and time describing systemic and neurovascular processes. Potential benefits include new technologies for neuroscience and brain physiology research to shed new light onto human cognitive hierarchy and computation. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering The proposed project aims to increase our understanding of human brain function by investigating the biophysical mechanisms that underpin brain processes. During this project experts will be traind and increase Australia’s capacity in the inter-disciplinary area between biomedical engineering, human brain imaging, and computer science/machine learning. This will increase critical knowledge and capability in AI that Australia urgently needs to capitalise on bringing AI into medical imaging delivering economic, commercial, and social impact via publicly sharing new computational tools, research outcomes (data and analysis pipelines), as well as developing intellectual property strategies. The project will make use of Australia’s national resource in biomedical imaging of the National Imaging Facility - a research network of 10 Australian universities. Australia’s international collaboration will be expanded via collaboration with Stanford University (US) and Maastricht University through this project, providing access to unique expertise and facilities not available in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Reconstructing climate and coral mortality in the Coral Sea Marine Park. This cost-effective project aims to use high-precision U-Th dating of dead coral rubbles (samples already collected) and geochemical proxies from Porites cores to reconstruct past coral mortality events and their links to climate and environmental conditions, such as sea surface temperature, in the northern Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP). Comparing timelines and causes of coral mortality and reef degradation with the Great Barrier Reef, where more is known from previous studies, will help identify and isolate global, regional, and local drivers of reef decline since European settlement in 1850s. Improved insights from the CSMP reefs with limited historical data will guide managers in developing targeted strategies for future reef protection. Field of research: 3705 - Geology The remote Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP) has experienced unprecedented climate-driven coral mortality and reef degradation in recent decades. Its geographic isolation makes traditional monitoring costly and ineffective, while within-reef coral recovery is vital, highlighting urgent risks posed by climate extremes. This project will enhance our capacity to understand and manage such changes, directly addressing Australia’s Science and Research Priority: Environmental Change. By reconstructing coral mortality events spanning the past 200 years—including the onset of rapid global industrialisation—using advanced high-precision U-Th dating, and linking them to long-term records of sea surface temperature, nutrients, and upwelling derived from coral chemistry, we will identify critical climate stress thresholds and resilience patterns. This will significantly improve our ability to predict future environmental impacts in the CSMP. Findings will be up taken by government organizations such as Australian Marine Parks, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Institute of Marine Science, and marine parks worldwide for better targeted conservation strategies and cost-effective management of Australia’s and global vulnerable reef ecosystems. Leveraging pre-existing samples and world-leading techniques, the project offers exceptional value for money. It will also support the development of future leaders in reef science by training students and early-career researchers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advanced Flow Battery for Synergetic Carbon Capture and Energy Storage. This project aims to develop a novel flow battery that combines renewable energy storage, carbon dioxide capture, and bromide wastewater treatment into one integrated system. By replacing the inefficient oxygen evolution reaction with bromine oxidation, the battery will significantly lower charging voltages and enhance energy efficiency. Advanced catalytic materials and state-of-the-art imaging techniques will be used to optimise performance and understand the system's dynamics. The outcomes include an innovative energy storage solution and advancements in carbon capture and wastewater treatment, contributing to clean energy systems and environmental sustainability while addressing Australia's emissions reduction challenges. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia’s transition to a clean energy future depends on efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. This project aims to develop an advanced zinc-CO₂/Br flow battery, addressing critical gaps in energy storage by enhancing performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. By integrating cutting-edge materials science, electrochemistry, and engineering, this research will improve battery efficiency and lifespan, supporting Australia’s renewable energy goals. The outcomes of this project will benefit Australians economically by fostering local innovation in energy storage, reducing reliance on imported technologies, and supporting industry growth. Environmentally, this research contributes to lower carbon emissions by enabling more effective storage of renewable energy. Socially, it enhances energy security and reliability, which is essential for households, businesses, and remote communities. To maximise impact beyond academia, we will engage with industry partners, policymakers, and the public through workshops, policy briefs, and media outreach. Collaborations with national and international research institutions will ensure global best practices are applied, strengthening Australia’s leadership in clean energy technology. This project will pave the way for commercially viable, next-generation energy storage systems, driving economic and environmental benefits for the nation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Accelerating sustainability by improving nitrogen fixation of legume crops. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in crop legumes is essential for sustainable agriculture but is compromised by common agricultural practices and environmental conditions. This project will optimise legume nitrogen fixation through genetic variation to enhance the plant’s ability to acquire nitrogen for biomass and yield. Expected outcomes will include novel legume varieties having enhanced nitrogen fixation traits suitable for suboptimal growing conditions. This should provide significant benefits, such as increased yields and enhanced nitrogen retention in agricultural soils, resulting in reduced nitrogen fertiliser use and conscious environmental outcomes for primary industries. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology Legume crops are vital to Australia’s agriculture due to their nutritional value, economic importance, and their unique ability to utilise atmospheric nitrogen for growth and enrich soils through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This process reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, lowering costs and environmental impacts. However, most breeding programs have not targeted the genetic traits that optimise this process. This project will address that gap by developing legume varieties with improved nitrogen fixation and higher yields, even under variable soil conditions. By uncovering specific gene variations linked to enhanced nitrogen fixation, the project will provide tools and targets for crop breeders to develop more productive and resilient legume varieties. These innovations can directly benefit Australian farmers by increasing profitability, improving soil health, and reducing fertiliser use, contributing to more sustainable farming systems. To ensure these outcomes reach beyond the lab, the research team will actively engage with breeding companies, industry partners, and agricultural extension networks. This will support the translation of discoveries into real-world improvements, aligned with the Australian Government’s 2030 goal of building a $100 billion agricultural sector, and supporting Australia’s broader food security and environmental sustainability commitments.

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

How immune cells use zinc to combat infections Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Rewiring enzymes for direct electrochemistry. This project aims to overcome existing barriers to activating nature's catalysts (enzymes) with an electrical current instead of chemical reagents. Electrochemical methods applied to new modified hybrid enzymes, comprising natural and synthetic components, will provide improved electrical connections allowing direct electron exchange between the enzyme and an electrode. Applications of enzymes in chemical analysis, small molecule activation, bioremediation, sensing and synthesis are currently limited by poor electrode-enzyme communication. The expected outcome of this project comprises a generally applicable electrochemical platform technology that may be applied in all fields that utilise redox enzymes. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry Designed by nature and optimised over millennia by evolution, enzymes catalyse chemical reactions selectively, rapidly and under mild conditions (in water at room temperature and pressure) that cannot be equalled by synthetic chemistry. Enzymes that catalyse oxidation or reduction reactions play central roles in many biological processes including energy storage, metabolism, and detoxification. These enzymes all require a naturally occurring and expensive chemical oxidant or reductant as ‘fuel’ to function which limits their application in large (lab) scale synthesis. Enzyme electrochemistry removes the need for this chemical oxidant or reductant, which is replaced by an electrical current. This project aims to modify a set of known enzymes with synthetic electron relays to provide efficient electrochemical responses. These modifications combine the naturally high catalytic efficiency and selectivity of the enzyme with the known effective electrochemical properties of synthetic electron relays to generate next generation self-sufficient biocatalysts that will be able to operate simply by application of an electrical current. A new approach to harness the untapped capabilities of enzymes for electrochemical catalysis and sensing, communicated through publications and the media, will impact many key areas in Australia's economy including pharmaceutical development, environmental monitoring and protection, green chemistry and energy storage.

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

Developing a preclinical model for Malan syndrome Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Selective fluorinations using proteins to scaffold new-to-Nature chemistry. This project aims to solve the challenge of adding fluorine to specific positions on complex chemicals by using the unique shapes of enzyme active sites as scaffolds for catalysing powerful chemistry. It expects to solve bottlenecks in the manufacture of high value chemicals by making it possible to tailor their properties by fluorinating key positions on molecules. Expected outcomes of this project include a toolbox of biocatalysts of selective fluorination, a methodology for engineering others and an improved understanding of the ways in which protein structure shapes function. This should provide benefits such as more efficient and sustainable methods for manufacturing high value chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology Fluorine atoms are important parts of drugs and other important molecules. A fluorine inserted into a particular position on a drug molecule can make it more effective and safer. However it is currently very difficult to put a fluorine into a particular part of a complex molecule, leading to delays and inefficiencies in the manufacturing of such chemicals. Existing methods are unsustainable since they involve toxic and/or expensive reagents that reduce the economic viability and environmental friendliness of manufacturing drugs and other specialist chemicals. The aim of this project is to develop a new, sustainable approach to adding fluorines into particular positions of drugs and other chemicals. In doing so, it will provide new, greener chemical processes that will make the chemical industry more efficient and get drugs and other specialised chemicals to market sooner and at less cost to the economy and environment. These new processes could stimulate the chemical manufacturing sector in Australia, opening up opportunities for new businesses and creating good jobs for skilled graduates. Outcomes of this project will be communicated to pharmaceutical and other companies through our network of contacts in industry plus presentations to scientific societies, biotechnology industry meetings and media releases. IP resulting from the project will be commercialised by Uniquest in consultation with the investigators and their institutions.

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

Harnessing the biology of a cell surface receptor to target poor outcome... Category: Medical Research

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

Implementing a life course approach to early detection, prevention,... Category: Medical Research

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

Implementing a life course approach to early detection, prevention,... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Characterising Environmental Chemicals Driving Antimicrobial Resistance. This project aims to investigate non-antimicrobial chemicals in the environment that contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Using advancing screening techniques coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, the goal is to identify these chemicals. The information gained from this project is expected to revolutionise our understanding of antimicrobial resistance and can inform policy decisions to manage chemicals that contribute to antimicrobial resistance, supporting Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy. Expected benefits include the safeguarding of Australia’s public health and food sustainability, the minimisation of environmental contamination, and alleviating the economic burdens related to antimicrobial resistance. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to treating microbial infections in humans and animals, resulting in nearly 5 million associated human deaths annually and impacting food safety and supply. This project aims to address this critical issue by investigating the role of environmental chemical pollution in promoting AMR, a critical gap in our understanding of the selective pressures driving resistance. It will use innovative methods to identify and prioritise chemicals in the environment that contribute to AMR, with the goal of informing policy and aiding in the development of effective management strategies. This project will directly support Australia's National AMR Strategy by providing valuable data and insights, helping Australia effectively tackle the challenge of AMR. Project outcomes are expected to benefit Australia in the future through preventing and reducing the prevalence of resistant infections leading to healthier communities and reduced healthcare costs associated with treating resistant infections, reduced chemical pollution and protection of Australia's diverse ecosystems, and improved food security. To maximize the impact of this research beyond academia, we will engage with the public, policymakers, and industry through public lectures, media outreach, factsheets, and industry partnerships. We will also utilise social media platforms to share our findings and foster a broader understanding and application of our research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Quantum thermodynamics with many-body systems. One of the fundamental truths of the universe is that all devices must obey the laws of thermodynamics. A significant challenge is to understand how these laws emerge from microscopic quantum theory, and how quantum features like coherence and entanglement can modify the laws and improve quantum machines at the nanoscale. This proposal aims to develop the underpinning theory for practical methods to generate and use many-body quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes, using the highly configurable platform of ultracold quantum gases. The outcomes will provide a better understanding of the laws of quantum thermodynamics, leading to improved design principles for nanoscale quantum devices. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Quantum thermodynamics aims to understand how quantum mechanics impacts thermodynamics at the nanoscale. It has discovered that the quantum features of coherence and entanglement can theoretically be used to surpass the performance of machines based on classical physics. The research gap this project aims to address is the development of practical methods to realise these enhancements in quantum machines made from ultracold quantum gases, atoms cooled to billionths of a degree above absolute zero. In the future the knowledge generated by this project could economically benefit Australia by enhancing the power output of quantum batteries, or improving the accuracy of atom interferometers. Ultracold quantum gases are highly sensitive to inertial forces and are used for precision measurements of accelerations and rotations. They are currently commercially utilised for precision mapping of the Earth's gravitational field, aiding in mineral exploration, and are being developed for many other quantum sensing applications. We will promote our research outcomes beyond academia by engaging with the research translation program of Quantum Australia. The investigators have prior experience with quantum research translation, including the development of a quantum weighbridge for noncontact mass measurement. We will inform companies building sensors and machines based on quantum gases in Australia about our results, including Q-CRTL, Nomad Atomics, Infleqtion, and Atomionics.

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

Non-invasive modulation of astrocyte-mediated fluid exchange to improve... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Finding critical copper beneath volcanoes. Copper is essential in our race for decarbonation, yet demand will overtake supply at current discovery rates. Discovery of new copper deposits relies on better understanding of magma history leading to copper accumulation beneath arc volcanoes. This project aims to apply novel micro-chemical techniques and machine learning analysis to unlock copper fertility indicators in magmatic minerals. Together with plate tectonic constraints, the new micro-chemical information is expected to generate improved understanding of how copper deposits form. Outcomes are expected to enable more targeted exploration for copper, thus addressing the increased demand for copper with significant benefits to the Australian mining and renewable energy sectors. Field of research: 3703 - Geochemistry The demand for copper is increasing at an unprecedented rate, accelerated by the needs of the renewable energy transformation. However, copper discovery rates are decreasing and there is now a critical need to find more copper to increase supply. Most copper deposits accumulate in the roots of volcanoes, where physical processes determine if the magma will concentrate copper or not. The exact history of events critical for copper accumulation beneath volcanoes remains poorly understood, and it could greatly expand exploration success in Australia and globally. Using novel micro-chemical techniques and machine learning analysis, this project aims to develop new indicators for copper accumulation in magmatic crystals that can enable more targeted exploration for copper. These new mineral predictors are expected to provide tangible exploration tools to find copper deposits and therefore bring economic benefits to both the Australian mining and renewable energy sectors. Longer term, by meeting the increased demand for copper in the green energy transition, the project expects to provide environmental benefits to Australia in the race to net zero. Results will be promoted to Australian companies searching for copper in ancient magmatic systems in Australia and globally, as well as government through geological surveys with whom we have strong networks. We will also promote outcomes through social media and news outlets to maximise understanding and adoption of the new findings.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Recognition of acetylated lysine in control of protein and cell functions. Proteins are molecules that carry out most functions in organisms. They are naturally modified in cells to diversify their structures and functions. This chemistry project aims to study one simple protein modification important in development, metabolism, inflammation and survival of organisms. Aims and outcomes include discovering how this modification is detected and removed, how it controls protein signalling in cells, and how chemicals can be designed to preserve it to maintain normal cell functions. Benefits include new knowledge on roles of proteins that detect this modification, new high-value chemicals designed to monitor or control them, new IP with commercial potential, and interdisciplinary training across chemistry and biology. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry Proteins are molecular machines that are essential for carrying out most functions of a cell. Over 65% of proteins undergo natural chemical changes that fine-tune their structures inside cells for performing vital functions that sustain life. This project addresses gaps in our understanding of one of the most important protein changes, called lysine acetylation. The aim is to use a combination of computational, chemical, and biological techniques to create innovative new chemical tools for investigating how lysine acetylation happens, how it is controlled, and how this affects cellular functions. This research can increase the understanding about how cells work normally in living organisms. Greater understanding about how cells work can also help scientists understand what can go wrong, such as in Selected Chronic Conditions identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Overall, this project has potential to confer significant societal and economic benefits to Australia over time. It can stimulate Australia’s biotechnology sector by providing much needed new training to next generation scientists at chemistry-biology interfaces. It can produce new knowledge and high-value chemical tools for monitoring or controlling lysine acetylation in proteins, constituting patentable new IP that is potentially licensable to global biotech companies with interests in these proteins. The global market for modulating lysine acetylation was valued in 2024 at USD 1.3 billion.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Shaping net-zero cities with safe and efficient micromobility solutions. This project aims to develop a cutting-edge tool for network-level modelling and design that captures the complex multimodal nature of urban traffic, addressing the interactions between micromobility devices (e.g. e-bikes, e-scooters) and other road users. The project is expected to generate fundamental knowledge on multimodal traffic dynamics and develop innovative tools for network redesign. Expected outcomes of the project include advanced agent-based models integrating efficiency goals and safety strategies to develop cohesive, safe, and efficient micromobility networks.This should provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits through optimal redesign of transport networks, contributing to net-zero goals. Field of research: 3509 - Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chains As cities face mounting challenges related to congestion and emissions, micromobility—such as e-scooters and e-bikes—offers a low-emission alternative to short car trips. Yet, its uptake remains limited by infrastructure gaps and safety concerns that current models cannot capture and evaluate. This project aims to overcome key barriers to safe and effective micromobility by rethinking how we model and plan for complex traffic environments. It seeks to develop a new framework that brings together models on how people’s safety perceptions shape their travel decisions, and how different types of transport—such as bikes, e-scooters, cars, and pedestrians—interact in real-world settings. The research aims to produce practical tools to support better planning and design, using insights from simulator experiments, physical testbeds, and real-world video analysis. This research has direct relevance to how Australian cities will redesign infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles, enhance safety for vulnerable road users, and meet national net-zero emissions targets. By supporting more active, inclusive, and healthy mobility options, the project aims to deliver long-term environmental, economic and health benefits. Australia’s transport agencies, local councils, and industry will directly benefit from the project’s open-source modelling tools and targeted outreach, helping ensure the research translates into practical, real-world outcomes.