THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

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.

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

Real time prediction of workload in complex dynamic environments. Aim: The aim of this project is to develop a computational model that can be used in real time to predict the point at which a human operator is likely to become cognitively overloaded. Significance: Cognitive overload is a critical safety risk that needs to be managed in modern work settings, yet it is extremely difficult to predict the onset of overload, because of the variability in the strategies that people use to manage task demands. Outcomes: The expected outcome is a model that uses advanced computational methods to estimate workload in real time and predict overload before it occurs. Benefits: The model can be used to ensure that workload of human operators remains within safe limits, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. Field of research: 5204 - Cognitive and Computational Psychology The purpose of this project is to develop a computational model that can predict when a person is likely to become overloaded. Excessive workload is a safety risk in a range of sectors that are central to Australia's national security and economic well-being (e.g., for civil and military pilots flying Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, air traffic controllers, medical personnel). As civil and military systems become more complex, there is a pressing need for algorithms that can identify when an operator will reach their capacity limit, so that controls can be put in place (eg., by reallocating work to other operators or allowing automation to take over part of the job). Algorithms of this type will benefit Australia by making civil and military systems operated by humans safer and more effective, and by protecting the well-being of the operators. In order to ensure that the research is relevant, we will establish an industry advisory panel with representatives from the defence and aerospace sectors. The role of the industry advisory panel will be to provide guidance on the project and facilitate engagement with potential translation partners.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

3D printed zinc lattices with electrochemical reversibility and stability. This project aims to 3D print novel zinc lattices with enhanced electrochemical reversibility and stability by utilising advanced grain refinement techniques and structure design. This project expects to significantly improve the reliability of zinc-based electrodes and rechargeable batteries for grid-scale renewable energy storage. Expected outcomes include cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly next-generation metal electrodes, along with advanced manufacturing capabilities opening new opportunities for sustainable metal applications beyond energy. This should provide significant benefits by supporting Australia’s net zero emission target and reinforcing Australian manufacturers' leadership in global high-value metal supply chains. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Zinc-air batteries are crucial in Australia’s sustainable energy transition by providing large-scale, low-cost, high-capacity, and eco-friendly renewable energy storage solutions using Australia’s critical metal zinc as the anode and air-derived oxygen at the cathode. However, they suffer from a short cycle life and rapid capacity degradation due to fundamental issues with the zinc anode. This project aims to develop advanced 3D printing techniques to fabricate zinc anodes with tailored microstructures and an innovative lattice structure design to overcome these challenges. It is expected to effectively enhance the reliability of zinc-air batteries for practical applications and discover fundamental knowledge that will guide the creation of new value-added processes for Australian manufacturers. The developed capabilities support the Future Made in Australia plan by enabling local production of sustainable technologies, creating new job opportunities, and contributing to the nation’s net-zero goal by 2050. The outcomes plan to be promoted through media releases, public presentations, and industrial conferences to maximise understanding within broader communities. Technological translation is anticipated through patents via UQ’s commercialisation company, UniQuest, enabling Australian manufacturers to leverage them for practical benefits. Adoption is expected to be supported by policies through engagement with policymakers and stakeholders for a sustainable future.

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

Addressing the critical questions in chronic pain Category: Medical Research

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

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

Predicting the benefits of legal reform for marine and coastal restoration. This project aims to build the case for legal reform to facilitate marine and coastal restoration. Currently, restoration is hindered by the need to obtain numerous development and environment approvals, and engage with legal processes not designed for restoration. These problems are amplified when attempting to restore multiple habitats simultaneously. This projects draws together legal research, social science, restoration science and environmental modelling to build the evidence base for why reform is needed, how reform can be done, and what difference this reform can make to ecosystem health. This will support the restoration needed to meet international restoration targets, and to secure critically important ecosystem services. Field of research: 4802 - Environmental and Resources Law In Australia, complex legal permitting pathways have made it difficult to do coastal and marine restoration, especially across multiple habitats. However, government agencies require more information in order implement changes to permitting laws. This interdisciplinary project aims to directly fill this information gap by addressing three key questions: why is law reform needed, what should this law reform look like, and what difference will it make? The first two questions will be answered through legal research, surveys, and stakeholder interviews. The third question will use ecological modelling to predict how the proposed law reform can lead to better environmental outcomes. This project aims to benefit the environment through providing evidence to drive the law reform needed to underpin larger-scale marine and coastal restoration projects. It also aims to contribute to economic benefits as there are new and emerging markets that exist to provide financial incentives for repairing nature, but which are difficult to access unless proponents can access the legal permits needed to do restoration projects. Throughout the project, we will work closely with government agencies and restoration proponents, including through interviews and workshops, to maximise the understanding and use of our research findings.

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

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

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

Harnessing Nanotechnology to Develop Next-Generation mRNA Oral Vaccines Category: Medical Research

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

Amplifying Indigenous Ecological Knowledge in Western Science with... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Designing New Photothermal Catalysts for Green Methanol Production. This project aims to innovate photothermal catalysts for green methanol synthesis powered by solar energy instead of fossil fuels. By leveraging advanced materials design and tailoring catalysts to harness the full solar spectrum, particularly infrared light, it seeks to generate new knowledge in photothermal catalysis for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Expected outcomes include highly efficient, selective, and durable catalyst materials, profound insights into the mechanisms of photothermal catalysis, and a scalable, reliable, and eco-friendly methanol production process. This project will reduce carbon emissions, advance solar-powered chemical manufacturing, and support the transition to sustainable energy technologies. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project aims to revolutionise renewable methanol production by integrating solar energy with photothermal catalysis, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based methods. By converting carbon monoxide from industrial waste gases into methanol, it supports emission reductions and carbon recycling, directly aligning with Australia's net-zero goals and industrial decarbonisation. The project’s economic impact is significant, enhancing Australia’s competitiveness in green chemical manufacturing, creating high-skilled jobs, and reducing reliance on fossil feedstocks. With a global methanol market valued over US$37 billion, Australia stands to lead in low-emission technology development. The environmental benefits are profound, reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption while improving industrial efficiency. Moreover, this project will contribute to Australia's transition to a circular carbon economy, fostering industry collaboration and workforce development. By providing cutting-edge training in catalysis, sustainable engineering, and energy technologies, it prepares the next generation of professionals. Aligned with national Science and Research Priorities in Energy and Environmental Change, the project supports Australia's clean energy leadership. To maximise adoption, we will engage with industry partners, policymakers, and the public through patents, commercialisation pathways, and outreach activities to promote scalable, practical solutions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing Federated Learning for Unified Urban Spatio-Temporal Predictions. This project aims to address pressing challenges in urban spatio-temporal predictions, such as data sparsity and noise, privacy concerns, data heterogeneity, and limited generalisability. It expects to generate transformative innovations in federated learning for spatio-temporal foundation models. Key contributions include a model transmission-free federated learning architecture featuring data condensation to generate synthetic yet informative knowledge carriers, a physics-guided spatio-temporal data enhancement framework, and robust defenses against potential attacks. These outcomes will broadly benefit the transportation, environment, and public safety sectors, enabling smarter, safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban communities. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Australia’s rapid urbanisation demands smarter, more sustainable cities powered by AI and data-driven services. However, critical urban data remains fragmented across cities and organisations, limiting its full potential. This project aims to develop Australia’s first federated urban foundation model, enabling secure cross-city and cross-department knowledge sharing and collective intelligence while safeguarding data privacy. The research outputs of this project are expected to benefit broad urban applications, including optimising public resource allocation, improving public transportation and safety, reducing congestion, strengthening environmental monitoring and prediction, and enhancing energy efficiency. Smarter urban planning could mitigate congestion-related economic losses exceeding $19 billion annually, while greater public service efficiency will lower government spending on transport, emergency response, and infrastructure. Advanced environmental predictions will foster more resilient and well-prepared cities. Early warnings of extreme weather events enable timely evacuations. Seamless cross-city and cross-department collaboration will equip first responders with real-time urban insights, reducing emergency response times. Predicting energy demand spatially and temporally enhances the efficiency of power distribution. Backed by strong collaborations with government agencies, this project will integrate into existing urban information systems and infrastructure.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Monitoring Australia's illicit tobacco and vaping product markets. This project aims to address key knowledge gaps about the availability of illicit tobacco and vaping products. Despite concerning recent growth in Australia’s illicit tobacco and vape markets, independent and reliable data on these products’ availability is very limited, and the effectiveness of new laws implemented to address these markets remains unknown. In response, this research will triangulate data from five novel sources: a mystery shopper study, littered pack/device collection, Google Maps data, social media data, and satellite imagery of illicit tobacco crops. Leveraging a multidisciplinary and experienced team, the project’s outcomes will enable policy optimisation and targeted law enforcement activities to disrupt supply chains. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration This research addresses Australia’s growing illicit tobacco and vape markets, which have significant economic, social, and criminological impacts, including billions in lost tax revenue and funding of organised crime. Despite increasing enforcement efforts, limited independent data hinders effective responses. This project aims to produce Australia’s first estimates of the prevalence of illicit tobacco/vapes available for retail purchase, the number/location/density of these retailers, the proportion of retailers adhering with licensing regulations, product characteristics, and best practice methods for detecting illicit tobacco crops. Project outcomes will be displayed in interactive dashboards for real-time monitoring of online discussions and illicit crop locations. Outcomes will optimise policies for maximum effectiveness, guide targeted enforcement activities to disrupt supply chains, and support evidence-based decision-making for authorities and stakeholders through live interactive dashboards. These outcomes will generate significant financial and social benefits by reducing the economic and criminological burden of illicit tobacco/vape markets, while promoting healthier and safer communities through more effective regulation and enforcement. Beyond academia, we will leverage on our existing collaborations with government agencies and policymakers to translate research into action, ensuring the findings lead to tangible improvements in enforcement and regulation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Can solutions to the climate crisis uphold human rights? Our project aims to generate new interdisciplinary knowledge about the capacity of the carbon offset market to support the urgent national and global challenge of climate change while balancing responsibilities to uphold human rights. This will be vital to ensure decarbonisation - including via Australia's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 - also cares for communities affected by carbon offset projects. By building new understandings about the challenges and opportunities for realising positive human rights' outcomes this project will deliver significant benefit by increasing the credibility of the carbon offset market and ensuring it can directly support achievement of the global commitment to decarbonise. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology Carbon offsets work by making improvements in land and sea management with outcomes that increase the storage of greenhouse gas emissions, thereby generating carbon credits. These credits are then sold to heavy polluters to offset their emissions. Carbon offset projects are often established on local and Indigenous land and seascapes, and sideline Indigenous knowledge systems and rights to Country. This project responds to the significant national and global problem of balancing carbon offset sector expansion with responsibilities to defend human rights. Australia expects to achieve some of the largest growth globally in the sector over the next decade, however human rights' violations jeopardise their economic viability. Human rights’ violations also jeopardise national commitments to decarbonise. This project will directly support Australia to balance its environmental and social responsibilities in the transition to a net zero future. Through collaboration with Kabi Kabi Peoples Traditional Owners in Australia, and local and Indigenous peoples in India, Kenya and Uganda, this project supports the active engagement of First Nations’ knowledge systems, self determination and First Nations leadership in shaping carbon offset initiatives. Communication of multi-country research outcomes via academic papers, policy briefs, digital materials and local and Indigenous-led workshops will ensure high impact and translation of interdisciplinary findings across policy and industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A Cultural History of Workplace Fatigue . This project aims to investigate how the historical and cultural construction of workplace fatigue shapes the design and implementation of fatigue management technologies in an age of AI. Through historical research, stakeholder consultation, and focus-group studies, it will analyse and evaluate the impact of automated fatigue management technologies on diverse users. Expected outcomes include better understanding of end user experiences, recommendations for more equitable fatigue management, and co-developed models for product design that mitigate the risk of automated discrimination. Benefits include improved workplace health outcomes, enhanced diversity-informed technology design, and international academic and industry collaboration. Field of research: 4702 - Cultural Studies This project addresses the current epidemic of workplace fatigue in Australia by supplying a human-centered approach to fatigue management technologies informed by a new understanding of its cultural history. It will generate new knowledge of workplace fatigue in the history of health, technology and workplace applied studies, enriched by current user data and co-designed solutions. It aims to bring direct cultural benefits to diverse Australian working people by generating new understanding of workplace fatigue that can inform improved workplace policies and practices for managing it. It aims to enable thriving workplace cultures, with potential economic benefits via reduced need for sick leave and workplace injury, and more sustainable models of workforce management. It will generate new knowledge designed to stimulate increase corporate and workplace consciousness of workplace fatigue, developing new practice standards for human-centered fatigue management technologies in the AI era, that take better account of human differences. The project is designed with international collaboration, research training, and user data and co-designed solutions into its outputs which include both prestigious academic publications, workplace recommendations and practice standards, disseminated publicly via podcasts, media articles and workshops.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A comprehensive investigation of intergroup contact and ideology. This project aims to advance understanding of how intergroup contact—interactions between people from different racial, political, or ideological groups—affects attitudes and reduces prejudice. While traditional theories suggest that contact improves intergroup relations, recent findings show limited longtitudinal effects. The present project suggests that this might be because intergroup interactions have divergent effects depending on the ideological or political orientation of those involved. We plan to test our proposition through comprehensive qualitative, experimental, and longitudinal studies. Outcomes will provide new insights to guide social cohesion strategies, as well as efforts to reduce political polarization. Field of research: 5205 - Social and Personality Psychology This project tackles the growing threat of political polarisation; an issue with serious implications for democratic health and social cohesion. Although Australia remains less divided than some other Western democracies, rising affective polarisation, online echo chambers, and politicised prejudice are emerging challenges. This research will identify how ideological divisions interact with racial and sexual identities to influence prejudice and intergroup hostility, with a focus on understanding whether—and when—intergroup contact across ideological lines can reduce or exacerbate such tensions. The findings will offer critical, evidence-based insights to inform public policy, education, and community programs aimed at strengthening Australia’s democratic resilience. By identifying the social conditions that support meaningful political dialogue and reduce hostility, the project will help pre-empt the rise of political polarisation. As well as generating actionable outcomes for public life, the project advances social psychological science through theory development, contributing to one of the largest literatures in the discipline. It will also build national research capacity through training early-career researchers.The results will be shared widely with policymakers, educators, and the public to maximise impact across sectors.

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

Monitoring Australia's illicit tobacco and vaping product markets Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Defining how motor circuits translate steering signals from the brain. This project seeks to understand how signals from the brain control motor circuits during walking, enabling an animal to navigate in space, pursue prey, or escape a predator. It will focus on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, for which the entire pattern of neuronal connections has been mapped and genetic tools are available to selectively measure or manipulate the activity of single neurons in living animals. While the navigation circuits in the brain have been partly elucidated, this project will examine the motor outputs of these circuits. It will determine how brain signals control leg motor circuits to effect a turn. This work will deliver fundamental insights into motor control and inspire the design of more agile robots. Field of research: 3109 - Zoology How do animals move through a complex and ever-changing environment? Neuroscience has traditionally tackled this problem through two distinct lines of research – one focussed on the brain mechanisms for spatial navigation (“where am I and where do I want to go?”), another on the motor systems for locomotion (“how do I walk, fly, swim, or crawl?”). Far less attention has been paid to the steering mechanisms that link navigation centres to motor circuits. This project will establish these neural links and thereby provide a more complete understanding of how an animal moves through its environment (“where should I turn and how do I do it?”). It will use the fruit fly Drosophila as a model species, one for which (despite the name) walking is the principal mode of locomotion. This model system is ideal for this research because the entire neural circuitry has been mapped out in this species, and because genetic tools can be used to monitor the activity of individual neurons or to turn them on or off. Analogous steering mechanisms are likely to be present in other species, regardless of their mode of locomotion. Thus, this work will provide fundamental insight into the general neurobiology of steering control in animals and can be expected to find application in the design of more agile robotic systems, thereby stimulating further research and development in Australia across a wide range of fields, from neuroscience to artificial intelligence and robotics.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Molecular basis of effector-triggered immunity in plants. Plants detect pathogen effector (avirulence) proteins by immune receptors called plant NLRs, in a process termed effector-triggered immunity. The applicants’ laboratories have identified key signalling events in this process: NLR oligomerization into “resistosomes”, and NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and nucleic acid binding and cleavage by NLR TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domains. The current project aims to fill gaps in understanding the structural architecture of resistosomes and NLR:nucleic acid complexes, and the nature and functions of signalling molecules produced. This new knowledge aims to help develop strategies the long-term objective of protecting crops from pathogens. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Pathogens account for more than 30% loss of global crop production, representing a threat to food security. Fungicides, one key form of protection, represent environmental concerns. Plant resistance gene breeding can protect against a broad range of pathogens, but suffers from lengthy breeding processes, restricted choice of genes from sexually compatible species and short effective time spans in the field, as pathogens evolve to avoid detection. Incursion of new pathogens from other parts of the world represents further threat. Understanding how resistance proteins function and finding new sources of these proteins, the subject of the proposed research, are central objectives to achieve effective and durable resistance and reduce the economic and environmental implications of plant diseases, especially for grains industry and other crops relevant to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

How immune cells use zinc to combat infections. All animals need to defend against infections and other threats. This project aims to understand how immune cells called macrophages harness the antimicrobial properties of zinc to directly kill bacteria. The project expects to advance knowledge about how the immune system functions in several animal species, including those used in livestock industries. Expected outcomes include major conceptual advances in immunology and cell biology, new interdisciplinary collaborations, and new tools to study immune functions. While outside the scope of this proposal, anticipated benefits include a knowledge base that could, in the long term, be indirectly applied to develop strategies to combat infections in the livestock and other sectors. Field of research: 3204 - Immunology All animals, including Australian livestock and companion animals, have an immune system that they use to combat infections caused by microbes such as harmful bacteria. Some immune cells can use specific mechanisms to directly destroy bacteria. One of these mechanisms involves intoxicating bacteria with high levels of zinc, but there are significant knowledge gaps about how zinc intoxication is engaged in immune cells and about how high levels of zinc kill bacteria. A better understanding of this zinc pathway would enable us to switch it on in immune cells to more effectively fight bacterial infections. In the future, such knowledge is expected to lead to the development of drugs and/or vaccines to maintain and/or improve the health of Australian livestock and companion animals. It may also help us to reduce the use of antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the animal production and veterinary sectors. Research outcomes are expected to be promoted through engagement with industry, providing economic benefit to Australia through the development of anti-infective agents for the Australian biotechnology, livestock, and/or veterinary industries. Research outcomes are also expected to provide environmental benefit to Australia through reduced antibiotic use.

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

Reversible patterning of surfaces for biomolecule immobilisation Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Understanding how cells withstand compression in crowded environments . Little is known about how cells respond to and survive compression, despite it being the force most often experienced by cells in crowded environments. This project will define how cells respond to and cope with physical compression. By combining high resolution imaging with engineering approaches, we expect to reveal how cells dynamically reinforce their cytoskeletal armour in restrictive environments to maintain their genomic, organelle, and cellular integrity. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of broad biological interest reframing how we think about cell movement, survival, and inflammation. This should have applications in bioengineering and plant growth, and prepare the next generation of scientists for the Australian workforce. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project investigates how a cell moves and survives in crowded tissue and organ environments, an essential process that occurs during wound healing, immune surveillance and development. During these processes, cells need to squeeze through tight gaps imposed by their environment. Importantly, cells need to be able to resist compressive forces. This project will answer how cells achieve this by applying innovative optical and cell biology methodology, with engineering and computer vision approaches. The impact of understanding how cells navigate this physical challenge will be broad, spanning across many biological fields resulting in a greater understanding of how complex multicellular tissues and organs are both developed and maintained. The knowledge will be shared beyond academia with many applications in technology development in bioengineering, and cell biology, enhancing Australia's positions in these areas. The results from this project will lead to downstream projects with potential benefits for Australian industry, from polymer science to tissue engineering and regenerative biology- representing important scientific growth areas of the future. It will have ongoing, national impact for biological fields, including future insights into understandings of complex diseases, plant biology and bioengineering.