THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Towards the sustainable discovery and development of new antibiotics. This project aims to define how to access silent biosynthetic genes within microbial genome to facilitate access to new chemical diversity hidden within microbial genomes. Using interdisciplinary approaches in genome mining and metabolomics technologies, the project expects to inspire and enable the future design of more effective antibiotics. Expected outcomes from this program include define new microbial defence molecules, to meet future demands in agrochemical and environmental sciences. It will also train future scientists and develop international collaborations. This should provide significant benefit, including a higher-quality workforce for research and innovation, positioning Australia at the forefront of drug discovery. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry While microbial natural products have historically proved highly valuable, little is known about how to create new compounds from existing natural resources in a sustainable way. This project is critically important to Australia – addressing the lack of chemical diversity and inspiring the development of safe and effective chemical products. This project will produce new tools and resources to sustainably exploit the unique chemistry hidden within the Australian microbiome. The project will benefit Australia by producing cutting-edge and globally competitive technologies to produce new environmentally sustainable resources. Potential future benefits to the Australian public include discovering new drug leads to identify eco-friendly compounds for environmental sustainability and for agricultural practices to enhance crop productivity. Project outcomes will support and prompt existing and future collaboration with domestic and international colleagues across academia and industry, to more efficiently and sustainably extract value from Australia’s natural microbial resources.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

What drives the Anterior Expansion of the Central Nervous System? A striking and highly conserved feature of the central nervous system is that the brain is larger than the spinal cord. Despite the manifest implications this has for nervous system function, the underlying drivers are largely unknown. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms controlling anterior expansion of the central nervous system, and will generate new knowledge in the areas of nervous system development and evolution. This project aims to impact on our understanding of nervous system function, develop bioinformatics tools with broad utility within the biosciences field, strengthen Australia’s international standing in the developmental neuroscience, and enhance the capacity for interdisciplinary international collaborations. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology A striking feature of the central nervous system is that the brain is much larger than the spinal cord. This feature is seen in all animals, including humans. Brain size has increased during evolution and underpins the emergence of higher cognitive functions, including thinking and communicating. Understanding this process is fundamental for understanding the evolution of complex behaviours. Currently, the mechanisms controlling brain size are largely unknown. This project will identify the genetic forces driving brain growth, which underlies the formation of our large brains and the remarkable evolution of cognitive capacity. This project will further maintain and strengthen Australia’s renowned international standing in the brain sciences and will develop advanced genetic analysis tools with broad utility within the life sciences field. Moreover, a growing list of major human ailments, such as Autism, involve an under- or over-grown brain. Our results will therefore provide information regarding potential targets for the therapeutics industry, hopefully ultimately treating such brain disorders.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Pyroptotic macrophages posthumously sculpt immune responses. The life of an organism relies on the timely birth and death of its cells. Importantly, it is crucial for cells to die not only at the right time, but also in an appropriate manner. This proposal investigates a cell death pathway that triggers potent immune responses. This proposal seeks to reveal precisely how cell death sculpts immune responses. Expected outcomes include new insights into how immune cells die, and how they instruct immune responses from beyond the grave. Project benefits include a fundamental understanding of how cell death signalling sculpts tissue immune responses, and knowledge of how to manipulate cell death responses for future basic research and commercial applications beyond this project. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology The life of an organism relies on the timely birth and death of its cells. It is also crucial for cells to die in an appropriate manner, so that they prevent or ignite immune responses. However, currently little is understood about precisely how cell death can spark immune responses. Our project will investigate novel features of dying mammalian cells, so that we can define new pathways that instruct immune responses. This will reveal previously unknown mechanisms allowing cells to signal from beyond the grave to shape the body’s immune response. Such fundamental knowledge of how cell death instructs immunity may be harnessed in future assay design and drug development programs to generate new commercial products, such as research tools, diagnostics and immune-modulatory drugs. The project team is skilled at discovering new pathways of immune regulation and using this knowledge to develop new commercial products and working with Australia's biotechnology sector. Other benefits include investment in training the next generation of Australian scientists in cutting-edge microscopy techniques.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Understanding production and application of alpha emitting radionuclides. This project aims to develop new materials to improve the efficiency of production of radionuclides, as well as tools to improve our understanding of isotope decay products to to improve efficiency of delivery. High performance polymers will be evaluated to establish optimal design properties for enhanced radionuclide collection from novel generators of isotopic lead (Pb-212), and new methods will be developed to improve understanding of isotope product stability. Anticipated outcomes will provide greater production and utility of radioisotopes in radiopharmaceuticals, while building strong ties with partner AdvanCell Isotopes. This could improve manufacture of radionuclides, expanding capability and applications in radiopharmaceuticals. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry This project describes the exploration of new processes to enhance the impact and outcome of applications that involve alpha radionuclides. These form part of the emerging and highly potent class of radiopharmaceuticals. New polymer materials will be evaluated as a means to improve manufacturing and production efficiency of the radionuclides, while dedicated assays will be designed to facilitate new knowledge regarding the effect of isotopes and the decay products on biological materials. The project addresses key manufacturing and technological gaps in translation of next generation radiopharmaceuticals; Australia is a key international player in this field and this project seeks to ensure sovereign capability and capacity to produce the necessary radionuclide at economically-viable scale. Outcomes of the research will streamline the production of radioisotopes, providing economic benefits through new and more efficiently produced products. The project works collaboratively with industry, addressing industry-focussed challenges in the production of radiopharmaceuticals to address future health challenges.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Well-being and Productivity in Metricised Employee Performance Systems . The project will advance knowledge around the impact that the increasing use of digitised monitoring, performance measurement and metric systems are having on the workforce. It will generate a greater understanding of why, when and how these systems have a positive rather than a negative impact on employee motivation, well-being and performance. It will produce design guidelines to enhance organisations’ understanding and capability to sustainably manage and implement the use of monitoring and metric systems. Increasing this capability will help reduce the financial burden of workplace stress that these systems will have, it will positively influence worker well-being and work culture and help increase workplace productivity. Field of research: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology Digital HR technologies that incorporate the processing of data linked to employee performance promise to help organisations with efficient performance management. These systems are increasingly being used to monitor employee productivity and present metric-based employee performance information. The impact of these systems on workforce wellbeing, motivation and productivity has not been assessed and they could be doing more harm than good. This project will study the impact that these systems have across different workplace contexts and identify design guidelines setting out how to sustainably implement these monitoring and metric systems. Ensuring that these performance management technologies are well implemented will reduce the likely cost to business arising from work stress with their introduction. Careful implementation will also help to positively influence worker well-being, work culture and productivity in Australian workplaces. The findings and guidelines will be shared in industry publications, Management and HR practitioner conferences, and a project website for wide dissemination.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

The impact of leader financial rewards on work group functioning. This project aims to investigate when and why organisational leaders’ financial rewards improve or undermine social group functioning. Leaders’ pay has increased markedly in recent years, fuelling debate about the impacts on organisational functioning. While some studies have found high leader rewards have positive effects on group outcomes, others found negative or no effects. Expected outcomes include data on the effects of leader rewards on social identification with the group and contribution to collective goals, that will help policy-makers design reward systems that optimise functioning. This has the potential to significantly benefit Australian business and organisations to facilitate high-functioning groups and improve productivity. Field of research: 5205 - Social and Personality Psychology The financial rewards that workplace leaders, particularly CEOs and top executives, receive have risen substantially over the last few decades. Leader pay has become the focus of growing attention from stakeholders, prompting some governments to mandate the publication of leader-worker pay ratios. However, little is understood about whether and how financial rewards that leaders receive impact organisational functioning and productivity. This project will use novel techniques to illuminate when and why leader financial rewards improve or subvert team and organisational outcomes. This project will contribute to Australia’s social and economic outcomes by identifying principles for the design of effective organisational reward structures. By integrating these principles into executive education and a successful leadership development program, this project will develop leaders’ ability to foster healthy and high-functioning teams and organisations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

All-perovskite tandem solar cells for efficient green hydrogen production. This project aims to design functional materials for the development high-performance and durable solar energy conversion devices, which enable efficient green solar hydrogen production to reduce fossil fuel consumption and alleviate environmental burden. The expected outcomes include advanced semiconducting materials, proof-of-concept solar-driven water electrolytic system with a high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency, and cutting-edge knowledge in material science, physical chemistry, and nanotechnology. The success of this project expects to facilitate pilot-scale green hydrogen industry and thus position Australia at the frontier of advanced materials, clean energy, and renewable hydrogen supply technologies. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering A key vision of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy is the production of hydrogen from solar energy to reduce carbon emissions and support future energy needs. Hydrogen fuels can be generated by passing electricity through water, however, the current high industrial manufacturing cost of producing green hydrogen using solar electricity remains a barrier to achieving this vision. This project will develop innovative and highly durable solar cells that enable low-cost and efficient hydrogen generation from solar energy. It will offer domestic hydrogen manufacturers a reliable and green technology to make the mass production of hydrogen fuels more economically viable. The applications of this project will help establish a cost-competitive local hydrogen industry, providing economic benefits to Australia. The project will also deliver environmental benefits through reduced reliance on fossil fuels, helping Australia meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Switching, sensing and multifunctionality in spin crossover materials. This project aims to increase the temperature range where molecular spin states can be switched optically or electronically, and to develop new multifunctional materials combining switchable hosts with functional guests. By combining novel theories, synthesis and experiments, this project expects to generate step-change advances in the understanding of spin-switching materials and discover materials with novel properties worthy of commercial development. Significant anticipated outcomes and benefits include the identification and development of several new classes of materials function, each of major fundamental interest, and the generation of new advanced materials with applications in electronics, sensing and gas separations. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry Spin-crossover (SCO) molecules can be switched between magnetic and non-magnetic states by temperature, pressure, chemical environment, or irradiation by light. Building on two recent breakthroughs in modelling SCO materials, this project will design and make new smart materials that can detect and react to their environment. This will enable new chemical sensors and more efficient gas separations. Chemical sensors have applications from monitoring air quality to detecting explosives at airports. Gas separation is vital to Australian industry. Uses include purifying natural gas; separating oxygen from air for medical use; carbon capture and storage; and producing hydrogen for use as a carbon-neutral fuel. Current separation processes are inefficient, consuming 15% of the world’s total energy production. Sustainable industrial and economic growth requires new separation technologies that are energy- and resource-efficient. Advances will be rapidly deployed through existing industrial collaborations and licensing of emerging technologies, ensuring rapid uptake of new technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

How does heme regulate blood vessel formation in the brain? There are more than 600 kilometres of blood vessels in the brain, all of which are lined by tightly packed cells that protect the brain from toxins. My research aims to investigate how these blood vessels are formed. This project expects to reveal the role that a critical signalling molecule called heme plays in this fundamental biological process. I will use cutting-edge structural biology and biophysical techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow heme to enter cells and regulate blood vessel growth in the brain. The outcomes of this research will enhance our understanding of the brain’s core infrastructure and will contribute to an understanding of how cerebral blood vessels grow and maintain integrity. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Blood vessels in the brain supply the brain with nutrients and protect it from toxins. This research investigates how brain blood vessels are formed to understand normal and abnormal vessel function. It will discover how important molecules from blood regulate the formation and growth of brain blood vessels. This will facilitate research on how brain blood vessel formation is associated with compromised vessel integrity, for example in stroke, where vessels become blocked or ruptured causing severe tissue damage. Also, because many drugs do not easily pass across brain blood vessels into the brain, the results will also contribute to research on improving drug delivery across vessel walls into the brain. Given that brain disorders account for over 20% of the total burden of disease in Australia with an economic burden of over $74 billion per year, this will result in significant economic benefits for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Next generation titanium alloys for additive manufacturing. The rise of 3D printing creates unique opportunities for Australian manufacturers to participate in high value global supply chains. However, the lack of development in high quality printable materials is stopping manufacturers from accessing the full potential of 3D printing. This project aims to develop a design strategy for the next generation of titanium metals designed for 3D printing. This project expects to improve functionality of 3D printed metals with qualities that go beyond the most demanding industry acceptance criteria. This project should provide significant benefits by creating new capabilities and improving the productivity of Australian manufacturers while lowering the cost of products for consumers. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia is a leader in metal 3D printing with a growing ability to supply titanium products into global markets. However, the titanium alloys currently used for 3D printing were designed decades ago for other purposes and all have significant issues when processed by 3D printing. To fix these issues, manufacturers currently re-process 3D printed products which increases manufacturing costs and lead time. This project takes a new approach to develop the next generation of metal alloys suitable for 3D printing that go above industry standards without needing extra processing. This research will support Australian manufacturers to produce high quality titanium products faster and more affordably, allowing them to more competitively take part in global supply chains. As a material with many applications, including in defence, this strengthens Australia’s advanced manufacturing ability and supports the growth of an important industry, while also boosting jobs and local economies. To translate this research into practice, our results will be shared with manufacturers via industry trade workshops and events.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Neurochemical predictors of cognition and the impact of brain stimulation. This project aims to determine how neurochemical equilibrium between excitation and inhibition (E/I balance), across the brain, is associated with executive function and how this balance is influenced by non-invasive brain stimulation. Brain stimulation shows immense promise for enhancing executive function in applied settings, but the neurochemical basis for this is unknown. Using advanced imaging and stimulation techniques, the project aims to provide comprehensive insights into the causal relationship between stimulation, E/I balance and executive function. Outcomes and benefits include identifying neurochemical characteristics that determine stimulation efficacy and informing the design of protocols for applied use. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology Non-invasive brain stimulation involves the application of a weak electrical current to the cortex via electrodes placed on the scalp. It has shown promise as a tool to enhance cognitive performance, including in military settings. However, individual’s responses to stimulation can vary. Here we assess if individual differences in stimulation outcomes are predicted by concentrations of neurochemicals in the brain – particularly the balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I balance) – and if stimulation affects cognition and E/I balance. Employing state-of-the-art stimulation and imaging, this research will contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms of brain stimulation and human cognition and learning. The findings will support the development of targeted stimulation protocols based on an individual’s neural characteristics with applications in industry where enhanced learning and concentration will improve productivity and increase economic return. The findings can also be integrated into education to improve learning outcomes to create social benefit by investing in a smarter workforce.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Insect-specific virus host restriction. Mosquito-borne viruses are a topic of intense research due to their complex biology, ecology and evolution, and their potential to produce unpredictable outbreaks of disease in both humans and animals. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are viruses that replicate solely in mosquito cell and are unable to infect vertebrate tissues. This project aims to assess the biodiversity of ISVs in the Australian mosquito population and identify key factors behind their restriction in vertebrates. The objectives of the studies proposed will answer clearly defined important biological questions about ISVs, while also delivering technological advances, novel reagents and potential commercial outcomes for the control and prevention of arboviral disease. Field of research: 3107 - Microbiology Alphaviruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and produce large unpredictable outbreaks of disease in humans and animals. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) produces debilitating arthritic symptoms in both horses and humans, while an emerging threat, Getah virus, causes reproductive losses in pigs internationally. This project will investigate newly discovered Australian alphaviruses that replicate only in mosquitoes - referred to as insect-specific alphaviruses (ISAs). The outcomes of this research will determine why these ISAs don’t infect humans and other animals and how widespread they are in Australian mosquitoes. By providing insights into how disease-causing alphaviruses evolve, this will enable the use of ISAs to safely develop new vaccines and diagnostic tests against important alphaviruses (eg. RRV and Getah). This would bring significant economic benefits by safeguarding Australian agriculture against known and emerging pathogens, as well as potential health benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Improving the accountability of dark advertising on digital platforms. This project aims to improve accountability of dark alcohol advertising on digital platforms. Digital marketing practices are largely opaque, posing a critical challenge for regulation which traditionally relies on advertising being observable as a foundation for public accountability. This project will develop and translate cutting-edge approaches for monitoring dark advertising, building tools and expertise to observe digital advertising and ensure consumer protection and fair market practices in the digital era. The project benefits researchers, civil society, government and the public by providing new methods to examine and monitor harmful digital marketing practices and informing regulatory solutions to mitigate harms. Field of research: 4701 - Communication and Media Studies Digital platforms have become integral to people’s ability to participate in society, yet there are certain harmful aspects of the online environment. For example, digital marketing systems are currently designed in a way that amplifies harm to individuals and communities when used to advertise unhealthy and addictive products like alcohol and gambling. This advertising is largely untraceable, making it difficult to observe and regulate. This project aims to develop and translate cutting-edge technology to capture and observe digital advertising. This technology would provide researchers, civil society, and governments with a novel tool for monitoring digital marketing practices. It would bring significant benefits to Australian society by enabling policy development for online protection of communities and individual consumers. Moreover, implementing safer online practices enabled by our technology would bring about economic benefits through a healthier society and higher security of online practices.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding for Agricultural Futures. This Centre aims to develop the advanced capacity needed to secure Australia’s food and fibre production and export value into the future. Leveraging immense industry support, the Centre expects to develop and integrate cutting-edge plant and animal breeding technologies and deliver world-class training that addresses critical demand for highly skilled industry leaders. Expected outcomes include a future-ready predictive breeding industry able to transform data into optimised decisions, and the human capacity to drive it. This should provide significant benefits to enhance the sustainability and profitability of all major Australian agriculture sectors, including livestock, grains, horticulture, cotton, wine, dairy, forestry and fisheries. Field of research: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production A concerning gap exists between agriculture capacity and escalating societal needs. Combined with changing climate conditions, this is causing noticeable inconsistencies in product supply, producer hardship and higher prices for consumers. This Centre will develop optimised breeding processes that accelerate traits of interest for all major Australian agricultural sectors: livestock, grains and horticulture, as well as cotton, sugar, wine, forestry fisheries. Successful projects will provide substantial and diverse national benefits. These include enhanced cross-sectoral profitability (e.g. up to 100% reduction in crop losses due to pests and diseases) and better environmental outcomes (e.g. 25% reduction in methane emissions from Australian livestock). Greater industry capability to adapt and meet future challenges will stem from novel, Centre-developed iterative training frameworks for students, researchers and industry personnel. Research will be integrated within the operations of our 18 industry partners, removing logistical barriers to adoption and translational delays, and enabling immediate impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon . This Hub aims to develop new plant varieties that enable sustainable production of sugars from crop ‘waste’ (plant biomass) as a base for renewable carbon products. Only now possible through emerging technologies, the Hub expects to translate extensive foundational research and world-leading expertise into cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel. Anticipated outcomes include diversified cropping opportunities for agricultural producers and new industries to convert the biomass to high-volume renewable products. The expected benefits include a decarbonised pathway for Australia’s critical flight, freight and defence connections to world and the substantial economic returns and job creation from new manufacturing capacity in Australia. Field of research: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production Replacing fossil carbon with renewable sources is an essential step in achieving net zero by 2050. Plant-based fuel to decarbonise the aviation industry is a well-established, verified technology; however, no one has been able to produce it at a cost that can compete with traditional fuels, preventing broadscale roll-out. This Hub aims to develop new crop varieties that provide an optimised starting point for cost-efficient, renewable carbon products, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), from plant ‘waste’, with no compromise to food production. Hub outcomes are expected to diversify market options to sustain and grow Australia’s $2 billion sugarcane industry and enable the aviation sector, which contributes $69 billion gross value to the Australian economy, to operate within net zero targets. New Australian industries for the production of SAF are projected to create up to 15,600 jobs by 2050, most in regional areas. For rapid translation, the Hub integrates partners that span the production chain, from plant engineering to chemical manufacturing, and Qantas, the world’s leading long-distance airline.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Thinking about possibilities: Towards a unified cognitive framework. Thoughts about possibilities are fundamental to what makes us human. We routinely imagine what might happen in the future and reflect on how the past could have turned out differently. This psychology project aims to establish the circumstances in which children and non-human primates think about alternative possibilities, and to explain how they do it. The project expects to provide new knowledge of cognitive development and evolution, and to distinguish between simple and complex processes for thinking about possibilities. Expected benefits include progress towards a unified cognitive framework that may ultimately be leveraged to help people better reason about possibilities and bring them to fruition. Field of research: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology Regular Australians are often confronted with decisions between alternative possibilities and contingencies they must plan for. The capacity to consider possibilities is critical even from early life, as children face choices between which subjects to study, which skills to practice, and which career paths to pursue. Remarkably, however, it remains unknown how children come to think about possibilities at all. This project will administer psychological tasks to children of different ages, as well as a comparison group of non-human primates, to illuminate both simple and complex ways of thinking about what might happen next. Research translation will involve sharing findings with psychologists and policymakers in order to facilitate downstream social benefits to the community. Examples of these benefits include new assessment tools that can identify children at risk of falling behind their peers in making prudent decisions and preparing for alternatives. The project will therefore lay the foundation for teaching Australian children to better reason about possibilities and turn them into reality.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Advanced hydrodynamics for next generation of offshore infrastructure. This project aims to develop rigorous and precise prediction models for next generation offshore infrastructure, by capturing nonlinear wave-structure interaction. This project expects to generate new knowledge in offshore hydrodynamics (a branch of fluid mechanics) applicable to Ocean Engineering, using cutting-edge numerical technology, state-of-the-art physical modelling, and unique full-scale field data. The expected outcomes include enhanced capacity to estimate hydrodynamic response and advanced design tools for floating wind, floating solar and offshore aquaculture. This will provide significant benefit by enabling cost-efficient and viable designs, thereby accelerating the development of offshore renewable energy. Field of research: 4015 - Maritime Engineering Australia has a world leading offshore industry, contributing $80+ billion and 350,000 jobs per annum to the national economy. This position can be enhanced by rapid deployment of innovative infrastructure for offshore renewable energy and aquaculture, requiring solutions that are likely to be floating and dramatically different in form to what has come before. This project will tackle key challenges associated with next generation floating infrastructure. Scientific understanding of nonlinear physics will be developed through advanced modelling and novel data analysis. The cutting-edge science from this project will help address the feasibility of adopting floating wind in Australian open waters, enable safe operations of floating solar and beyond into green hydrogen, and improve the robustness of offshore aquaculture. This will unlock improved design with reduced cost and increased reliability and safety, thereby assisting with energy transition and creating value for Australia through the businesses that service this sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Exploring volcanic arcs as factories of critical minerals. Volcanoes at destructive plate boundaries (magmatic arcs) host most global copper deposits, critical for renewable energy and in unprecedented rising demand. This project aims to use high-resolution geochemical zoning of erupted crystals to uncover how magmatic processes lead to copper mineralisation and explosive volcanic eruption in arc volcanoes. The expected outcome is new knowledge on the inner workings of volcanoes and their copper enrichment potential. Anticipated applications are refined exploration targeting for copper and improved volcano hazard assessment. This will benefit the Asia-Pacific region and enhance the capacity of mining companies in the global race to produce metals of the future. Field of research: 3703 - Geochemistry The accelerating renewable energy transformation is putting huge demands on the supply of copper, an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. After millennia of mining copper, all easily accessible deposits are known. The race to find more copper relies on exploration innovation to locate hidden, inaccessible deposits. This project aims to repurpose a technology initially developed to research magma transport, into an exploration tool to find copper. The project will use new, detailed geochemical information locked in individual crystals formed at depth below volcanoes. It is in these plumbing systems where physical processes control whether the magma system becomes mineralised or whether the volcano will catastrophically erupt. The crystal fingerprint could potentially provide a tangible exploration tool to Australian companies searching for copper in ancient magmatic systems in Australia and globally. This will bring economic and environmental benefits to Australia by safeguarding critical mineral security and enabling the energy transition.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions from urban wastewater systems. This project aims to develop a systematic framework for water utilities to monitor and reduce direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater systems. A standardised monitoring protocol will be developed to conduct an unprecedented nationwide sampling campaign. The obtained data, with microbial characterisation and mechanism analysis, will be used to develop novel models for accurate prediction of GHG emissions. Expected outcomes include protocol to accurately monitor emissions, models to predict emission under various conditions, and mitigation guideline for typical plant configurations. The anticipated benefit is a significant reduction in GHG emissions from urban water industry and support it to meet net-zero-emission goal by 2050. Field of research: 4011 - Environmental Engineering Direct GHG emissions from water utility treatment systems and sewers are the 7th largest contributor to global emissions. Adoption of emission reduction strategies is hindered by a lack of reliable monitoring protocols as well as methods to predict the effect of different reduction strategies. The collaboration between researchers and water utilities in this project on a nationwide emissions monitoring campaign will underpin development of a reliable emission monitoring protocol as well as new methods and software to accurately predict emissions for different treatment pond and sewer biological and operational conditions. In parallel, laboratory studies of microbial activity will suggest potential emission reduction strategies for different pond and sewer conditions. The new tools and knowledge developed will give water utilities confidence to implement emission reduction strategies, leading to a more sustainable water industry, supporting Australia’s push toward net-zero emissions by 2050 and informing GHG accounting guidelines for the water industry worldwide.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Solar driven methane conversion for green methanol production. This project aims to develop advanced photoelectrode materials for solar driven methane partial oxidation to produce methanol. The key concepts are to develop new semiconductor devices and alloy metal cocatalysts in solving the slow charge and mass transfer challenges in catalytic methane partial oxidation reactions. The expected outcomes include ground-breaking approaches for catalytic materials design, efficient solar fuel production and cutting-edge knowledge on methane activation mechanism. The program is aligned with Australia’s Net-Zero Emission 2050 target, representing an innovative pathway in converting greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals, which will bring environmental and economic benefits to Australia. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia’s prosperity in coal mining and livestock is driving a dangerous acceleration in methane emission, a greenhouse gas with 25-fold greater heat trap capability than carbon dioxide. An urgent solution is needed to ensure Australia can meet its Net Zero target while maintaining the strong economic benefit of these industries. This project aims to deliver a technology for converting methane into methanol using sunlight. Methanol, also known as liquid sunshine, is a promising green fuel that has the potential to replace fossil fuels. However, over 90% of Australia’s methanol is imported from overseas at significant cost. Success of this project will enable green methanol to be produced locally using Australia’s abundant solar energy and methane sources. The development of this sovereign capability will ensure Australia has a safe energy net with a stable supply chain of green fuel. The expected outcomes have the potential to broaden adoption of green methanol in numerous industries, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to the Australian Government’s 2030 Emission Reduction Target.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Investigating spatio-temporal instabilities in next-generation lasers. This project aims to decipher the transient spatio-temporal dynamics of lasers with an emphasis on investigating chaotic instabilities whose fundamental laws are unknown and whose effects impair laser performance in applications with a billion-dollar aggregate value. This project seeks to solve the problem by unravelling the evolving beam's structure on picosecond timescales using an optical device that dissects the beam in space and time. The expected outcome is a suite of tools capable of guiding global efforts to develop next-generation lasers. The discoveries would propel Australia to become a characterisation nexus of the laser industry and usher in the era of faster telecommunication, enhanced sensors and high-precision manufacturing. Field of research: 5102 - Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics The industry that manufactures lasers is worth billions of dollars and forms the technological backbone of diverse markets, e.g. smartphones, augmented reality, self-driving cars and data communication. Engineers are attempting to design next-generation lasers that are faster, more powerful and can communicate over longer distances. However, the instruments available to engineers for this task are very blunt, making the laser development cycle precarious, expensive, and slow. This project aims to empower engineers with a suite of tools required to produce novel lasers for the emerging telecommunication, sensing and material processing markets. Deployed in Australia, the instruments will guide the global manufacturing efforts to develop next-generation lasers and transform Australia into a characterisation nexus of a lucrative laser industry predicted to be worth 5.7 billion AUD by 2027. Application of the technology will lead to more efficient, reliable, and faster lasers in the infrastructure underpinning our information-age society, with increased efficiency bringing substantial environmental benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Rethinking Topological Persistence. This project aims to address the lack of transferability and uncertainty-awareness in AI models. Despite their success, AI models are met with bias and uncertainty when deployed in the real world. As a result, they are rarely used in high-risk industries like cybersecurity or transport. This project expects to build uncertainty-awareness into models by teaching them to return UNKNOWN when they encounter a previously unseen thing, instead of misclassifying it. Further, the evaluation methods to be developed will not rely on access to test data, allowing cost-effective, private, and safe AI for high-stakes decision support. The outcomes will benefit Australia by accelerating economic investment and fostering greater social acceptance of AI. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Accelerating Australia's investment in automation, as outlined in the Robotics Roadmap 2018, is projected to contribute $2.2 trillion to the economy over the next 15 years. The safe and responsible deployment of AI systems is one important enabler of this acceleration. However, for high-risk sectors like cybersecurity and transport, adoption of AI is hindered by uncertainties and perceived risks associated with its use. This project aims to address this by developing uncertainty-aware, safe, and responsible AI systems. This will incentivize high-risk industries to integrate AI into their decision-making processes and enable small businesses to compete with large players who have access to proprietary data. This research will not only focus on theoretical advancements but also on practical implementation by establishing transparency regarding the behaviour, limitations, and responses of AI systems, which will instil confidence and trust in the public's use of AI technologies. These will foster wider adoption and increased investment in AI, driving economic growth, accessibility and inclusivity in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable of transmitting diseases. These viruses, called insect-specific flaviviruses, can be employed as biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne human and veterinary diseases. However as it is currently unknown how exactly they affect mosquitoes, the safety and efficacy of their use can't be predicted. The proposed project will dissect the very intricate mechanisms of interactions between insect-specific flaviviruses and mosquitoes and explain how exactly they prevent disease transmission. It should generate novel fundamental knowledge, implement innovative methodologies and provide training for students and junior scientist. Field of research: 3107 - Microbiology Mosquito-borne flaviviruses such as West Nile and Japanese Encephalitis viruses inflict economic harm on Australia's primary industries by causing diseases in livestock. In addition, they pose a persistent threat to public health. This study focuses on insect-specific flaviviruses that only infect mosquitoes, but not vertebrates, and make them uncapable of pathogenic virus transmission. It seeks to unravel the exact mechanism that make mosquitoes resistant to pathogenic viruses. The study will generate new knowledge about insect flaviviruses, mosquito immunity and virus-mosquito interaction. Short term, this will benefit virology and entomology training and strengthen Australia’s international standing in the field. The results will also inform future design of safe and effective biocontrol strategies for mosquito-transmitted viruses. This can result in long-term benefits for the Australian agricultural and public health sectors, by preventing the spread of these viruses and therefore reducing the burden of flavivirus diseases on livestock and human population.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Microbiome Regulation of the Host Mitochondrial Genome. This project aims to describe newly discovered processes by which bacteria that reside in the gut of an animal influences host mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. Using advanced genetic and molecular methodologies, this project aims to generate new knowledge on improving mitochondrial function as well as advance our understanding of the emerging field of microbiome research. Expected outcomes include a novel and universal technology platform in which to engineer small molecules and probiotics to improve mitochondrial health and enhance fitness in a range of animals. This should provide significant benefits, through both scientifically relevant outcomes and economic benefits through technological advancements. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology The community of bacteria (microbiome) that lives within the digestive track of animals mediates potent effects on viability, fitness, and other life history traits, although it is still unclear how. This project has revealed a new beneficial relationship between specific bacteria and the DNA within the host animal’s mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses. Capitalising on this discovery, the outcomes of this fellowship are expected to reveal the mechanisms that regulate the bacteria-mitochondria interaction and provide a foundation from which to create small molecules and probiotics that are targeted at improving mitochondrial genetic health in a wide range of settings. This proposal will benefit the nation’s biotechnology capability within the growing probiotic space, providing economic and commercial benefits to Australia. By actively improving mitochondrial genetic health in animals, the outcomes of this project may also deliver benefits to Australia’s agricultural industries by enhancing the fitness and breeding of important livestock species.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Using multiple data sources to understand the opioid crisis in Australia . This project aims to improve the quality and integration of population-level data for monitoring the consumption of opioids, licit and illicit, in Queensland communities. The analysis of opioids in wastewater, integrated with opioid use information such as prescription and seizure statistics will vastly increase knowledge of consumption patterns of opioids. By analysing wastewater samples from 2011 and triangulating with other datasets, the expected outcomes include building capacity to estimate consumption of all opioids; detecting the misuse of licit and illicit opioids over time. Anticipated benefit is to provide objective evidence of opioid use patterns for decision makers and a framework for a national opioids monitoring program. Field of research: 4203 - Health Services and Systems In Australia, harm caused by opioid misuse is on the rise and our country could face an opioid crisis like the one happening in the US and Canada. This project is expected to deliver a critical tool to evaluate the potential misuse of prescription opioids and the consumption of illicit opioids in Queensland communities by triangulating multiple data sources. By providing a greater understanding of the relationship between opioid prescription control and the subsequent consumption of other substances of abuse in the communities this project is crucial to our Partner Organisations as they devise policies to reduce the social, health and economic burden of substance abuse. This project will serve as a model to establish a framework that can be expanded nationally for monitoring of opioid use in Australian population.