THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Ecological grief, wellbeing and resilience in the Great Barrier Reef . Adaptation to environmental change is a critical societal challenge that increasingly involves psycho-social factors such as ecological grief – the distress caused by loss of important environments. This project aims to understand how social factors such as place attachment and environmental values interact with broader environmental and institutional changes to shape community resilience to ecological grief in the Great Barrier Reef region. This will be the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary study to understand how ecological grief influences community wellbeing and identify local adaptation responses. The project will provide a basis for policy making that seeks to foster strong and resilient communities in Australia and globally. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography Adaptation to environmental change within Australian regional communities is recognised as an issue of national importance due to the rapid acceleration of environmental threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and the significant negative effects of these threats on community wellbeing and mental health. Communities in the Great Barrier Reef are at the forefront of environmental change, and are experiencing significant ecological grief and loss as a result. This project aims to analyse the environmental, social, institutional and economic conditions that combine to make regional communities more vulnerable to environmental change and will also examine how communities are building local resilience. The project directly responds to the Australian Government’s Science and Research Priority 8 – Environmental Change. Knowledge from this project can be used to develop targeted Australian policy responses to improve community wellbeing in response to environmental change.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Calming the Superfluid Storm: Taming Turbulence in Superfluid Devices. Turbulence, the chaotic flow of fluids, occurs in the vast majority of fluid flows in nature. This project aims to develop a new understanding of turbulence in superfluids, a class of quantum fluids which can flow without friction. The significance is that aspects of turbulence are universal, so that discoveries in superfluid turbulence will provide fundamental insights into all forms of turbulence. The expected outcomes are solutions to two outstanding questions – what are the universal laws of turbulent flow for superfluids, and what new forms of quantum vortex matter are possible? New insights into turbulence will benefit all applications which rely on its understanding, for example in medicine, aviation, and climate modelling. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics This project aims to develop innovations in the control of turbulence in superfluids. Recently, applications leveraging the frictionless flow of superfluidity have been proposed, including ultra-low energy switching devices for computation, and high precision quantum sensors. However, turbulence caused by quantum vortices marks the breakdown of superflow and the onset of dissipation, and has been shown to limit performance in these devices. The outcomes of this project have the potential to enhance the critical currents in such devices by controlling quantum vortices in the fluid. Computing infrastructure uses an increasing fraction of the international energy budget, and is a major contribution to carbon emissions. Technology leading from this project could enable ultra-low energy computing, benefiting Australia both environmentally and economically. Furthermore, this work will strengthen Australia’s world-leading effort in quantum technologies, which has the potential to provide new jobs, technology exports, and economic diversification.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Next-Generation Batteries. This project aims to develop advanced two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) materials for sodium and potassium-ion batteries. It expects to generate a new family of few-layered 2D COF materials and their 2D-2D heterostructured composites with improved electrochemical properties, and develop processing technologies and fundamental understanding of COF-based electrodes for flexible sodium and potassium-ion batteries. Expected outcomes include novel materials, technologies, and energy-storage options for Australia. Significant economic and environmental benefits are expected from developing advanced sodium and potassium-ion batteries with low cost, high energy density, and improved safety for renewable energy storage. Field of research: 0306 - Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural) New materials are critical to next-generation energy-storage devices, which will reduce power bills and help to protect the environment in Australia. The outcomes of this project will be new classes of functional materials for next-generation energy storage systems such as sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries. The expected impacts are the expansion of Australia’s knowledge base and research and development capability in functional materials and clean energy technologies. The project outcomes will underpin significant advances in sodium and potassium-ion batteries technologies that have future applications in flexible and wearable devices. Significant economic, energy and environmental benefits are expected from the development of sustainable and clean energy-storage devices.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Empowering Users to Protect their Personal Privacy on Social Media. This Information Systems project aims to take a bold approach to finally overcome the paradoxical inertia of people who care about their privacy but do not protect it. This project integrates different psychological theories proposing a paradigm shift expecting to generate new knowledge in privacy research, which can currently neither explain nor provide means to overcome the vexing issue. Expected outcomes of the project include a privacy behaviour model (PIM), privacy training program and system design solutions. This should offer substantial benefits as it integrates privacy research and guides behavioural models beyond Information Systems, provide means to solve the paradox, guide legislation and the privacy consent mechanism design. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems According to the Consumer Policy Research Centre, 94% of Australians frequently make careless privacy decisions. This is paradoxical behaviour as 49% of Australians also report annually growing concerns about their personal online data. Insufficient privacy protection is a major cybersecurity issue with personal, economical and societal implications. Privacy related breaches cause personal damages including identity theft, financial and medical fraud, stalking, and bullying. Their employees’ poor privacy behaviour is also a major cybersecurity threat for companies who invest $190 billion AUD in cybersecurity, while suffering multi-million-dollar losses per year due to privacy breaches. Poor privacy protection also exposes the Australian society, for example, to the distortion of public discourse and election manipulation as witnessed by other countries. Empowering users to actually protect their privacy will safeguard the Australian citizens against personal threats, preserve the society from unwanted external interference, and help companies to achieve effective privacy protection through their investments.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Portfolio projection of biodiversity responses under climate change. Organisms need to adapt and/or migrate to avoid critical population loss under climate change. Despite the importance of both processes in biodiversity dynamics, most biodiversity predictions focus on the patterns of migration under climate change. The type and amount of adaptation required to escape climate-driven extinction in the future remain largely unknown. This project aims to quantify the type and extent of adaptation and migration required for ecologically and economically important marine species to avoid critical population loss under climate change. By quantifying adaptive and migration responses as vulnerability metrics, the project outcomes will provide resource managers novel tools to formulate flexible management strategies. Field of research: 0699 - Other Biological Sciences Marine ecosystems annually provide AUD $3.2 trillion-worth of ecosystem services to humans and support nearly three billion people with a source of protein. These socio-economic benefits are critically threatened as climate-driven loss of marine biodiversity and impairment of ecosystem services become commonplace. Management strategies to combat socio-economic losses are hampered by the current limited knowledge of species responses to climate change. This project will quantify environmental pressures that marine species will experience under climate change and identify climate change hotspots and vulnerable species. Such information is critical for formulating targeted management strategies to minimise ecological, evolutionary, and socio-economic losses in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Statistical Methods for Next Generation Genome-Wide Association Studies. This project aims to develop cutting-edge statistical methods to analyse large genomic datasets and identify genetic variants associated with inter-individual differences in various human traits. Knowledge of trait-associated DNA variants is instrumental in understanding how natural selection has shaped human traits. By integrating genomic data from diverse and underrepresented populations, this project further expects to contribute to the equitable use of genomic technologies in humans, regardless of geographical origins. Expected outcomes of this research include novel analysis methods and software tools, which should broadly and significantly benefit gene discovery in other species, including those of agricultural relevance. Field of research: 3102 - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Our genes affect how we look, age and behave. Yet, how important their role is and what specific traits they influence remains largely unknown. This project addresses these fundamental questions and aims to identify genes causing differences between individuals. The project will generate user-friendly computer programs which will be made publicly available for use in a wide range of contexts. For example, Australian farmers could use them to predict which plants or animals will have the greatest yield and chance of survival. This would advance the national priority of enhancing food production and significantly benefit Australia’s economy as Agriculture accounts for 11% of Australia’s goods and services trade. Forensics could also use these tools to improve the accuracy of DNA-based profiling, which will accelerate investigations and thereby increase safety for all Australians. Finally, by focusing on under-represented communities, this project will contribute to an equitable use of genomic technologies for all populations, thereby positioning Australia at the forefront of international genomic research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Novel devices for spatial light transformation. The aim of this project is to develop new optical instrumentation for spatially transforming light. This research expects to find solutions to problems that have thus far been out of reach by replacing what would traditionally be a human optical systems designer with computer algorithms. The expected outcomes include the development of three new devices as well as a set of design, fabrication and characterisation procedures that offer higher performance, increased robustness and scalability. This should improve accessibility of this technology and provide benefits to a wide range of applications, including astronomical and biomedical imaging, telecommunications, as well as quantum and classical optical signal processing. Field of research: 5102 - Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics The manipulation of light using optical systems (a combination of lenses, mirrors, and other elements) is used for astronomy, medical imaging, lasers, and many other applications. Existing optical systems designed by humans are limited by human intuition. This project uses computer algorithms without such limits to develop optical systems which have not previously existed, to implement new functionality and higher performance. The developed systems will strengthen Australia’s lucrative optics industry (outputs of ~$4.3b/year) by opening new avenues for academic and commercial use in Australia, particularly for applications requiring precision control and measurement of light, such as telecommunications, astronomy, and advanced manufacturing. This project would enhance skill development and production method efficiency for several established and upcoming Australian businesses in the areas mentioned above and contribute to the development of new technologies with longer term employment and export benefits. Adoption would occur through both open science and collaboration with local and international partners.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Transforming tobacco policy to deliver societal benefits. This project aims to develop new regulatory options for tobacco to minimise the legal market while avoiding the adverse societal and economic impacts of transferring consumer demand to illegal tobacco products. It addresses a significant current concern about a growing illegal tobacco market and seeks to improve understanding of the impact of tobacco control policies on the illegal market, and the societal impacts. The project also seeks to draw insights from illicit drug policy to understand potential consequences of greater restrictions on the legal tobacco market. The expected outcomes include an enhanced monitoring system for illicit tobacco and policy recommendations to achieve government goals of reducing smoking rates. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration Reducing tobacco smoking will increase economic productivity, reduce the environmental impacts of the tobacco industry and improve community health and wellbeing. However, policy makers are faced with the challenge of developing public policy that balances restrictions on the licit tobacco market and potential growth of the illicit market. The societal harms of the illicit tobacco market include funding organised crime, impacts on individuals through contact with criminal networks while buying illicit tobacco, weakening public regard for the rule of law, and lost government revenue from foregone tax. The research will improve our understanding of how tobacco control policies, including greater restrictions on how tobacco can be supplied and the types of products available, impacts consumer demand for illicit tobacco products. It will also improve our ability to monitor illicit tobacco use in Australia. This project seeks to develop practical policy options to reduce tobacco smoking while minimising growth in the illicit tobacco market.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Improving crops from the ground up: genetic solutions to optimise roots. This project aims to develop future crops with optimised root systems by overcoming genetic constraints that currently restrict their potential. Exploiting advances in genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and genome editing, this project expects to advance understanding of the biology and genetic controls of root development and responses to concurrent stressors, including drought, nutrient deficiency and soil-borne disease. It is anticipated that project outcomes will support the development of crops equipped with novel root traits, enhancing resource-use efficiency and yield stability amid climate variability. This globally relevant research is designed to benefit the sustainability and profitability of the Australian grains industry. Field of research: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production The Australian wheat industry – valued at $4.9 billion per annum – is renowned globally for producing high-quality grain for the production of breads, noodles and pastas. Most of the grain is exported, contributing 10–15% of annual international wheat trade and providing an important contribution to global food security. However, wheat production in Australia is vulnerable to drought and requires high fertiliser inputs due to nutrient-poor soils. While plant breeding has optimised above-ground traits to improve productivity under harsh Australian conditions, selection for below-ground traits has been minimal. This project aims to deliver new wheat lines with enhanced root traits to improve water and nutrient uptake for more sustainable and profitable farming systems into the future. New genetics created in this project are expected to improve wheat productivity over the next 10 to 20 years and could lead to a more stable supply of high-quality grain for domestic and export markets. Knowledge gained in this project should be transferrable to other important cereal crops, such as barley and oats.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Molecular basis of glutamate receptor trafficking in neuronal plasticity . Neurons communicate via synapses, where chemicals (such as glutamate) are released to transmit neuronal signals. This proposal is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication and adaptive plasticity, which are essential for normal brain function. The proposed research will combine biophysical, biochemical, molecular and cell biological assays to elucidate how the trafficking of glutamate receptors is regulated in neurons during plasticity and learning. The outcomes will enhance our understanding of how neural plasticity is generated and maintained, knowledge that is critical for our understanding of the cellular correlates of information, sensory and motor processing, as well as learning, memory and cognition. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Learning is essential for survival; however, we still do not fully understand the processes the brain uses to learn, including storing and retrieving information. This project aims to investigate these processes in more detail. The findings of this research can then be used to enhance learning. This is of major relevance to Australia’s national interest because learning influences most aspects of our lives. For example, improving learning could lead to improved educational outcomes, thereby increasing participation in the workforce and ultimately improving Australia’s economic productivity. Translation of these discoveries into practice could occur through partnering with the pharmaceutical industry to create new products to enhance learning; or with engineers to advance artificial intelligence based on the human brain.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

New Frontiers in Innate Immunity. This program aims to define how the immune system senses and responds to environmental cues. By combining interdisciplinary approaches with cutting-edge imaging and spatial biology technologies, this program expects to reveal how immune sensor proteins are regulated at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. Outcomes of this program include unparalleled insights into molecular mechanisms that underpin effective functioning of the immune system, training of future scientists, and strengthening international collaborations across academia and industry. This will contribute to a high-quality workforce for research and innovation, and secure Australia’s position at the forefront of immunology research driven by cutting-edge technologies. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology The immune system is vital for the survival of animals and humans. One significant function of the immune system is to detect and respond appropriately to bacteria. The immune system allows “good” bacteria, that help maintain good health, to live in our gut and lungs. However, other bacteria that might cause infections need to be eliminated. There are significant gaps in our understanding of how the immune system detects bacteria. This research will provide new knowledge about how and where in the body bacteria are detected, and how these immune processes are regulated. Understanding these immune detection mechanisms could lead to future development of new drugs and vaccines that enable both humans and animals to stay healthy. Therefore, this research has the potential for social and economic benefits for Australia such as growing our pharmaceutical industry, protecting our valuable meat and livestock industry, and allowing us to lead healthy lives.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Peptides and Proteins for Fighting Pests and Protecting the Environment. This project aims to use peptides and proteins to fight pests and protect the environment, which is significant because current practices have unintended harmful effects and are unsustainable. Achieving these aims must first involve scientific development of ecofriendly lead molecules. This project will develop platform technologies for the design of bioactive peptides or proteins based on molecules used naturally for highly selective functions in communication and defence. Expected outcomes include novel peptide and protein leads and improved strategies for developing them, which will lead to new and safer ways of protecting biodiversity and food security that are expected to reduce our environmental footprint and bring economic benefits. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry Australia’s environment is a vital resource, the tourism and agricultural industries account for 6% of national Gross Domestic Product. Our environment is vulnerable to outbreaks of pests, and current control methods have unintended harmful effects. This project aims to develop selective pest control molecules for: (i) crown of thorns starfish, which causes destruction of the Great Barrier Reef, a national asset worth $56 billion; (ii) fall army worm, which destroys crops including barley (Australia is the world’s 3rd largest producer); and (iii) pathogens that threaten food security. The molecules will be used to remove target pests from valuable Australian resources. E.g. eliminate fall army worm from Australian crops without harming beneficial pollinators, sustainably improving crop yield. They will be brought to market through existing and new partnerships with industry to validate activity in the field. Project outcomes address national research priority areas of food and environmental security.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Understanding dynamic interfaces in electrochemical systems. This project aims to develop nanoscale characterisation methods to understand dynamic processes in zinc-ion batteries and high temperature electrolysis systems under real working (in operando) conditions. This project expects to reveal critical solid-liquid and solid-gas interfacial processes in these two distinctly different electrochemical systems. The expected outcomes include improved understanding of electrochemical interfaces and improved tools and methods to observe nanoscale interfacial processes. This information can be used to underpin mechanistic models, which will facilitate new materials design. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Electrochemical reactions are chemical processes that produce or consume electricity and are essential for battery operation. These reactions are not well understood, because they occur at the nanoscale (one billionth of a meter) and are difficult to view. When these reactions are poorly designed, they use a large amount of electricity and as such are very expensive to operate. The aim of this project is to develop new methods to use with powerful microscopes to give us a deeper understanding of electrochemical reactions. This is important because it will allow us to design new materials to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of various electrochemical reactions. The knowledge gained will have a wide range of applications which Australia will be able to manufacture. For example, rechargeable zinc-ion batteries which can be used in safe and flexible devices such as wearable heart monitors. As Australia holds the world’s largest zinc reserves, we are well-positioned to be a global leader in this market.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Synthetic genes as reference standards for biology and biomanufacture. Reference standards are needed to improve the measurement of biology and the reliability of biomanufacturing processes. This project aims to engineer synthetic genes capable of acting as reference standards for DNA, RNA and protein. The synthetic genes can be transcribed into mRNA standards, and translated into protein standards, and be further integrated into living cells to measure internal cellular processes. The outcomes include a unified understanding of gene expression and more accurate next-generation sequencing and mass-spectrophotometry technologies. The synthetic genes also allow standardisation and optimisation of biomanufacturing processes that will produce mRNA and biologics products at a higher purity and lower cost. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology mRNA technologies are widely recognised as a key technology that will drive future advances in health, industry and agriculture. As a central part of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy, the Australian Government has prioritised the development of onshore mRNA biomanufacturing capabilities that are needed to prepare for future pandemics, and support the development of mRNA technologies by national researchers. The research described herein will develop the first reference controls standards needed to establish best-practice mRNA manufacture capabilities. These synthetic gene standards will enable optimisation of manufacturing processes, enable coordination across a global network of manufacturing facilities, and foster the development of new innovative mRNA technologies. This international adoption of synthetic genes as industry standards will strategically position Australia centrally within global mRNA manufacture and research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

A top-down approach to synthesising high-value fluorocarbons. Fluorocarbons' ability to impart high stability, solubility, and unique reactivity to host molecules renders them invaluable in agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymers and surfactants. Their robustness also renders them environmentally persistent. There are no industrially utilised methods for the re-purposing or recycling of fluorocarbons. This project aims to generate new methods for the selective activation of carbon-fluorine bonds in polyfluorocarbons, allowing their incorporation or repurposing into high value chemicals and/or easy derivitisation to access a plethora of new fluorocarbon products. Expected outcomes will allow new processing methods to value add to fluorocarbons while preventing their environmental release. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry Fluorocarbons are compounds that are essential components of many modern chemicals used by Australians including refrigerants, soaps, plastics, pesticides, herbicides and pharmaceuticals. As potent pollutants, the megatons of fluorocarbon waste generated each year present a significant environmental hazard. As such, Australia has committed to limiting the release of fluorocarbon waste as a signatory of the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols. Currently in Australia, disposal of fluorocarbons is limited to incineration, which is energy-demanding, carbon dioxide emitting and represents no economic benefit. This project will develop technology to recycle and upcycle fluorocarbon waste into valuable new fluorocarbons (waste-to-resource), avoiding their release into the environment and mitigating the negative effects of incineration. In addition to creating a new recycling industry in Australia the project will deliver immediate economic benefits through access to high-value pharmaceuticals and radiopharmaceuticals, whose syntheses otherwise requires the use of dangerous and expensive conventional fluorinating reagents.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Digital chemistry and catalysis: redefining reactions in confined systems. This Laureate program aims to initiate a new era of chemical catalysis and reaction manipulation via an entirely novel nanofluidic approach discovered in Australia. By further studying this phenomenon, it aims to deliver new insights into what drives chemical reactions in confined systems controlled by applied electric fields. It will also develop novel technology platforms to miniaturise and enable on-demand software-controlled (digital) chemistry, with broad applications in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries. Project success will have a profound impact in many areas of modern society, the environment and the high-tech and manufacturing industry, while further enhancing Australia's sovereign manufacturing capability. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry Fuel, food ingredients, medicines and batteries all have one thing in common - chemistry and the manufacturing of the molecules needed to provide these common products for everyday use in a modern society. This project seeks to transform how these molecules are manufactured and through a unique, ground-breaking new technology to achieve high-quality, low-cost nano-manufacturing (the production of very small and precise materials used in products like sunscreen, bandages or antibacterial handwash). This unique nanotechnology platform can accelerate chemical reactions in ways currently not possible in conventional large-scale factories and often environmentally polluting manufacturing processes. This project's outcomes will enable on-demand, remote manufacturing (such as 3D printing) in a more environmentally friendly way with applications such as lifesaving medicines, food production, energy storage and vaccines. The unique intellectual property generated through this project will place Australia at the leading edge of this field, while accelerating Australia’s growing high technology industry base, and enabling a greater level of manufacturing capability in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Beyond Apollo: The interaction of radiation and ablation during Mars return. This project aims to investigate how flow radiation and heat shield ablation products interact under the fastest hypersonic Earth entry conditions ever considered – Mars return. To survive the harsh conditions experienced during planetary entry, spacecraft rely on ablative heat shields burning away through processes which are still not fully understood. Using UQ’s unique X2 hypersonic wind tunnel to generate realistic flight conditions, the expected outcome of this project is an enhanced understanding of the complex ablation radiation coupling physics experienced during Mars return. This will bring humankind closer to travelling to and from Mars and increase our knowledge of these entries and the specialist materials needed to survive them. Field of research: 0901 - Aerospace Engineering This project strongly aligns with the Australian Space Agency’s goal for Australia to be involved with NASA missions to the moon and Mars by working directly with NASA researchers working on these missions. It will use UQ’s unique experimental capabilities to increase understanding of the specialist, high performance ablating materials which protect these vehicles by burning away during Earth re-entry and how their burning properties affect the re-entry environment which they encounter. This is a critical contribution to the knowledge needed to return people from Mars, which will enable the design of safer and lighter space vehicles in the future. It will establish Australia as a leader in the testing of these materials and entries. These specialist materials are required for most planetary entry scenarios, meaning that knowledge about them is critical to support the development of local Earth re-entry capability in the future and to support the future Australian advanced manufacturing companies who will one day manufacture these materials in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Defying conventions with a liquid metal-embedded hybrid elastomer composite. Conductive elastic composites are one of the key components used in flexible/wearable electronic devices in the manufacture of sensors and interconnects; however, conventional composites experience a relatively low sensitivity to strain, and their conductivity decreases when stretched (i.e. they exhibit a negative piezoconductive effect). This project aims to understand the unprecedented positive piezoconductive effect exhibited on the liquid metal-embedded hybrid elastomer (LMHE) and explore its potential to address the key challenges faced by conventional materials. The outcomes of this project will benefit the advanced manufacturing sector by developing high-performance composites to revolutionise future wearable electronic technologies. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering The unprecedented electronic and mechanical properties exhibited on the proposed conductive composites will address the shortcomings of conventional flexible electronic materials in the manufacture of sensors and conductors. Thus. this research will improve the performance, versatility, functionality, and robustness of soft conductive composites to advance the fields of flexible and wearable electronics. Since the advancement in wearable technology has the vast potential to extend the range of health care systems into the community and maximise individual participation, the ultimate goal of our research is to offer a reliable and sustainable solution that will enable the industry to develop high standard and cost-effective wearable devices for health monitoring. As such, the knowledge and technology gained from this project will benefit Australian industry and contribute to the healthcare system, as well as strengthen Australia’s current standing as a world leader in material sciences, health systems engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Understanding crosstalks between Natural Killer cells and Dendritic Cells. This project aims to investigate the interactions between two populations of immune cells: natural killer cells and dendritic cells. This proposal will advance basic knowledge in immunology by innovating in considering the heterogeneity and diversity of these two immune populations and combining interdisciplinary approaches using cutting-edge technologies. Expected outcomes from this proposal include the identification of new immunoregulatory pathways, the development of new scientific theories, and enhancement of Australia’s research capacity through international collaborations and student training. This project will provide significant benefits such as the identification of biological targets for development of new biotechnologies. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project will address fundamental questions in Biological Sciences by investigating cellular interactions regulating immune responses. This proposal will improve human knowledge, thereby consolidating Australia’s world leadership in scientific research and benefiting Australia’s culture. Findings arising from this proposal will contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms underlying immune homeostasis. Given that the maintenance of a well-regulated immune system is essential for an individual’s participation in the community, particularly in relation to family and employment, this project will have important economic and social impacts on the Australian society. Finally, by identifying new pathways regulating immune responses in healthy individuals, this project will pave the way to the development of biotechnologies (e.g. biomarkers, vaccines, cellular products) that will benefit many Australian industries with positive economic and commercial outcomes for the Australian society.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A Deadly Solution:Towards an Indigenous-led bush food industry. Native bushfood and ornamental plants are a significant part of Indigenous biocultural heritage, yet few products are marketed by Indigenous businesses. This research aims to enable Indigenous businesses from bushfoods and native ornamental plants endemic to the Custodial Lands of four Traditional Owner partners. The Project will investigate new technologies for horticultural and food products, product traceability, and transparent and secure information flows. The expected project outcomes are: bushfood and ornamental plants developed for innovative value chains and business tools. Key expected benefits are: sustainable, profitable Indigenous industries, and revitalisation of Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous biocultural heritage. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management This research contributes to Australia's national interest through economic, commercial, social and cultural benefits for Indigenous people. Four groups of Traditional Owners will lead the research on native Australian plants for new applications in bush tucker, novel foods, and ornamental plants for urban gardens. The true value of this project is that the research will enable businesses to be developed that are sustainable and owned by Indigenous communities. The impact is that economic benefit will flow back to communities, enable further economic opportunities, and attract and engage their youth to work in the businesses. This will contribute to restoring biocultural heritage by working on custodial plants and their food, and working on their custodial lands. This project will set a new benchmark for the participation of Traditional Owners and Custodians in their culture, and through economic development, the legacy of the project will enable and empower Indigenous Australians to boost self-determination and entrepreneurship, grow their cultural strength and retain young people in their communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Revealing and navigating a path to climate-ready crops. This project aims to investigate how well multi-dimensional biological and environmental data can be integrated to improve the prediction of plant performance under climatic fluctuations. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of quantitative genetics using an approach that combines trans-disciplinary research fields. Expected outcomes of this project include an example for how to advance conventional prediction methods using fundamental biological models that underlie plant growth. This will provide significant benefits, such as an enhancement of collaborative research across areas with the potential to significantly advance the general understanding of how plants interact with the environment. Field of research: 0703 - Crop and Pasture Production The rate of genetic improvement in crops must be doubled to secure future food supply. This project, if successful, will develop new quantitative genetics approaches that could help to boost the rate of genetic gain under strong environmental fluctuations. The approach will be developed and validated for crops but it has a broader implications for all disciplines that are grounded in quantitative genetics theory, such as human or animal genetics. This will contribute to food source security with broader, wide-reaching sustainability benefits for the public and private agricultural sector. By following a novel trans-disciplinary approach that integrates a range of research disciplines that have never been combined in crop genetic improvement, such as fundamental hormone biology, environmental science and Artificial Intelligence computing, the outcomes of this project will have direct impacts on shaping future strategies for the development of climate-ready crops. This will have long-term benefits for Australian crop research and industry, with the potential to develop international partnerships in the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Towards reliable and explainable models for anticipating ecological change. This project aims to develop a quantitative framework for multivariate ecological prediction. This will allow us to better anticipate how ecosystems respond to environmental change. Recent modelling advances now make it possible to use the complexity of community ecology data to deliver better predictions. The project intends to use long-term ecological datasets to build and test novel multivariate prediction models, using tick paralysis rates in Australian dogs as a case study. Expected outcomes are better tools for studying ecosystem change and new hypotheses about how ecological communities are shaped. Application of these models should provide significant benefits, such as prediction of paralysis tick burdens to improve risk mitigation. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology Environmental changes, whether climate change, resource depletion or habitat modification, pose unprecedented threats to Australia’s ecological communities. These threats have far-reaching societal impacts. For example, rates of tick paralysis in Australian dogs represent ecological responses by ticks to changing environments. This project aims to build better community ecology models and to outline a quantitative framework for analysing their results so that we can continually improve our knowledge of how ecosystems respond to environmental impacts. These innovative ecological models will enhance capacity to anticipate change, which is essential for guiding evidence-based environmental policy. This research can be integrated into actionable strategies to benefit Australia across numerous sectors including tourism (biodiversity and conservation management), biosecurity (decision support for parasite and crop pest management) and agriculture (understanding ecological responses to drought and bushfire). This project therefore has direct relevance to Australia’s economic, environmental and social interests.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Using big data to untangle ecological cascades in tropical forests. This project aims to develop a suite of innovative analysis techniques to study wildlife communities with remarkable resolution. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ecology and conservation biology by leveraging the unprecedented quantity and quality of data captured through a large network of camera traps in Australian and Southeast Asian forests. Expected outcomes include developing novel approaches to analysing wildlife data (meta-structural equation modelling) and delivering management guidance to Australian land-owning agencies that may vastly cut costs by identifying efficient interventions and improve conservation outcomes. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management Australia is globally renowned for its unique rainforests, but these now occupy 1% the land area. A pressing issue is the decline of wildlife inside fragmented forests. However, ostensibly similar forest patches (parks) can experience diverse wildlife outcomes ranging from defaunated or overrun with invasive species, yet the factors underlying this variation remain largely unknown. Crucially, multiple pressures routinely precipitate rapid losses in native mammals. If we are going to prevent extinctions, we need to assess the combined effects of multiple pressures on species and food-webs. This project leverages troves of underutilised wildlife survey data using innovative analysis techniques to understand how threats interact to shape wildlife outcomes. It will deliver clear management guidance and cost-savings to Australian agencies by identifying efficient interventions for improved conservation outcomes. Side-benefits include increased employment and training of scientists and fieldwork will be conducted in rural areas of Queensland, thereby returning most the funds into the Australian economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Getting to Know the Neighbours: Naked-Eye Stars and Their Planets. We now know that nearly all stars host planets, and exoplanet science is now turning to bright individual systems. This Project aims to study the nearest, brightest stars by extending the capabilities of NASA's TESS telescope and Mount Kent Observatory. This is significant as the best chance we have to detect planets around stars bright enough to measure the planetary and stellar properties precisely. The expected outcomes of this project will be the discovery of planets transiting nearby naked-eye stars, and crucial measurements of the masses of these stars and planets. The benefits of this will be a key sample of new, well-understood benchmark systems, and new open-source algorithms for data analysis in astronomy and more broadly. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences The proposed research reveals new knowledge of stars and planets that has previously been unattainable, cementing Australia’s position as a world-leader in the rapidly-growing field of exoplanet science. Recent international and ARC investment in new Australian telescopes will be leveraged to enable collaborations with the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission. The project will focus on stars significant to Western, Asian, and Indigenous cultures. Communication of these discoveries will deepen Australian public understanding of its society, history and cultures. New transferable machine learning technology for satellite data analysis will result in economic benefits to Australia’s growing space and data science industries and build new workforce capabilities through student training opportunities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Engineering nanoparticles with enhanced adhesion at the nano-bio interfaces. This project aims to develop a next-generation adhesive nanoparticle platform through in-depth understandings of nanoparticle interactions with bio-interfaces. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the multidisciplinary research field at nano-bio-interfaces by using a recently developed nano-colloidal probe technology, instructing the rational design of nanoparticles with enhanced interface adhesive properties. Expected outcomes include a family of adhesive nanoparticles designed for nanopesticide and animal feed applications, with the potential to deliver valuable intellectual property of commercial interest and economic benefit through technology advancement. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology This project will develop a family of new nanomaterials with enhanced adhesion at the nano-bio interfaces, provide an in-depth understanding of the nanoparticle-interface adhesion behaviour. This interdisciplinary research will benefit Australia by advancing knowledge in the emerging area of nano-bio-interface, as well as generating an adhesive nanoparticle platform with the potential to be used in agricultural applications to deliver economic benefits. The nano-colloidal probe technology used in this project can be applied to other research fields using nanoparticles to gain a unique mechanical perspective. The expected outcomes will likely be translated into new pesticide and animal feed technologies using engineered nanoparticles with strong adhesive properties. In doing so, the project will help position Australia at the forefront of the $64 billion agriculture market.