THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

How pH alters cell responses to kinase signalling. Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Engineering Nanomembranes for Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Engineering Nanomembranes for Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Pathways to best care after perinatal loss Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Enabling local property measurement out of equilibrium Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Enabling local property measurement out of equilibrium Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Rapid Tuberculosis Diagnostics and Drug Resistance... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-02

AMR climate change Category: Medical Research

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

Novel mechanisms of adhesion assembly and crosstalk in arteries and... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Novel mechanisms of adhesion assembly and crosstalk in arteries and... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

After the Future of Work: Platformised Labour in a Hotter Australia Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

After the Future of Work: Platformised Labour in a Hotter Australia Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Queensland Advanced Non-Linear Tissue-biomaterials Imaging Capacity Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Sensitive Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass spectrometry facility Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Transforming Australian Hypersonics with Upgraded Optical Diagnostics Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Understanding threats to totemic stingless bees Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Understanding threats to totemic stingless bees Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Rewiring enzymes for direct electrochemistry Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Rewiring enzymes for direct electrochemistry Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Recognition of acetylated lysine in control of protein and cell... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Reversible patterning of surfaces for biomolecule immobilisation. Development of biomolecule capture and purification methodologies is the cornerstone for many disruptive advances in the field of biotech and pharma but advances are often hamstrung by only incremental improvements. This project aims to develop a unique methodology for selectively modulating the immobilisation of biomolecules on a designed polymer surface. Anticipated outcomes provide unique insight into factors dictating spatially-resolved patterning of biomolecules, and methodologies that improve control over immobilisation using wavelength-dependent stimulii and bioorthogonal chemistries. This could improve translation of advanced polymer materials, expanding capability/applications in biomolecule capture, interrogation and manipulation. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry This project focuses on improving the ability to capture and immobilise specific proteins from complex mixtures - a process that is central to many biotechnologies, including medical diagnostics, biosensors, and therapeutic development. One of the major challenges in this area is that target proteins are often present in very low concentrations and can degrade rapidly, making them difficult to detect and study. To address this, the project will develop a new materials platform designed to enhance protein capture and stability. This innovation will support the growth of Australia's manufacturing capabilities in areas such as biopharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, and agricultural biotechnology. The work will also advance methods for separating, characterising, and controlling proteins, which is crucial for detecting low-abundance biological molecules. These improvements will strengthen Australia’s position in the global market for next-generation diagnostic and sensing technologies, with broad applications across healthcare, agriculture, and advanced materials. By enabling more effective protein handling, the project will contribute to new scientific tools and manufacturing strategies, helping to drive innovation in biotechnology and nanotechnology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

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

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Precision Functional Dissection of a Cellular Stress Sensing Organelle. Cells must protect themselves from stress and sense their environment. This depends on the ability of the cell surface, or plasma membrane, to detect changes and translate them into a cellular signal. The project aims to use powerful new methods to study the structure of the plasma membrane and precise protein engineering tools to control and dissect how the plasma membrane responds to external signals. The expected outcomes of this Project include a new understanding of how cells respond to their environment and novel techniques for studying cell function. This will provide significant benefits by generating new knowledge in fundamental cell biology and through the development of powerful innovative systems to understand cellular function. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project seeks to position Australian science at the forefront of research aimed at understanding the functioning of the cell, the fundamental unit of life. The project focuses on a cellular surface structure of unknown function and aims to bring a new textbook understanding of how the proteins and lipids of this structure work together allowing cells to cope with stress. The novel systems and methods applied in the project, which will enable researchers to switch off proteins or to precisely change their properties in situ, will be of universal value to all cell biologists, developmental biologists and will have long-term commercialisation potential. These methods will be used to provide a new understanding of how the individual cell functions and responds in the face of environmental challenges. The project will provide an excellent research training environment to nurture early-career researchers and aims to bolster Australia's international standing in the field. The proposed studies will benefit Australia socially through the promotion of science through school visits, public lectures, social media, and the mainstream media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Synergistic industry partnership for bioproduction of platform chemicals. Isobutanol is an attractive chemical for the manufacture of a range of products (e.g. rubber, aviation fuels), but has yet to reach competitive yields and pricing. This project integrates the pioneering technique of ancestral sequence reconstruction, in combination with AI, to engineer biocatalysts for the competitive production of isobutanol using both cell-free reaction cascades and fermentative processes. The scalability and commercial impact of both production pathways will be monitored by technoeconomic analyses. This project aims to deliver a rapid pipeline for the design of optimal biocatalysts for sustainable bioproduction processes, will generate valuable IP and contribute to the growth of the aviation fuel industry in Australia. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology In 2024 Australia consumed 63B litres of fuel, of which 57B litres were imported, making us vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical tensions. Recent closures of several major refineries, and the fact that strategic fuel reserves through the National Oil Reserves Policy hold stockpiles to cover only ~90 days of average net imports, underscore Australia’s limited protection against short-term disruptions. Establishing a thriving sustainable fuel manufacturing sector in Australia through the utilisation of low-value agricultural biomass that does not compete with the food system, offers the foundation for a scalable industry with substantial regional employment, investment and economic development, all of which enhancing national sovereignty. A recent initiative to address this challenge focuses on building capacity for the Alcohol-to-Jet fuel technology to convert bioethanol into SAF and renewable diesel. This project aims to improve production and awareness of and investability into isobutanol as a foundation for the scaled production of SAF. Apart from ethanol isobutanol is the only alcohol currently certified as drop-in fuel, with several superior properties, e.g. higher energy density, lower vapour pressure, a more diverse product range. The project will also train the next generation of researchers to support Australia’s transition to an internationally competitive sustainable biomanufacturing industry that supports its decarbonization goals.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Novel Approaches to Grain Refinement of Ferrous Alloys. This project aims to address the longstanding strength vs toughness trade-off in ferrous alloys, by developing new grain refinement techniques based on advanced grain refinement theories and models. The research seeks to resolve century-old industry challenges through novel experimental approaches informed by the latest fundamental findings. Expected outcomes enable to toughen white cast irons, giving longer service life; improve strength and ductility of weather-resistant steels. This should provide significant benefits to the partner organizations, by increasing product quality, profitability and market competitiveness. Furthermore, applying the outcomes to other ferrous alloys expand the impact on iron and steel manufacturing industries. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia is a global leader in mining and mineral processing, producing world-class facilities and equipment. White cast irons serve as the workhorse materials in this industry due to their exceptional wear and corrosion resistance. However, these alloys also suffer from high brittleness, making them prone to sudden fractures and component failures. Such failures can halt entire mining/mineral production lines, leading to significant losses from both downtime and part replacement. The brittleness of white cast irons stems from their high fraction of chromium carbides, which, while essential for wear resistance. This has been a long-standing challenge. This project aims to address the issue by developing novel and more effective grain refinement techniques, leveraging advanced theories and models recently established in cast metals. The proposed techniques will refine the microstructure of white cast irons, enhancing their toughness, as finer microstructures contain more boundaries that slow crack propagation. Such outcomes can be used directly to produce real mining facilities. Toughened white cast irons enable the manufacturing of more reliable and longer-lasting mining and mineral processing equipment. This can consequently enhance mining safety, reliability, and efficiency. Given that mining is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, advancements in high-quality mining equipment will offer significant national benefits.