UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Linking for Life: Enhancing pathways to well-being for all Australians. The Linking for Life Project will identify pathways to wellbeing and better social outcomes across the life-course for high-risk/vulnerable individuals and their families to streamline service provision, improve outcomes and identify cost-efficiencies across government agencies. The work will expand cross-sectoral data linkage capability, enhancing research capacity to generate evidence-based policy to improve integrated service delivery across government. The project will also trial innovative data linkage models including the creation of data repositories to improve efficiency for data provision and access, which will have application nationally and enable more timely access to whole-population linked cross-sector data. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services Despite Australia’s success on a range of wellbeing indicators, not all Australians fare equally. Developing an integrated understanding of individual and family-level factors that impact upon people’s ability to reach their full potential has the capacity to reduce vulnerability in areas such as child abuse/neglect, criminal offending, education, mental health and disability. Improved knowledge of the impact of contexts and timing of services will facilitate reductions in the social and economic costs to individuals, families and society. The Linking for Life Project will inform State and Commonwealth intervention strategies to improve outcomes in priority areas (eg, child protection, domestic violence, public mental health, education), provide a best-practice model for evidence-informed policy, and build capacity for cross-sector research including economic assessment. This will enable improved provision of government services and better life chances for the most vulnerable groups in our society.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Dating Murujuga's Rock Art: new scientific approaches. The Dampier Archipelago is on Australia's National Heritage List because of its significant rock art and stone features. Known as Murujuga to its traditional custodians, this land- and seascape has over 1 million art works. While the scientific and cultural significance of this area is acknowledged, we still know little about the age of this landscape, the regional palaeoclimatology, and the timing and intensity of rock art production since Aboriginal people moved into this region 50,000 years ago. This project will develop new scientific approaches to direct-dating engravings and stone features, reconstruct climate from geological proxies, and model voyaging opportunities as this unique cultural estate transformed to an archipelago. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology This project aims to produce data of national scientific and social significance that will assist our understanding of the nature of Aboriginal settlement in northwestern Australia and the role that rock art played in this process. This project aims to cement Australia as a world leader in rock art analysis and dating and thus will have cultural and scientific benefits to the nation. This project will consolidate a long-term strategic alliance between Aboriginal Traditional Owners and their Ranger groups, researchers and Industry. This collaborative partnership will greatly enhance and improve the promotion, conservation and management of cultural heritage in Western Australia, thereby achieving long lasting national economic, environmental and social benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Map My Say - An innovative participatory mapping tool for TOD evaluation. This project will directly engage with the community through the development of an innovative public participatory mapping tool ("Map My Say") to evaluate community experiences of infill development and to identify the determinants of community support for, or resistance to, densification in urban development sites correlated with public transport. The findings of the project will support future planning and land use decisions related to creating resilient urban environments and provide decision planning tools to support appropriate solutions for urban communities. Working with our industry partners the findings will be used to directly inform the planning and design of future Metronet station precincts in Western Australia. Field of research: 1205 - Urban and Regional Planning Australia is one of the world's most urbanised countries with 89% of Australians living in urban areas. Nonetheless, Australian cities are struggling to meet their urban infill targets and the resulting urban sprawl is unhealthy, costly, unsustainable and unproductive. One of the reasons that Australian cities are not achieving there urban infill targets is because of a public antipathy and resistance regarding densification – a wicked problem this proposed project will directly engage with through innovative public participatory mapping tool. The results of this project will be Transit-Oriented Development which is reconciled with community sentiment, yet at the same time delivers greater environmental sustainability, improved health and wellbeing outcomes and stimulates economic growth.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

ARC Research Hub for Transforming Energy Infrastructure Through Digital Engineering. This Research Hub will harness the strengths of data-based and physics-based sciences to transform the operation of Australia’s offshore energy infrastructure. This essential research will create, use and embed observations of past and ongoing activity to engineer tools and approaches necessary to enhance our understanding of the offshore environment, optimise critical operations for existing facilities (including installation and maintenance), and efficiently design future infrastructure. The integrated multidisciplinary approach will not only help Operators achieve high productivity through low downtime and optimised maintenance, but also demonstrate, in research and industry, the transformative potential of digital engineering. Field of research: 0911 - Maritime Engineering Australia's offshore energy industry adds over $55B of gross value each year to the economy, supporting more than 98,000 direct jobs (and 10 times this number indirectly). As the industry shifts to long-term operations it is critical that it acts to lower the cost of future production. This project will fuse data science techniques with engineering, leveraging industry acquired and experimental data, in order to transform the management of critical energy infrastructure (such as pipelines, structures and vessels) - making this process cheaper and yet more reliable. In so doing, it will assist Australian companies to cost-effectively maximise LNG export volumes, safely manage assets while minimising environmental risk, and train data science enabled engineers with exportable skills - ready to lead digital transformation of the energy sector. These outcomes will benefit the national economy by generating strong tax revenue, attracting ongoing investment, and seeding long-term employment. The skills developed will also be readily transferable to other industries, such as marine renewable energy and aquaculture.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Dynamic Proteins for Nutritious Future Crops. This project aims to understand the processes and genes that regulate synthesis and degradation of proteins in wheat and barley plants. This project will develop methodologies and a new field of research for optimising protein stability in crops. Its significance lies in defining new ways to control protein abundance to increase crop performance and quality and increase the value of recombinant proteins for biotech industries. Expected outcomes will enable the protein abundance in plant cells to be designed and control selective protein degradation in plants for the first time. Benefits will include building biotechnology capacity in WA, brokering new collaborations and providing an ideal training environment for students and postdocs. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology The advances made in this project will contribute to boosting Australia’s $60bn p.a. plant food, fuel and fabrication materials sector, by gaining fundamental understanding of plant protein maintenance to help plants grow and to protect them from damage. It addresses the pressing world need to increase plant-based protein for sustainable human nutrition and the Australian industry need to improve grain protein content to maintain demand for exports. The project will discover ways to change protein synthesis and degradation to improve leaf growth and seed quality, and to stabilise proteins for biotechnology applications. The outcomes will also benefit Australia through building the expertise we need to develop these new approaches and establishing the industry collaborations that will improve wheat quality breeding, barley malting and recombinant protein production in cereals.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

3D tomographic reconstruction of rainfall using satellite signals. This project aims to use the microwave communication links of low earth and/or medium earth orbit satellites to achieve three dimensional tomographic reconstruction of rainfall. The path loss of microwave signals due to rainfall, known as rain attenuation can be used to measure rain. Similar to using X-ray to carry out human-body CT scans. With the aid of advanced signal processing techniques, the proposed method will achieve 3D measurements with resolution and coverage unachievable before, paving the way for innovative water relevant applications such as hydrology and agriculture, and new findings in atmospheric research. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The Enigma of Galactic Rotation. This Fellowship aims to uncover the origin and evolution of galactic rotation. This is one of the most exciting and critical challenges in modern astrophysics and key to our own existence. Using supercomputer-simulations and kinematic observations, this project strives to solve the mystery of how galactic spin drives observable galaxy properties and interacts with invisible dark matter. Expected outcomes include pivotal theoretical developments published in top-ranked science journals and a legacy of public simulation data. This interdisciplinary project will benefit Australia’s key position in spectroscopic imaging and radio astronomy, advance technological frontiers, forge lasting collaborations and attract new intellect to the country. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Combating Misinformation – Designing a Toolkit to Address a Global Problem. Misinformation impairs people’s cognition – their memory, reasoning and judgements – even if credible corrections are issued; it therefore poses a significant threat to evidence-based practice and policy. This project aims to develop novel psychological interventions to reduce the impact of misinformation, based on an experimental research program designed to systematically assess the effects of various types of misinformation on cognition and behaviour. The expected outcome is the development of new knowledge regarding misinformation processing and communication and its translation into a toolkit for practical application. This promises to improve individual and public decision making and foster a culture of accurate information exchange. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Adapting Automation Transparency to Allow Accurate Use by Humans . The project will conduct the human factors research urgently required to discover how best to make automation in high-risk work settings more transparent and usable by humans. In safety-critical work contexts such as defence and aviation, automated decision aids improve human decision-making. Unfortunately however, catastrophic accidents have occurred because human operators have either not followed correct automated advice, or followed incorrect automated advice. A series of human factors studies using unmanned vehicle control, air traffic control, and submarine track management tasks (including testing experts in field settings) will discover how best to design transparent automation that can be safely and efficiently used by humans. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

International collaboration in teaching and learning of Einsteinian physics. Following a previous project that showed that it is possible and beneficial to teach the modern Einsteinian paradigm of space, time, matter, light and gravity to students as young as 8 years old, this project aims to test and evaluate a seamless progression of learning modern physics through primary and secondary school. It will sequence, integrate and test research-informed teaching and learning materials, and assessment instruments developed through a 7-nation collaboration. Research across 24 schools will be reviewed by a panel drawn from professional organisations and curriculum authorities, and learning resources will be widely disseminated, with view to worldwide introduction of Einsteinian science at school. Field of research: 1303 - Specialist Studies In Education

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Precision low energy experiments to search for new physics. This project aims to give experimental answers to long existing theoretical questions about the origins and nature of dark matter. Dark matter is a fundamental component of the universe, yet the nature of its composition is still unknown. There is growing evidence that dark matter is comprised of low mass and weakly interacting particles. By developing ultra-precise measurement tools and new techniques, this project aims to perform a stringent and comprehensive new laboratory search for ultra-light dark matter particles, over likely mass ranges not yet searched. The knowledge gained will provide economic benefits through commercialisation and stimulation of new research and development, and to defence through applications in radar, communications and sensing. Field of research: 0299 - Other Physical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

A radical approach to the design of components for molecular electronics. This project aims to develop highly conductive organometallic molecular wires for use in future molecular electronics technology. Metal complexes have immense potential as components in future electronic circuits, offering function on a size impossible to meet in conventional solid-state devices, and helping overcome limits in 'top-down' scaling. Whilst organic molecules that display electronic function are known, their performance remains poor. Just as doping a semiconductor results in higher electrical conductance by placing additional electrons (holes) into the conduction (valence) band, this project will use transition metal organometallic complexes bearing radical ligands as innovative motifs in the design of novel molecular components. Field of research: 0399 - Other Chemical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Molecular transistors: from strings and rings to other things. This project aims to use chemical approaches to develop molecular transistors, which are critical components for a future molecular electronics technology. The use of molecules as ultra-miniaturised electronic components is gathering attention from industry and academia, as a solution to the approaching limits of top-down scaling. However, current molecular designs based on gating through chemical reaction or redox state changes are slow and inefficient. The project will develop molecular transistors with exceptionally high gain and fast response based on gating the energy of quantum interference features in molecules with cross-conjugated or ring-like shapes. This will provide significant benefits including new strategies for nanofabrication of molecular devices. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Breaking bad oilfield emulsions. This project aims to use a solution of natural oil resin extract in carbon dioxide to break problematic water-in-crude oil emulsions with no secondary environmental consequences. Extracted crude oil contains water, which can result in problematic water-in-crude oil emulsions. These can be difficult to break into separate water and oil phases with potentially severe economic and environmental consequences. In Australia, such oilfield emulsion problems are frequently encountered in both the Bass Strait and across the Carnarvon Basin. The treatment option proposed will target both asphaltene and silt stabilised water-in-oil emulsions and will be readily deployable. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Improving social and economic outcomes for children of incarcerated mothers. This project aims to identify how children’s experiences of maternal incarceration shape their life course. These children are one of the most vulnerable yet invisible groups in society and are rising in number. This project intends to interrogate system contact with child protection, justice, education and health agencies using a unique linked dataset across 30 years and over three generations, to describe social and economic outcomes and how prison, child and maternal characteristics affect them. The project expects to provide critical evidence that can inform prevention strategies, with the potential to disrupt intergenerational patterns of profound disadvantage and reduce the social and economic costs of maternal incarceration to individuals and society. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

School autonomy and parent engagement in disadvantaged communities. This project aims to examine public secondary schools’ engagements with parents in disadvantaged communities. Through policy analysis and case studies, the project seeks to advance knowledge about how school autonomy reforms are potentially reshaping meanings and practices associated with public schooling. Expected outcomes include enhanced knowledge about the shifting nature of schooling reform in Australia and insights into evolving relationships between governments and citizens in public service delivery. Intended benefits include insights to inform future policy design and implementation at school and system levels. Field of research: 1303 - Specialist Studies In Education

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Buried treasure: bioactive plant seed proteins evolving inside hosts. This project aims to examine how evolution in plants shortcuts the creation of new proteins by burying one within another. Scientists now realise that new genes and proteins appear frequently. A recent discovery in plant seeds involves DNA sequence insertions in a gene that makes two proteins instead of one. This project will reveal a new family of buried seed proteins, determine the rules for burying them and search plants for new examples. The first examples from plants create strongly bioactive products so the ability to dig for similar plant events will reveal new and bioactive natural products with biomedical and biotechnology applications. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Goal pursuit decisions under environmental and social uncertainty. This project aims to develop an integrative computational model that explains how people prioritise the allocation of resources to different goals in the face of uncertainty. The project seeks to test a new theory through a series of experiments in which participants pursue goals by themselves in unpredictable environments, or in competition against an opponent. Expected outcomes include an integrated theory that accounts for the effects of both environmental and social uncertainty in the pursuit of multiple goals. Intended benefits include the development of computational models that can simulate human decision making in complex environments, analyse new concepts of operation, redesign work roles, and identify factors that reduce risk in decision-making. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The African Diaspora and Pentecostalism in Australia. This project aims to investigate the new African Diaspora in Australia and its embrace of Pentecostalism. The African community in Australia has often been associated with poor settlement outcomes, and has also been subject to racialised moral panic regarding so-called ‘African gangs.’ This project will use new methods to understand the role of Pentecostal translocal and transnational networks in supporting African communities to overcome the challenges of settlement. The project expects to contribute to policy efforts to improve outcomes for new African arrivals in Australia. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Approaching near-ideal strength for bulk amorphous metals. This project aims to develop a novel metal materials design strategy to break the strength ceilings of nanocrystalline metals and bulk metallic glasses. This strategy is based on a novel concept of synergy between a bulk amorphous matrix and phase-transforming nanocrystallites embedded within. The nanocrystallites, via their uniform transformation lattice distortion, prevent the formation of shear bands in the amorphous matrix and enable collective atomic load transfer to allow the amorphous matrix to continue to load to achieve its intrinsic near-ideal strength. The amorphous matrix eliminates the grain boundary plasticity of the nanoscrystallites. This concept is novel and untested in the history of physical metallurgy. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Constricted hydraulic fracture opening. This project aims to develop experimentally verified models for designing and monitoring of hydraulic fractures with constricted openings, to ensure adequate and robust hydraulic fracture control for example in petroleum production. Hydraulic fractures are often constricted by bridges that hold two sides of the fracture together. Failure to account for bridges and constriction of fractures can lead to premature screen-out (exceeding available pump pressure) of proppant and inadequate fracking control. The project results are expected to substantially increase the accuracy of design and monitoring of fracture opening, geometry and fluid flow to improve efficiency, safety and environmental security of the resource and energy extraction. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Multidimensional autistic traits and attention in healthy adults. This project aims to develop a new, comprehensive measure of six major dimensions of autistic traits in healthy adults. High levels of autistic traits are associated with atypical patterns of attention in healthy adults. However autistic traits are multidimensional, with some dimensions weakly correlated, and few studies have assessed sensory sensitivity, a key trait dimension. This project will investigate the specific relationships of autistic traits to key attentional phenomena including left-visual-field bias, attention to detail at the expense of integrative processing, and the attraction of attention to emotional stimuli. Linking behavioural and cognitive features of autistic traits will inform models of the development of autism. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Addressing vaccine rejection: drivers and impact of mandatory vaccination. This project aims to investigate and analyse the introduction, design and implementation of mandatory child vaccination programs in Italy, France, Australia and California, using a comparative case study approach. Parental rejection of childhood vaccines can cause illness and death. However, governments limiting personal liberty can erode public acceptance. The project’s goal is to provide the tools, framework and conceptual clarity to help researchers and policymakers consider the merits and limitations of strategies which mandate childhood vaccination. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Optimising the use of geophysical data for modelling the Australian crust. This project aims to determine the optimal use of geophysical methods to model the Australian crust in four dimensions. These models provide an understanding of the tectonic history of a region and thus its mineral potential. Mineral resources are mostly being found undercover, requiring geophysical data to locate them. This project will combine recent developments in modelling geological uncertainty with data acquired for locating zones of mineralisation. The outcomes will help guide Australian government policy to draw on publicly-available datasets that provide a basis for mineral exploration performed by companies, and supported by research institutions. Field of research: 0404 - Geophysics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Advanced technologies for next generation gravitational wave detectors. This project aims to investigate a novel scheme that uses signals present in interferometers to directly control and stabilise the shapes of mirrors to atomic scale precision. The discovery of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and neutron stars was made possible by the development of large-scale, high-laser-power interferometers. The project builds on experience with current detectors and aims to develop techniques that will provide the next leap in sensitivity by improving control of the quantum state of light. The project will also test a new technique called white light resonance, which has the revolutionary capability of increasing sensitivity over a broad frequency range. The project will help maintain Australia’s significant impact on the worldwide effort to harness gravitational waves. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences