UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The art of pastoralism in Australia. This project aims to study art made on sheep and cattle station by Aboriginal labourers from the 1880s to the early 1970s, in regions from South-West Australia to Northern Queensland. Australia is said to have been founded 'on the sheep's back', but the experience of Aboriginal labour in Australian pastoralism is little documented. The project will combine the methods of art and labour histories to contextualise carved stock whip handles, early drawings of horses, rock engravings, watercolour paintings and branded shields. The project outcomes will be a reconstruction of Aboriginal experiences of pastoralism in Australia to create a more nuanced history of Aboriginal art before 1970, as well as the history of Australian pastoral industries. Field of research: 1901 - Art Theory and Criticism

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Ecology of fine root endophytes in native and agricultural ecosystems. This project aims to investigate the abundance, diversity and function of fine root endophytes in Australian native and agricultural ecosystems in response to recent genetic data proving they are taxonomically distinct from the well-studied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The project aims to complete a comprehensive field survey, novel molecular analyses and innovative glasshouse experiments. Outcomes should include globally significant insights into fine root endophytes and their role in plant growth. The project will strengthen capacity to predict impacts of global environmental change on ecosystem functions driven by the soil rhizosphere. Field of research: 0503 - Soil Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

High-frequency ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging for Western Australia. This project aims to obtain a small animal, high-frequency ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging instrument, to be placed in the University of Western Australia's Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis. As a node of the National Imaging Facility, this infrastructure will result in enhanced capacity for fundamental, interdisciplinary, biological, and bionanotechnology research in Western Australia, and enable pursuit of projects previously only possible either interstate or internationally. New capacity in small animal in-vivo imaging will generate knowledge in biology, feeding into such areas as species conservation and reproductive health, and intellectual property and commercial opportunity in areas such as medical imaging and theranostics. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Deep histories of occupational continuity and change in the coastal Pilbara. This project aims to use high-resolution methods to investigate the completeness of the archaeological record of human occupation in northwestern Australia (Pilbara region). It will show how this informs our understanding of human adaptation to a changing coastal environment over the past 50,000 years. This will have significant benefits, such as providing an improved understanding and better management of Australia’s unique cultural heritage. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Visual field impairment and injury: A population-based study. This project aims to link a large-scale ophthalmic database of visual field tests to population-based injury data which includes police-reported crash data, hospitalisation, death and trauma data in people aged over 60 years. The identification of individuals with high risk visual fields will enable the development of targeted interventions at the local, national and international level to prevent injuries due to visual field loss. Significant benefits include a reduction in the number of injuries and consequent reductions in personal harm and health care demands. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Examining lipid transport by direct visualisation and quantification. This project aims to investigate the least understood aspect of plasma triglyceride metabolism; mechanisms of transport across capillary endothelial cells. This transport regulates plasma triglyceride levels, which are an important factor in determining risk for coronary diseases. An improved understanding of these mechanisms will lead in the long term to better understandings of both heart failure and atherosclerotic heart diseases. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

University curriculum reforms: An international comparative study. The project aims to provide an in-depth historical and contemporary comparative analysis of major developments in higher education curriculum policies and practices across the globe. The focus will be on the undergraduate level in research-intensive universities. The outcomes will enrich comparative understandings of developments for universities, governments and influential international organisations, as well as provide an empirical evidence-base that will contribute to the fields of comparative education and support curriculum policy development at university level. Field of research: 1303 - Specialist Studies In Education

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Transformation Dual Phase Synergy for Unprecedented Superelasticity. This project aims to develop metallic materials of unprecedented mechanical properties based on a novel concept of transformation triggered dual-phase synergy. This is enabled by harnessing the intrinsic strength of interatomic bonds in solids using the nanoscience principle of lattice strain matching between phase transforming bodies. The project will provide significant benefits, such as innovating our metal production technology and to value-add the metal processing and manufacturing industries of Australia. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Quantifying and parameterising ocean mixing. This project aims to advance our ability to describe the efficiency and intensity of ocean mixing. The project will develop and apply innovative techniques to estimate ocean mixing from both traditional ship-based, vertical-profiling turbulence measurements and from autonomous moorings. The project will undertake a re-analysis of historic measurements and obtain new measurements using autonomous systems. The results will be used to develop both a universal relationship describing the efficiency of ocean mixing, and to quantify the underlying length scale controlling mixing intensity. This will enable the development of the next generation of turbulence closure models needed to describe ocean circulation and stirring. Field of research: 0404 - Geophysics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Innovative seed technologies for restoration in a biodiversity hotspot. This project aims to develop and implement innovative and practical methods to improve native plant establishment within a global biodiversity hotspot. As restoration efforts worldwide are hindered by altered substrates and invasive species, the greatest challenge is to reconstruct plant communities that are resistant to invasion and resilient within disturbed landscapes. The development of advanced technologies to enhance restoration success will benefit ecological communities impacted by urban expansion, agriculture and resource development, and their associated practitioners, government agencies, private landowners and primary Australian industry. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Navigating tipping points in complex dynamical systems. This project aims to use applied mathematics to investigate the onset of tipping points in dynamical systems. Working with clinicians and practicing engineers, the project aims to contribute to the development of new treatment regimes for dynamical diseases and develop improved management strategies for resource focussed engineering industries. This should provide significant benefit to many areas, including the personalised treatment of disease. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A 21st century laboratory testing device for geotechnical engineering. This project aims to use advanced image analysis and cloud computing technologies to replace manual, time-consuming and subjective geotechnical engineering practices with a rapid, automated, and more rational approach. A new geo-materials testing system based on the existing triaxial apparatus will be developed that employs three-dimensional image capture hardware and advanced image analysis techniques. The data measured over the entire sample surface will feed into an automated, intelligent parameter selection procedure combining finite element analysis with numerical optimisation techniques. Application of the proposal’s findings will allow more accurate and efficient engineering design of transport and energy infrastructure that supports modern economies. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Understanding trifluralin resistance in annual ryegrass, a major Australian agricultural weed. This project aims to better understand the biochemical and molecular basis of trifluralin resistance in annual ryegrass. The herbicide trifluralin is an alternative to soil cultivation in controlling crop-infesting weeds such as annual ryegrass. However, resistance to trifluralin in annual ryegrass now looms. A fundamental understanding and insight into trifluralin resistance will assist resistance management, trifluralin sustainability and soil conservation. This will provide significant benefits for Australian grain production and soil conservation. Field of research: 0703 - Crop and Pasture Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Manipulating population sex ratio to eradicate invasive mouse populations. This project aims to use house mice, an Australian pest of economic importance which is also a highly tractable system for testing evolutionary theory and generating practical outcomes. Manipulating population sex ratio is a powerful tool for either enhancing the viability of threatened species or decimating pests. However, despite much scientific effort testing sex ratio theory, the cryptic mechanisms driving sex allocation remain unidentified, hindering progress in these fields. The project will identify the mechanisms by which sex ratio adjustments are made and establish how individual-level responses influence insular population structure and growth. It will provide benefits by assisting Australia's efforts in eradicating invasive mouse populations. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Quantum chemical methods: From wavefunction to density functional theory. This project aims to address a major challenge in quantum chemistry - how to extend the applicability of high-level quantum chemical methods to larger molecules. High-level quantum chemical methods can consistently obtain reliable thermochemical and kinetic data, but due to their steep computational cost, they are only applicable to relatively small molecules. The project expects to introduce new concepts and methodologies that build on recent breakthrough research in the field of ab initio computational chemistry. The new methods should be capable of energetic predictions of unprecedented accuracy for relatively large systems across the Periodic Table and will be used for the development of better density functional theory procedures. Field of research: 0307 - Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Unlocking the changing strength of fine-grained soils in numerical analyses. This project aims to numerically simulate strain-softening-hardening in fine-grained soils. Fine-grained soils soften during deformation and harden as excess pore pressures dissipate. Models exist that allow strain-softening and hardening in finite element simulations, but suffer from mesh-dependency. Regularisation methods can alleviate mesh-dependency, but an appropriate characteristic length for the regularisation is needed and difficult to determine. This project will use image-based soil deformation measurement and aspects of the finite element method to determine appropriate regularisation techniques, characteristic lengths and constitutive relations. Reliably modelling strain-softening and hardening in finite element simulations is expected to reduce uncertainty in design and make civil infrastructure cheaper. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Chemical signalling in the sea. This project aims to understand how eggs attract and select sperm, and how the environment influences these interactions. Differential sperm chemotaxis, a form of mate choice involving chemical signalling between eggs and sperm, has only been described in mussels, but may be a widespread form of gamete-level sexual selection. The project will study the biochemical and molecular basis of differential sperm chemotaxis in mussels, and the stability of gamete-level interactions under different environmental conditions. Improved fundamental knowledge of reproduction in a commercially important marine species may yield future commercial benefits for Australia’s marine food production sector Field of research: 0602 - Ecology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Complexities of the mitochondrial transcriptome. This project aims to understand mitochondrial gene expression and energy production. Energy production is important for living things to grow and develop. In mammals, the mitochondria, the energy producing “powerhouses of the cell”, contain their own genetic assembly instructions. This project aims to understand these genetic instructions, revealing how genes control energy production. This project will characterise the genetic instructions, the mitochondrial transcriptome and the proteins that control them. These advances are expected to provide a mechanistic understanding of how gene expression responds to changes in cellular energy demands. This knowledge will generate new biotechnological tools for Australian science and will have important long-term implications for improving agriculture and medicine Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Evolution of the mammalian baculum. This project aims to test the hypothesis that the shape of the mammalian baculum (penis bone) evolved via its stimulatory effects on females that promote reproduction. The baculum is the most morphologically divergent bone in the mammalian body. The reason for this divergence is one of the most puzzling enigmas of mammalian morphology. This project will use comparative evolutionary methods, quantitative genetics, morphometrics, behavioural analysis and techniques from neurobiology and physiology to test this hypothesis. This project aims to address fundamental questions in reproductive biology. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Social, economic and health vulnerabilities in Indonesia. This project aims to study and provide ways to overcome vulnerability in Indonesia. Half the Indonesian population is still clustered around the poverty line, contributing to their vulnerability. This project will identify vulnerable groups and why they are vulnerable. Using a common framework of the life course in eight Indonesian field sites, this project will investigate whether social networks and welfare programs reduce vulnerability, and pinpoint strategies for reducing vulnerabilities in the future. The project expects to show how vulnerable citizens in Indonesia can be made more secure, helping to build a more stable and prosperous region. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The major transformation mechanism of disk galaxies. This project aims to discover how lenticular (S0) galaxies formed, which has been a problem since they were first introduced as a possible transition between elliptical and spiral galaxies over 80 years ago. This project will compare observations at various wavelengths and high-resolution computer simulations. It also aims to advance physical understanding of star formation, gas and dust evolution, and morphological transformation driven by environments. The expected benefit is to solve the problem of S0 formation and provide models to interpret the large volumes of data generated by Australian surveys. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Annual rainfall variability and extreme drought over the late Holocene. This project aims to understand long-term rainfall variability for Australia by developing a network of extended, high resolution rainfall records from tree rings. How anthropogenic changes to the atmosphere have influenced changing rainfall patterns across Australia is unclear. By extracting climatic information from tree growth rings across a latitudinal gradient from the subtropical north to the south coast of western Australia, the project will extend hydroclimatic records by several centuries, to identify the frequency and extent of extreme droughts across the continent. Outcomes are expected to provide appropriate context for evaluating and adapting to climate change, allowing climate modellers, agricultural producers and other industries to improve forecasts of likely change for risk management. Field of research: 0501 - Ecological Applications

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Female fluids in post-copulatory sexual selection. This project aims to test the causes, consequences and mechanisms of female reproductive fluids in modulating fertilisation bias in a model vertebrate species, the zebrafish. Female reproductive fluids (the fluid surrounding eggs) may moderate sperm selection by females, thus facilitating mate choice at the gamete level. This project will study interactions involving sperm and female reproductive fluid in an evolutionary framework. The intended outcome is increased knowledge of these processes, and better understanding of how non-gamete factors affect fertility, which could benefit fields as diverse as human fertility and aquaculture. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Redefining sediment transport predictions in benthic ecosystems. This project aims to understand and predict the mobilisation of sediment, and the rates and modes of sediment transport. Sediment dynamics control the health and productivity of some of the world’s most valuable marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coral reefs. However, the theory and predictive models needed to quantitatively understand sediment transport over the large bottom roughness in these ecosystems has proven elusive. This project will integrate comprehensive laboratory and field programmes to develop predictive models of these sediment dynamics, which should help better understand, manage and protect these critical ecosystems and their services. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Evolution of anisogamy and the sexes. This project aims to study the evolution of anisogamy, which defines males and females by the size of their gametes – females’ large eggs and males’ small sperm. Most multicellular organisms have different sized gametes, and this size difference has affected the evolution of life on the planet. Theoretical arguments about why two sexes are ubiquitous have not been tested empirically, mainly because of technical difficulties in experimentally generating different sized gametes. This project will use algae and cell sorting technology to test this. The expected outcome is a greater understanding of how and why the sexes evolved, as well as developing biofuel production methods by paving the way for improvements in algal productivity. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology