Queensland University of Technology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Skills development and transfer in the digital gaming sector. This project aims to examine the transferability and sustainability of videogame development skillsets to the broader digital sector. The project will lead to future job creation, and to cultural and economic innovation in Australia. Field of research: 2001 - Communication and Media Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A theory of communicative practices within financial internet discussion site communities. This project aims to use online financial investment communities to identify factors that drive communication and influence knowledge co-creation, examine how systematic variations in these factors influence investor decision making, and develop a mid-range theory for explaining and predicting the influence of online communication patterns on individual decisions and market outcomes. By developing and validating a new mid-range theory, initially in the financial investment context, this project will provide significant benefits, such as help to secure Australia’s place in a changing world through improved information flow. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Mathematical and computational analysis of ship wakes. This project aims to develop mathematical and computational tools to compute the energy in a given ship wake and to determine a range of properties of a ship by taking simple measurements of the water height as the ship travels past. The expected outcomes of this project include a suite of algorithms that back-calculate the hull shape and operating conditions of a moving ship given only the surface height data measured at a single point. These results should have direct implications for measuring damage to coastal zones by ship wakes and for surveillance of shipping channels. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Characterisation of mechanical behaviour of lithiated silicon. This project aims to develop novel characterisation and numerical techniques, thus aiming to solve the problem of mechanical failure in silicon based high energy density lithium-ion batteries. This will be achieved through development of novel techniques for in situ microscopy observation, nano-mechanics testing and atomistic modeling. The expected outcomes are effective solutions for development of reliable and efficient battery systems. This project will provide significant benefits in the development of new power sources and energy storage devices for mobile electronics, electric vehicle and sustainable energy industries. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The evolution of generalism: why so many polyphagous fruit flies? This project aims to understand why flies that cause maggoty fruit have so frequently evolved the generalist feeding habitat. Insect herbivores make up 50 per cent of eukaryotic species on earth. Nearly all are host specialists, feeding on only one or very few plant species. In stark contrast, 40 per cent of tropical fruit flies are generalists, feeding across many plant families. This project aims to test specific hypotheses to explain the high frequency of generalism in Bactrocera. Outcomes will significantly advance understanding of the evolution of generalism, and so greatly advance herbivory theory. As Bactrocera are also globally significant horticultural pests, the project will provide under-pinning science for pest management. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Extraordinary yet mundane talk: children navigating palliative care. This project aims to provide foundational evidence of how clinicians and families communicate effectively with children with life-limiting conditions. Finding ways to sensitively communicate with children about matters that will profoundly affect them will support the everyday work of skilled healthcare professionals. In developing the first nation-wide repository of video-recordings of paediatric palliative care consultations, the project will generate new knowledge by using conversation analysis to examine how these conversations occur in real-life clinical settings. The project expects to inform research, policy, and practice, by revealing more effective communication approaches, benefiting researchers, clinicians, healthcare users, and policy makers. Field of research: 2004 - Linguistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A new generation of photoresists for three- dimensional laser lithography. This project aims at a step-change in photoresist technology by introducing visible-light-induced photochemistry as the basis of next generation direct laser writing (DLW) technology. This willenable functional photoresists that allow precision coding of complex soft matter material properties on the three-dimensional nanoscale. The outcomes of the project will enable the mild fabrication of three-dimensional structures with unique property control and resolution, benefitting diverse fields ranging from designer (stem) cell niches and lab-on-a-chip applications to photonic wire bonding. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Modelling with design: learning innovation across primary science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This project aims to introduce a new approach to advancing mathematics learning and problem solving across grades four to six. This project expects to generate new knowledge by building on primary school students’ science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competencies across several years. The project will establish critical foundations for advancing core mathematics content and multidisciplinary problem-solving knowledge. Expected outcomes include evidencebased findings and resources to inform ways to stimulate, sustain, and improve achievement across the STEM disciplines. Field of research: 1302 - Curriculum and Pedagogy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Educating preservice teachers to teach diverse learners. This project aims to investigate links between teacher educators’ reflexive decision making and the preparation of teachers for teaching in socially and culturally diverse Australian classrooms. The project takes a transdisciplinary approach, bridging the fields of epistemic cognition and reflexive decision making, to explore how rigorous teaching can be enacted in socially and culturally diverse classrooms. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of those preparing future teachers for new classroom conditions, which will provide benefits for a quality teaching workforce. Field of research: 1303 - Specialist Studies In Education

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

On-demand visible light degradable dental materials. This project aims to break new ground in the field of advanced adhesives by pioneering a unique system that can be cleaved with a defined visible light trigger, enabling the removal of previously bonded material without mechanical force. This would allow two materials to be strongly bonded, including dental crowns, braces and implants. The project will advance on-demand degradable materials design, introducing an advanced class of responsive networks for applications where reversible bonding is critical. It will have flow on benefits in future dental material applications and also have applications where simple-to-remove, temporary adhesives are required. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Vision and lighting in the age of melanopsin. This project aims to develop innovative new technologies, which will advance understanding of the effects of light on human behavior mediated via the recently discovered melanopsin photopigment in the eye. The project expects to create a cutting-edge visual display technology, which will deliver the foundation knowledge of melanopsin shapes visual perception. The project will redefine current knowledge of human vision and provide a practical lighting solution to suit the biological needs of humans, especially in relation to the human body’s internal (circadian) clock. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Nanoscale electrochemical imaging of catalyst inks for water oxidation. This project aims to reduce the cost of current water splitting technology by making new catalysts from earth abundant materials that will ensure a sustainable technological solution for the storage of renewable energy. This technology is an excellent solution to storing energy from intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar as it generates hydrogen which is a clean fuel. Using new techniques that can image the catalyst at the nanoscale while it is operating is expected to provide the knowledge for developing the next generation of water splitting electrolysers that can be utilised by households and businesses for storing solar or wind energy. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Bio-inspired two-dimensional nanomaterials for sustainable applications. This project aims to design multifunctional nanomaterials in the form of two-dimensional (2D) structures or architectures with targeted extraordinary bio-mimicking functions for sustainable development and energy applications by learning the best from nature. Millions of years of evolution and natural selection have turned the biological world into an effective materials-development laboratory. The project expects to enhance research and innovation in materials science, nanotechnology, and biological science, and lead to advances in the chemical industry and sustainable environmental and energy applications in Australia. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Femoral microarchitecture, strength and locomotion in adult people. This project aims at unravelling the load bearing capacity of human femora microarchitecture. The project will quantify the relationship between geometry, microarchitecture, strain and strength in adult people during normal and accidental motor tasks using micro-computed-tomography images, motion data, supercomputing technology and multivariate statistic. It will benefit the design of novel implantable devices, enhance exercise therapies and diagnostic techniques for promoting hip strength. The project will contribute to the engineering of biological tissue and the development of high-strength and light-weight bio-inspired materials. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Modular microfluidic platform for mimicking multi-organ system interactions. This project aims to develop a novel, modular microfluidic platform that overcomes current limitations of integrated systems in synchronising multi-tissue culture, imaging and operational complexity. Understanding multi-organ systemic crosstalk in human health and diseases demands dynamic culture systems that can mimic such interactions. This project will deliver a first-in-class platform technology and establish international and disciplinary collaborations to develop different tissue and engineering modules relevant to applications in systemic nanotoxicology, drug bioactivation and chronic diseases. This will provide the cornerstone technology to develop a new generation of disease models and therapeutics targeting interaction dysfunctions. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Ethnically-motivated youth hate crime in Australia. This project aims to provide the first assessment of youth hate crime in Australia, examine incidence rates over time, and explore how Australia’s experiences compare internationally. Hate crime can cause injury, psychological harm and social disengagement. For victims in early adolescence – a critical time of identity formation – the harms may be multiplied. The project will uncover the risk and protective factors for perpetration and victimisation, and for understanding the consequences for hate crime victims. This is expected to benefit the community by helping to inform social policy to improve the lives of Australia’s youth. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Secondary aerosol formation from engine exhaust emissions. This project aims to investigate the role of reactive volatile organic compounds from vehicles using alternative fuels in the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Expected outcomes of the project include greatly improved understanding of the mechanisms and precursors of SOA formation. The benefits should provide the knowledge needed to set vehicle emission regulations that can properly control urban air pollution episodes because the mechanisms and precursors of its formation will be better understood. The project will also provide an experimental framework that will guide policy formulation and provide the science needed for development of strategies to improve air quality and health. Field of research: 0902 - Automotive Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Gastrointestinal hormones: linking insulin dysregulation and laminitis. This project aims to identify the earliest pathogenic factors of disease by investigating two key hormones, ghrelin and GLP-2, and whether a specific genetic mutation underlies insulin dysregulation. Using innovative approaches the project will enable the identification of at-risk animals and pinpoint novel treatment strategies. In the long term improved disease treatment and prevention will reduce the suffering associated with painful and often lethal co-morbidities. Field of research: 0606 - Physiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Scientist career path: An explorative analysis. This project aims to uncover important insights into scientists, their interactions, and their career dynamics, seeking to understand scientific success and scientific innovations by understanding scientists themselves. The project will generate the largest data set on scientists ever collected and analysed, resulting in new knowledge into the mechanisms underlying scientific progress and innovation; scientists’ resilience and adaptation to positive and negative life shocks or environmental changes; their pattern of collaboration and cooperation; and their creative development. The project will provide significant benefits to universities and policy makers in fulfilling their role of creating and disseminating new knowledge. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Antibacterial impact assessment of nanopillar surfaces on titanium implants. This project aims to further understand the bactericidal properties of nano-pillared/textured surfaces, onto orthopaedic implants. It will do so by mimicking the nano-pillar structures derived from cicada wings by using Helium ion microscopy (HIM) and also Hydro Thermal techniques. The project also aims to study the physical mechanisms of the fracture of bacteria using numerical modelling. This project will result in new generation implants with minimal bacterial infection that could result in cost savings to the Australian healthcare, improved quality of life in aged population, and may lead to the establishment of new implant industry sector in Australia. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Digital media, location awareness, and the politics of geodata. This project aims to examine the increasingly pervasive role of location metadata, or geodata, in Australian smartphone practices and cultures and the implications this has for users, industry, and public administration. The project will deliver online and open resources to enhance public understanding of geodata and geoprivacy, as well as industry and policy recommendations that address the crucial issue of ‘location awareness’ in everyday digital media use. The project will generate new insights into the critical role of geodata in everyday digital media use and will contribute to broader public discussion about data privacy, surveillance and cybersecurity. Its findings will also provide industry benefits, enhancing developers’ understanding of how everyday users apprehend and negotiate the privacy implications of location services. Field of research: 2001 - Communication and Media Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Working the gig economy: The organisation of digital platform work. This project aims to reveal the characteristics, motivations and relationships between the three central entities which comprise digital platform work: companies which organise work of different skill and scale in the gig economy; end-user individuals and enterprises; and digital platform workers themselves. This project investigates the organisation of platform work from the perspective of both workers and the intermediaries they use to find work. Expected outcomes will contribute g to knowledge of workforce transitions and shifting work/home boundaries This has the potential to informeffective policy responses to platform work with respect to labour law, superannuation regulation, organisational policy and social welfare regimes. Field of research: 1503 - Business and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Scalable biocomputing on networks: design and mathematical foundations. This project aims to develop technology with the potential to disrupt computation by providing a way to solve combinatorial mathematical problems in an efficient manner. Electronic computers have revolutionised our lives over the last half-century, but there are tasks they can not do, usually those requiring multi-tasking, much as our brains do. This project aims to overcome some of these problems by physically using molecular parts of living things moving within specially mathematically designed networks to solve, in parallel, "combinatorial" mathematical problems that vex traditional computers, while using far less energy than electronic devices. This project expects to develop this nascent field into a practically useful, disruptive technology based in Australia. Field of research: 0802 - Computation Theory and Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Navigating under the forest canopy and in the urban jungle. This project aims to develop a framework for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which optimally balances localisation, mapping and other objectives in order to solve sequential decision tasks under map and pose uncertainty. This project expects to generate new knowledge in UAV navigation using an innovative approach by combining simultaneous localisation and mapping algorithms with partially observable markov decision processes. The project’s expected outcomes will enable UAVs to solve multiple objectives under map and pose uncertainty in GPS-denied environments. This will provide significant benefits, such as more responsive disaster management, bushfire monitoring and biosecurity, and improved environmental monitoring. Field of research: 0901 - Aerospace Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Evaluative learning: do all roads lead to Rome? This project aims to enhance understanding of how likes and dislikes are acquired and changed across a range of different settings. Evaluative learning, the acquisition and change of likes and dislikes, is ubiquitous and occurs in situations that range from trivial to traumatic. However, it is unknown whether evaluative learning in these different situations is mediated by a single or distinct learning mechanisms. Answering this question is critically important for emotion science and the design of effective interventions for anxiety disorders and public health campaigns. The expected outcomes from this project will provide significant benefits, such as creating new knowledge to assist in applied areas ranging from the design of public health messages to the treatment for anxiety. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology