Australian National University

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

On-target mRNA technology using self-splicing introns Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Ethics, Sustainability and Future Generations Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Tiny Tech, Deep Vision: Nonlinear Optics to Light Next-Gen Bioimaging. This project aims to develop a short-wave infrared metasurface-based bioimaging platform to reduce scattering and overcome penetration depth limits of conventional techniques, enabling comprehensive visualisation of bio-specimens in their native environment with minimal disruption. Metasurfaces will allow the platform to be used with visible cameras, facilitate device miniaturisation, and ensure seamless integration with existing technologies. Ultimately, this approach will advance fundamental and interdisciplinary research in physics and biology, redefine bioimaging, unlock opportunities for deep-tissue imaging, enable label-free diagnostics and advance non-invasive imaging—paving the way for early diagnosis and treatment of patients. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Biophotonics has revolutionised biological research, offering high-resolution imaging that has deepened our understanding of cells and molecular structures. However optical microscopy is limited by a narrow field of view, shallow tissue penetration, and scalability. In contrast, optical bioimaging techniques enable deeper tissue penetration, wider fields of view, and in vivo studies, capturing functional and physiological data across larger organisms. This makes optical bioimaging essential for real-time visualisation of biological processes and specimens. This interdisciplinary project integrates advances in nanofabrication, materials science, and optics to develop a novel optical bioimaging technique that overcomes the challenges of deep tissue imaging, enabling non-invasive detection. It will bridge the US$368 billion global photonics industry with the Australia's AU$6.3 billion biomedical research sector, drive industry growth, accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation medical devices, and enhance Australia’s global competitiveness in biomedical innovation. The societal benefits are substantial since early detection of debilitating diseases such as dementia will improve healthcare outcomes for aging Australians. Research findings will be disseminated via open-access publications and international conferences to foster collaboration, industry adoption, and global recognition of Australia’s leadership in medical innovation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Hybrid encoding of light for fault tolerant optical quantum computing. Optical quantum computing is a leading contender in the global quantum arena, offering unprecedented computational power using all-optical components at room temperature. However, current optical quantum computers lack practical methods to correct computational errors, significantly limiting their applications. This project aims to efficiently generate optical quantum states that represent a core enabling technology for quantum error correction in an all-optical platform. By making quantum computers scalable and error-protected, this project aims to mark a pivotal step towards building fully-fledged, general-purpose quantum computers with transformative potential for industries in medicine, cybersecurity, and climate modeling. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Quantum technology is predicted to revolutionise the technology landscape and drive Australia’s future economic growth. Utility-scale quantum computers promise breakthroughs in drug discovery, materials science, and cybersecurity, solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers. Their ability to mimic chemical processes at the atomic level will lead to faster and more cost-effective development of new medicines and advanced materials. By enabling high-speed, high-precision decision-making, quantum computing holds enormous potential for advancing modern warfare and national-security mechanisms. However, without overcoming the noise problem that plagues present-day quantum computers, these promises remain distant aspirations. Australia has long been a global leader in quantum research. Despite having just 0.3% of the world’s population, it has the 5th largest quantum workforce, making it uniquely positioned to drive the next leap in quantum computing. This project will develop a cost-efficient approach to synthesise the resource states required for error correction in optical quantum computing—one of the most promising platforms for general-purpose quantum computing. This project will foster collaborations with leading research institutes in the Asia-Pacific region and the US. It will also help expand Australia's commercial quantum ecosystem and build a highly skilled workforce, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of this technological revolution.

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

The psychology of perceiving artificial people Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Adaptation, evolution and conservation of Australia's diverse orchids Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Responsible Statistical Learning: Uncertainty, Fairness and Transparency Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Linking Ecology and Evolution to Protect Australian Frogs. This project will inform Australian frog conservation planning for the next 25 years. The project leverages accumulated data on Australian frogs, and adds critical new data, to link macroevolutionary patterns across all Australian species to dispersal capabilities and genetic structure of individual species. The project will identify the specific factors that are most impacting every individual Australian frog species right now and provide this same information for species that are not currently threatened but are predicted to be threatened in the future. This project is complementary to existing conservation efforts and will deliver science-driven conservation planning advice that will take future climate projections into account. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Australia is home to over 240 described native species of frogs and virtually all of them are found nowhere else on earth. Australia’s frogs are also our most endangered group of animals, over 18% are of serious conservation concern and five species are already extinct. There are three gaps in knowledge this project will fill at three different levels: 1) predictive modelling of future conservation issues for Australian frogs that are currently either data deficient or unthreatened, 2) testing the impact of dispersal ability at the local scale to evaluate if or how species can respond to future climate change, and 3) conservation genetics of Australia’s iconic corroboree frogs for release programs. The project will benefit Australia by addressing fundamental issues in Australian frog conservation with analyses of extinction risk, dispersal capabilities, genetic divergence and future climates. The project will identify traits that may make some species more likely to come under threat in the future and will test if it is even possible for some species to disperse to new areas based on future climate predictions. The project will strongly complement current frog conservation work in Australia to identify future conservation issues before they happen, allowing conservation managers to be proactive rather than reactive, a strategy that is ultimately more efficient for good conservation outcomes.

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

Non-Canonical Amino Acids for Protein Analysis in vitro and in Cells Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Picturing conflict: war and art in Southeast Asian cultures. As Australia’s population diversifies to include millions of people of Southeast Asian descent, this project seeks to deepen understanding of experiences of war in Southeast Asia. The project expects to generate the first history of Southeast Asian war art, applying innovative interdisciplinary research methods—in art and military history, area studies and curatorial practice—to investigate creative and commemorative responses to war. Expected outcomes include an enhanced national war art collection, enriched by regional collaboration and research-led development. This should significantly benefit the Australian community by generating and communicating more inclusive narratives around the experience of war and conflict in our region. Field of research: 3601 - Art History, Theory and Criticism Australia is home to over 1.1 million Australians of Southeast Asian birth or descent, many of whom migrated as a result of war and conflict in the region. In spite of Australia’s pivotal role in many of these conflicts, the national narrative around Australia’s history of war and conflict rarely includes the experiences of peoples in and from Southeast Asia. This project will respond to the need for public institutions to understand and represent the experiences of diverse communities, by investigating the history of Southeast Asian war art in Australia and the region, and facilitating the development of new creative responses in museums and galleries. It will examine the Southeast Asian experience of war and its aftermath in collaboration with the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Singapore . Through publications, exhibitions, public programs, and artistic exchanges, the project will strengthen two-way cultural exchange and foster people-to-people links between Australia and the region. Additionally, policy papers will advise institutional stakeholders on strategies for appropriate inclusion of Southeast Asian stories in national narratives. This will benefit the Australian public by advancing more expansive and inclusive national narratives around the diverse ways in which Australians and their forebears have experienced war in Southeast Asia, and enhancing the capacity of national institutions to engage with diverse communities.

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

Goal-oriented semantic wireless communications for 6G era Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Interplay or Isolation: Germinal Centre Reactions to Multiple Antigens Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Crossing Wallace’s Line: Lombok's Role in Early Human Dispersals. This project aims to explore when and how early humans first crossed Wallace’s Line, focusing on Lombok Island's role in these movements. By using a range of scientific methods and conducting new archaeological excavations, the project will provide fresh insights into the origins of ancient humans in Indonesia and the development of maritime technology that led to the first settlement of Australia. The research is expected to foster strong partnerships between emerging Australian and Indonesian scholars, promote cultural knowledge sharing, and support collaborative efforts that advance Australian science and diplomatic goals included in our economic strategy and scientific diplomacy priorities for the region. Field of research: 4301 - Archaeology This project explores a pivotal chapter of human history—the first sea crossings into the Indo-Australian region, including the early settlement of Australia. By focusing on Lombok Island, the project aims to uncover evidence of when, how, and why ancient humans first crossed Wallace’s Line, one of the world’s most significant biogeographic boundaries. The research will provide valuable insights into early maritime technology, human adaptability, and the origins of seafaring in our region. These discoveries will enrich our understanding of the deep connections between Australia and Indonesia, helping to celebrate and share our shared human heritage. The project will also foster enduring research partnerships through direct collaborations between Australian & Indonesian academics and joint undergraduate student training, boosting scientific capacity across both nations. Translational outputs such as media features, podcast interviews, and social media content in both English and Bahasa Indonesia will engage diverse audiences. By deepening our understanding of Australasian prehistory, this research sheds light on the ancestors of the region’s first peoples and the ancient human story that connects us all, contributing knowledge relevant to sectors such as education, tourism, and cultural heritage. These efforts will celebrate our shared human heritage bringing new perspectives to the broader public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Australian Partnership for Breakthrough Science in the Advanced LIGO+ Era. Australia is currently a global leader in gravitational-wave astrophysics, through key technological and scientific contributions to the Advanced LIGO+ Observatories located in the USA. Gravitational-wave observatories provide a fundamentally new way to observe the Universe, allowing us to witness and explore the nature of extraordinarily powerful events such as the mergers of binary black holes and neutron stars. In partnership with the USA and UK, we expect to provide crucial enhancements enabling discoveries of hundreds of gravitational wave events per year. The project will maintain Australia's global leadership in the field, and inspire our next generation of scientists and researchers in this exciting domain. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences New discoveries about the Universe are a superbly effective way to fire up the public's imagination, and inspire interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Australia is at the forefront of gravitational-wave technology, driving advancements in precision instrumentation and optical systems for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the USA. Australia’s technological and scientific partnership in LIGO has led to amazing discoveries, inspiring curiosity and wonder about the Universe. These achievements have boosted scientific literacy, deepened public engagement, and enriched Australia’s cultural and educational landscape, especially for young Australians. This project will see Australian scientists design and deliver key hardware and other upgrades to LIGO, to see further into the Universe than ever before, to boost Australia's long-standing scientific excellence, intellectual capital, and innovation on a global stage. The team has an excellent track record of science and technology investment in LIGO, with spin-off applications for Australian industry, job opportunities in critical domains like precision instrumentation, data analysis and high-speed/big data computing, the promotion of diversity and cultural understanding, and extraordinary discoveries about the Universe.

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

Organising Present Generations to Advocate for Future Generations Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Synthetic Technologies to Accelerate Peptide and Protein Production . Chemical synthesis of the 3D structures of peptides and proteins is a formidable challenge due to their susceptibility to shape alterations (misfolding), abolishing their biological function. This project aims to develop new methods to produce correctly folded peptides and proteins, accelerating the use of Australia's abundant natural biomolecules as novel therapeutics, agrochemicals, and biotechnological tools. Expected outcomes include the development of new synthesis tools and strategies that efficiently access complex molecules while reducing waste. This project will provide significant health, manufacturing, and economic benefits to the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors by enabling greener and more effective synthetic methods. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry This project focuses on advancing the production of natural peptides and proteins, which have significant potential in medicine and agriculture. One of the key challenges being addressed is the difficulty in creating these molecules with the correct three-dimensional structures necessary for their function. In Australia, this research gap is critical, as local industries and healthcare could greatly benefit from improved methods of synthesising these biologically active compounds, increasing our competitiveness in the global market. The research holds numerous benefits for Australians across various sectors. Economically, it could drive innovation in therapeutics and eco-friendly pesticides, boosting local industries and job creation. Socially, the increased availability of effective medicines could improve public health outcomes, enhancing the quality of life for Australians. Environmentally, the focus on natural peptides as pesticides offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals, promoting greener agricultural practices. Culturally, this research may foster a greater appreciation for the intersection of science and health, encouraging community engagement in biotechnology. Key findings will be actively disseminated across social media and news outlets to maximise public outreach. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, this project will strengthen Australia’s technological capabilities for broad societal benefit.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Bismuth-Powered Peptides and Proteins: A New Frontier in Drug Discovery. This project explores a new class of peptides and proteins by incorporating the non-toxic element bismuth. While bismuth is increasingly important in medicine, bismuth-containing peptides and proteins remain an emerging area of research. Utilising advanced technologies such as phage display and X-ray fluorescence microscopy, the project aims to design next-generation peptides and proteins and examine their interactions with cells. A key outcome of this project is to better understand the potential of bismuth-based peptides and proteins as future drug candidates. This research is expected to offer significant benefits to Australia's pharmaceutical and chemical industries by advancing drug discovery. Field of research: 3404 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry Recent global health challenges have highlighted the importance of Australia being able to manufacture medicines and diagnostic tools locally—especially those based on peptides and proteins, which are essential for treating and detecting many diseases. However, creating these molecules is currently a complex and time-consuming process, which makes it more challenging for our pharmaceutical industry to expand. This project aims to address this problem by developing a novel method for modifying peptides and proteins using bismuth—a safe and environmentally friendly metal. Researchers will study how these bismuth-modified proteins interact with cells and use the findings to develop a powerful new technology that enhances the production process, making it faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. The project will not only help Australian biotech and pharmaceutical companies compete globally and bring new products to market more quickly, but also support strong collaborations between scientists in Canberra, Adelaide and around the world. It will also provide valuable training for future researchers. The project’s outcomes will deliver significant benefits to Australia, enhancing global competitiveness and economic growth while strengthening health security through reliable onshore production of drugs and diagnostics for managing human, animal and plant diseases. Outcomes will be promoted through mainstream media outlets and reputable social media channels.

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

Discovering Stellar Origins with a Groundbreaking Map of the Galaxy Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Differentiable optimisation for constrained three-dimensional shape... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Online Social Connections, Mental Well-Being, and Declining Fertility Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Financial Sanctions: Identifying Sanctioned Persons and Their Assets Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Protosilks: New Silk Proteins for Biotechnology by Computational Design Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Well built: developing a community youth wellbeing measurement architecture. We lack rigorous and culturally-fit measurement approaches for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth wellbeing that are responsive to the local context and can contribute to transnational policy making. AIMS To produce a scalable cross-context solution to the methodological challenges of wellbeing measurement for young peoples. SIGNIFICANCE The advancement of methodology for cross-context wellbeing measurement and a novel evidence base created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. EXPECTED OUTCOMES A novel wellbeing architecture that produces valid wellbeing measurements across contexts. BENEFITS Communities are empowered to develop culturally-relevant wellbeing measures which add to a transnational evidence base. Field of research: 4501 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, Language and History Wellbeing is a key indicator of whether Australians are thriving in their life. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the concept of wellbeing is holistic and relates not only to how the individual feels, but also to how they are connected with their culture, country and community. Because this concept of wellbeing is broader than many mainstream wellbeing instruments can measure, and differs from place to place, there is a risk of mismeasurement when using existing instruments. Alternatively, adapting existing instruments to measure wellbeing accurately across many different cultural contexts is a resource intensive and expensive exercise. Measuring wellbeing accurately is necessary to ensure inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in wellbeing can begin to be addressed. This project seeks to design a framework for constructing wellbeing instruments that more accurately reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of wellbeing. This will facilitate accurate wellbeing measurement by empowering communities across Australia to construct bespoke instruments for measuring wellbeing, guided by the framework. Constructing a framework approach will empower communities, instead of researchers, to build wellbeing measurements to suit each context. This new approach will support communities to deploy culturally relevant wellbeing measures as needed, from school wellbeing check-ins to program development, to wellbeing screening.

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

Language-Driven, Human-Centric Solutions for Complex Problems Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Mapping dark matter and testing gravity with galaxy surveys. This project aims to map the motions of vast numbers of galaxies to precisely measure the amount and distribution of dark matter and test Einstein’s theory of gravity. It will apply an innovative analysis to a major new galaxy survey using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder and to other ongoing surveys. The outcome will be the most comprehensive and precise map to date of galaxies and their motions over most of the sky, tracing the growth of massive structures in the Universe and probing how gravity works on a cosmic scale. The project will leverage Australia’s investment in radio telescopes, address key priorities of the Astronomy Decadal Plan, train young researchers in data science, and enhance scientific links with Europe. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences This project will use the Universe as a laboratory for revealing fundamental new physics. By surveying the motions of many galaxies over most of the sky, it aims to answer unsolved questions about the laws and contents of the Universe. To achieve this ambitious goal it will leverage the government’s $188M investment in the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), a unique radio telescope for surveys. ASKAP features advanced technology developed in Australia for imaging large areas of sky at high speed with great sensitivity. A key product of this project will be a spectacular map of the nearby Universe that will provide a compelling demonstration of Australia’s world-leading technology for radio detection and imaging. The project will also harness major National Collaborative Research Infrastructure investments in high-performance computing. It will develop innovative techniques for rapidly and efficiently extracting information from ASKAP’s massive datasets that can be applied to any Big Data requiring complex modelling, such as satellite imaging and weather prediction. The scientific results from this project will have international impact and enhance Australia’s global research reputation. Sharing the project’s map of the Universe on social media will capture the public imagination, increase popular interest in science, and inspire young people to pursue STEM careers, while promoting the outcomes of this research and showcasing Australian technology.