Australian National University

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

Discovery and optimisation of rare-earth quantum materials. This project aims to develop models to accurately predict quantum properties in rare earth crystals. These crystals can potentially furnish optical quantum devices for a future quantum internet, but advancing beyond proof-of-concept has been hindered by a lack of theoretical models that explain how device performance is determined by the material's structure. We will exploit recent quantum chemistry advancements to build these models, with key outcomes including a database of new rare earth crystals identified from the vast unexplored material parameter space, and the optimisation of existing quantum device performance beyond current limits. Benefits include accelerating the commercial development of optical quantum devices in Australia. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Australia has been a global leader in quantum technologies for decades. There is a concerted national effort to translate this strong research background into a competitive high-technology industry, which has received substantial support from government funding. Developing such an industry would significantly benefit Australia’s economy by generating high-quality jobs and bolstering the country's sovereign defence capabilities. Quantum technologies, such as computing, sensing, and encryption, require effective networking, communication, and memory devices. For this, the interface between stationary quantum information and optical telecommunications hardware is essential. However, researchers in quantum optical spectroscopy currently lack the means to optimise quantum materials for specific applications, or to identify new candidate materials. This project aims to overcome this critical limitation. By developing knowledge and techniques to create customised quantum materials for communication transducers and quantum memories, this project will enhance the value of Australia’s investment in quantum technologies. With numerous commercial and national players in the quantum tech sector, finding ways to improve quantum materials will provide Australia with a significant competitive advantage.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Optimising linked data assets for enhanced population health monitoring. This project aims to transform national population health monitoring to enable detailed and timely reporting. This project expects to capitalise on advancements in multisector linked data to enable monitoring that can systematically and routinely compare population health outcomes within and between policy-relevant subpopulations over time. Expected outcomes include practical tools that can be embedded within government and research settings to generate population health statistics, enhanced national population health monitoring and knowledge to advance the use of linked data. This should set the foundation for world-class monitoring, which is expected to deliver systematic and additive improvements to government health policy and services. Field of research: 4202 - Epidemiology Current constraints on capability to monitor population health in Australia means that governments often lack information for strong health policy and effective health services. These limitations reflect that monitoring is based on single, unlinked data sources which limit what outcomes can be reported, at what level of detail and the extent to which changes can be tracked over time. This project will optimise use of multisector linked data (which bring together administrative data sources) to enable population health monitoring that can systematically and routinely compare key population health outcomes over time to better meet the needs of government. With expert academic and government partners, this project will establish measures to identify priority subpopulations, devise and test new algorithms to measure outcomes, advance methods for monitoring at fine levels of geography and develop approaches to monitor changes over time. This project will create new knowledge and recommendations for best practice approaches for detailed and timely population health monitoring. Academic publications will be supplemented with practical toolkits and formal training programs to improve capability within government. This research will equip governments and academics with the tools to generate and evaluate government policies and services, delivering systematic and additive improvements, which in the longer term, are expected to improve health and alleviate strain on the health system.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Transition Dynamics in Australia’s Renewable Energy Superpower Partners. This project aims to develop new data, frameworks, and strategies to help Australia to become a renewable energy superpower. It brings together internationally recognised scholars from political science and political communication with policy experts from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), to provide the first comparative analysis of the energy transition dynamics in Southeast Asia. Expected outcomes include new knowledge about the actors driving the energy transition; conceptual frameworks to analyse the policy networks; and strategies to improve Australia’s international energy engagement. The project will facilitate export opportunities, support climate goals and enhance bilateral relationships. Field of research: 4408 - Political Science The Australian Government has committed to becoming a renewable energy superpower by generating the energy, skills, jobs, and technology that will support future prosperity. This will require trade and investment with our neighbours in Southeast Asia. Yet there is limited knowledge about the key organisations shaping the energy transition in the region, and whether they will support the Government’s plans. Partnering with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), this project will generate new data about the organisations driving Southeast Asia’s energy transition and the implications for Australia’s future trade and investment. It will also inform Australia’s international energy engagement by developing new knowledge and tools that can be used to build economic opportunities, support regional climate goals and enhance Australia’s bilateral relationships with Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The findings will be shared with government, business, and civil society, via workshops, policy briefs, and opinion articles, to not only understand the energy transition dynamics in the region, but critically to help these organisations take advantage of the enormous export opportunities in the region, which are projected to reach US$10 billion per year by 2030. This will benefit Australian businesses and communities by supporting jobs and economic development.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Ecotheology: Religion, State, and Environmental Governance in Indonesia. This project explores how Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs promotes ecotheology by linking faith with environmental action. It investigates how religious values influence policy and public attitudes towards sustainability in a deeply religious nation. The project will assess how this initiative is integrated into everyday culture and governance. Findings will help Australian policymakers, businesses and community groups engage more effectively with Indonesia on shared environmental challenges. Expected outcomes include practical recommendations, deeper academic understanding and long-term collaboration. The project supports regional stability and promotes sustainable development across national, cultural and institutional settings. Field of research: 4702 - Cultural Studies Indonesia, one of Australia's closest neighbours and major trading partners, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as floods, fires, crop failures, and coastal erosion. These environmental challenges can drive political instability, increase pressure on Australia's borders and humanitarian systems, and disrupt regional security. If Indonesia's economy slows due to climate-related damage, key Australian industries—including beef, wheat, education, and tourism—will also be affected. Australians may face higher prices, reduced export demand, and greater calls for aid as well as increased regional support. This project investigates how Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs is promoting ecotheology, a strategic national policy introduced in March 2025 that positions religion as central to addressing environmental crises. Despite its significance, how this policy works in practice—and whether it is inclusive and effective—remains unclear. This research will generate insights into how climate action can be aligned with local values and help Australian policymakers, businesses, and NGOs engage more effectively with Indonesia—home to the world's largest Muslim population and where religion plays a vital societal role—to support sustainable development and regional stability. Findings will be shared widely, including through a report designed for policy makers and the general public, a podcast, a website, and community forums, to enable broad uptake beyond academia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Electrically Tuneable Nanowires for Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging. This project aims to develop an innovative short to mid-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging system using electrically tuneable III-V nanowire photodetectors. By integrating nanomaterial synthesis, device fabrication, and computational reconstruction algorithms, the project will demonstrate high-performance, room-temperature photodetectors with broad, dynamically adjustable spectral responsivity as the core of a short to mid-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging system. The outcomes will address the limitations of the current technology, which is bulky and expensive, enabling transformative applications in environmental monitoring, gas sensing, industrial quality control, and biomedical diagnostics. Field of research: 4009 - Electronics, Sensors and Digital Hardware Hyperspectral imaging captures optical information across a wide range of electromagnetic spectra beyond traditional photography that only records three bands of colour (red, green and blue), enabling numerous applications in environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, defence surveillance, and medical diagnostics. This project will develop a new class of compact, energy-efficient infrared hyperspectral imaging technology by integrating electrically tuneable photodetectors based on a unique semiconductor nanosheet structure with advanced computational imaging algorithms. It addresses critical gaps in today’s technologies, which are often bulky, costly, and require cryogenic cooling. The project will enable a low-cost solution for a new generation of miniaturised, on-chip hyperspectral imaging devices capable of operating in resource-limited settings at room temperatures. The project aligns well with Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund, advancing sovereign capability in semiconductor design and fabrication, and supports AUKUS Pillar II priorities by developing infrared sensing and imaging technologies for defence and space. To ensure real-world impact, we will collaborate with government and industry partners, share open-source tools, and provide interdisciplinary training for early-career researchers. By fostering domestic and international collaboration, this project will strengthen Australia’s global leadership in next-generation imaging and sensing technologies.

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.

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

Model minorities: racial targeting and discrimination in the platform era. This project aims to investigate the impacts of algorithmic targeting and discrimination on racially marginalised groups in Australia. It expects to generate new knowledge on the local impacts of global social media platforms by piloting innovative social science methods to document and analyse the real-world experience of racial targeting and classification. Expected outcomes of this project include national capacity building workshops and international collaborations to strengthen critical anti-racist research. This should provide significant benefits, such as holding platforms accountable to users and national regulators, strengthening national research infrastructure, and ensuring platforms operate in alignment with community values. Field of research: 4410 - Sociology Data-driven platforms like Facebook and Instagram play a central role in the everyday lives of Australians. Internationally, there is evidence of platforms allowing third parties to use their machine learning tools to target and discriminate against racial minorities, yet we know little of the risks these tools pose for Australian users. The Australian Human Rights Commission has identified this kind of algorithmic discrimination as a key challenge for contemporary anti-discrimination law and practice. By partnering with national research infrastructure initiative the Australian Internet Observatory (AIO) to document the experience of racial targeting by platforms, this project will produce new methods to understand how social media traces are used to target, classify, and discriminate against racially marginalised groups in Australia. The development of field guides, national workshops, creative outputs, and public symposia will transfer knowledge about the risks of racial targeting and their potential to exacerbate racial inequality to platform regulators and members of the public, benefitting the lives of racialized people through improved knowledge of the risks and harms of data-driven racial classification and discrimination.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Co-investigating deep time plant use in Sahul for sustainable food futures. Interweaving cutting-edge archaeological science with the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Indigenous partner communities, this co-designed research aims to provide new evidence for the nature and deep-time development of plant use and landscape management practices across Australia and New Guinea. Its outcomes will reshape understandings of past Indigenous food systems and economies from the tropics to the arid zone, as well as contribute to global debates about the peopling of Sahul and the origins of agriculture. Benefits will include support for Indigenous partner communities to apply their biocultural heritage to create sustainable food futures, and a deepened understanding of the ancient and dynamic history of this continent. Field of research: 4301 - Archaeology Australia is committed to supporting the food security, health, and wellbeing of First Nations communities and of our Southeast Asian and Pacific neighbours as we face the shared challenges of global climate change. Crucial to this is the support of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) for the revitalisation of local food economies, development of Indigenous-led agribusiness, and the production of climate-resilient crops. Partnering with Indigenous communities in Australia and Indonesian Southwest Papua, the project will compile TEK about plants, including current factors affecting the health of local environments and economies, and use co-designed archaeological research to investigate the deep time development of plant use and landscape management practices across the once-joined continent of Australia and New Guinea. This community-centred research will deepen our understanding of past Indigenous economies, and support the intergenerational transfer and continuing practice of TEK. Reciprocal knowledge sharing with experts in heritage, intellectual property, and agricultural and food sciences – including through workshops and a public-facing symposium – will build a community of Indigenous knowledge holders, researchers and policy makers committed to advancing sustainable food futures. Indigenous partner communities will be empowered with the networks and opportunities to use their biocultural heritage to ensure future food security and wellbeing in a changing climate.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Safeguarding Australia's native plant biodiversity from a fungal pandemic. Myrtle rust is a fungal plant disease that is capable of infecting at least 382 native species, threatening Australia's native plant biodiversity. This project aims to identify and characterise novel disease resistance sources in native plant species against myrtle rust. The expected outcomes include the first molecular identification of myrtle rust resistance genes in up to five native species and the first identification of recognised fungal proteins by one of these resistance gene products. With breakthrough knowledge in host genomics and fungal infection, project benefits include new conservation strategies to protect threatened and endangered species. This provides a critical advancement towards Australia’s goal of zero extinctions. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology The spread of a plant fungal disease, myrtle rust, poses a clear threat to Australia's environment. The introduced exotic fungus can infect, defoliate and cause death in at least 382 Australian native plant species. The repercussions to Australian ecosystems, and cascading impacts to our economy and society are highlighted by government agencies, industry peak bodies, and community groups. This research project is therefore timely and necessary as it will inform a targeted national response and conservation actions that ultimately safeguard economic resilience in tourism, recreation, nursery and garden industries, including rural, regional and indigenous enterprises. Employing cutting-edge genomics and bioinformatics, the project will discover how natural genetic diversity can protect certain plant populations from the fungal disease. The discoveries and subsequent knowledge transfer will inform and enhance conservation and biosecurity initiatives targeted at halting extinctions and supporting national restoration and revegetation programs to enhance ecosystem biodiversity. Ultimately, through strengthening collaborations and industry engagement, this project will extend capacity and raise our national biosecurity preparedness for future environmental fungal threats.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Engineering Interlayer Biexcitons in Atomically Thin Heterobilayers . This project aims to advance high-temperature superfluidity and quantum photonics by exploring and controlling emerging interlayer biexcitons in atomically thin heterobilayers. By revealing the complex many-body interactions and anisotropic dynamics of these dipolar quasiparticles, the research fills critical knowledge gaps and enhances the understanding of interlayer biexcitons. Expected outcomes include highly tunable biexciton behaviour and refined fundamental theories, paving the way for on-demand, flexible quantum light sources and ultra-fast electronics. These breakthroughs unlock new possibilities for next-generation technologies, drive industrial innovation, and expand the frontiers of quantum materials science. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Australia is dedicated to being a global leader in critical areas like smart sensing and quantum communication technologies, where fast electronics and high-quality light sources are essential. Interlayer biexcitons in atomically thin heterostructures offer a pathway to develop low-energy electronics, compact photonic circuits, and lightweight quantum emitters. Advancements in smart devices using emerging nanomaterials address the limitations of traditional bulk semiconductors, which consume more energy and often require low temperatures for comparable performance. By advancing our understanding of interlayer biexcitons—studying their behaviour and control mechanisms—this research will optimise and tailor their properties on demand, enabling their integration into practical technologies. This unlocks possibilities for creating flexible, compact, energy-efficient smart devices. The resulting insights could revolutionize quantum technologies, drive advancements in smartphone displays, ultra-sensitive sensors, advanced screens, and wearable photonics, and ensure Australia stays at the forefront of lightweight, portable,next-generation devices. This project will support emerging industries, encourage companies to adopt new materials, and strengthen Australia’s global leadership in smart technology research. The outcomes will reduce energy costs, drive economic growth, attract investment, and foster collaboration in advanced materials and next-generation devices.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Understanding the Religious Transformations of Early Modern Indonesia. This project aims to advance understanding of the history of religious transformation in Indonesia. It offers a comprehensive analysis of why Islam became the predominant religion in Indonesia, through an innovative interdisciplinary approach combining history, textual study and digital humanities. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of why religious beliefs, practices and identities change over time, and the creation of an international network of experts on Indonesian religious history. The project should significantly benefit diplomatic and community efforts to promote religious diversity and harmony in Indonesia, a nation of primary strategic importance to Australia. Field of research: 4303 - Historical Studies In a world increasingly marked by religious conflict and polarisation, there is an urgent need for Australia to better understand the role of religion in our nearest neighbours. This project will analyse religious transformations in Indonesia, a culturally plural nation of crucial strategic significance for Australia. Interfaith understanding is essential to Australia's strategic interests to promote moderation and religious harmony in our region. This project addresses a major gap in Australia’s understanding of religion in Indonesia by investigating the reasons why Islam and Christianity came to predominate in the archipelago and how the world religions adapted to Indonesia’s local cultures. This improved understanding will strengthen intercultural and interfaith linkages and research collaborations between Australia and Indonesia. This will support efforts to nurture and protect religious diversity through the Indonesia-Australia Interfaith Dialogue and bolster government policies and diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting harmonious multicultural Australia, in the context of increasing religious polarisation worldwide. The project’s findings will be disseminated via publications, media articles and online platforms to religious organisations, government agencies, and the general public in Australia and Indonesia, to improve people-to-people understanding between the two countries and strengthen institutional efforts towards interfaith reconciliation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Using genetics to save Australia’s predators from cane toads. Cane toads are poisoning Australia’s native wildlife. When reptile predators eat these toxic invaders, they usually die. As a result, populations of monitor lizards and large snakes are shrinking across Australia. With the long-term survival of these reptiles unclear, we must act to protect our key predators. To accomplish this, we must better measure species health and understand how animals evolve resistance to toxins. This project will use genetic research to uncover how Australian reptiles have responded to cane toad toxins over time and assess their potential to adapt. The findings will support conservation efforts by providing vital genetic insights and a practical framework to better integrate genetics into species recovery programs. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Biodiversity loss is accelerating worldwide. Australia has one of the worst records of animal extinctions and this is largely due to invasive species. One such invader, cane toads, are a major threat, poisoning key native predators. As a result, reptile populations across northern Australia are shrinking. Are these species at risk of extinction, or have they begun to adapt? Despite their ecological and cultural importance, we know little about their long-term survival. The Australian Government’s Science and Research Priorities (2024) identify the critical importance of protecting and recovering biodiversity. To reach this goal, this project will use genetic research to assess the health and resilience of iconic reptiles like monitor lizards and large snakes. Project results will support conservation efforts through collaboration with state and private agencies. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders will guarantee a two-way transfer of knowledge for more effective outcomes. Museum programs will allow this research to better reach the public, raising awareness and inspiring action to protect our iconic predators. Investing in this project is a step toward safeguarding Australia’s unique biodiversity.

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.

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

Sex, Synthesis and Structure: Investigating Diatom Reproduction... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Decoding Stellar and Galactic Evolution through Star Clusters. Star clusters are the fossils and living dinosaurs of the Milky Way, preserving its history while shaping its evolution. These stellar groups are the birthplaces of millions of Milky Way stars, yet their full life cycle—from formation to dissolution—remains poorly understood. This project will trace their evolution, from young clusters where stellar rotation influences early evolution to ancient globular clusters holding the chemical fingerprints of the Galaxy’s past. By uncovering how clusters form, evolve, and dissolve, this research will provide fundamental insights into stellar and Galactic evolution, supporting and preparing for the scientific discoveries of next-generation billion-dollar instruments. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences This project tackles two key questions of the Australian Astronomy Decadal Plan 2026–2035: "How do planets, stars, and galaxies evolve, and how is that evolution connected across scales?" and "How does physics work in extreme environments?" By investigating how star clusters form, evolve, and dissolve, this research will provide critical insights into their role in shaping the Milky Way. These findings will directly support the development and scientific objectives of next-generation astronomical instruments, ensuring Australia maximises its multi-million-dollar investments in world-class facilities like MAVIS for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). These cutting-edge observatories will transform our ability to explore the Milky Way and the Universe. Beyond astronomy, this project strengthens Australia’s leadership in big data analysis and high-performance computing, skills that are increasingly essential across sectors such as weather modelling and space applications. By training the next generation of scientists in advanced data science techniques, this project will help build a highly skilled STEM workforce, supporting national priorities in space science, technology, and innovation.

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

A platform for protein design and evolution in mammalian cells Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unveiling Sulfur Reaction Pathways in All-Solid-State Li–S Batteries. All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries offer up to ten times the energy density of today's lithium-ion batteries while reducing material costs by over 30% through the use of abundant sulfur. This project aims to unlock their full potential by developing an advanced sulfur electrode material that enhances voltage stability and energy efficiency, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Expected outcomes of this project include establishing the foundation for the development of longer-range electric vehicles and cost-effective renewable energy storage solutions. This should provide significant benefits, such as strengthening Australia’s battery manufacturing sector while promoting economic and environmental sustainability. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Australia is at the forefront of a global energy transition, but current lithium-ion batteries are hindering progress. These batteries struggle to power long-range electric vehicles and lack the capacity for reliable renewable energy storage. This project introduces all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries, a groundbreaking technology that can deliver up to five times more energy than conventional lithium-ion batteries. This advancement could enable electric vehicles to travel over 1000km on a single charge, helping Australia achieve its goal of 50% electrification for new cars by 2030 and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Beyond transportation, this technology has the potential to revolutionize energy storage, strengthening Australia’s renewable energy grid, cutting carbon emissions, and enhancing energy security. Economically, this research could position Australia as a leader in battery manufacturing, creating high-value jobs and resilient supply chains. By utilizing Australia’s abundant lithium and sulfur resources, this project will foster domestic innovation, boost global competitiveness, and accelerate the nation's transition to a clean energy economy. While this research is fundamental, its findings could guide future collaborations with industry and policymakers to explore real-world applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and aerospace.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Building and Governing Sectarianism: Muslims and the Modern Chinese State . This project aims to investigate how modern states encourage and institutionalise sectarianism, focusing specifically on the encounter between the Chinese state and its Muslim citizens along its Northwest frontier regions. Utilising a multilingual interdisciplinary approach, archival research, and ethnographic work, the project will generate new knowledge on sectarianism as an instrument of authoritarian governance. This will contribute to enhancing Australia’s national capacity in analysing Chinese politics and regime resilience. It will also provide the necessary tools for policymakers to understand how sectarianism is used by both Muslim and non-Muslim states in managing their Muslim populations across the Asia-Pacific. Field of research: 5004 - Religious Studies As Australia’s largest trade partner, China’s domestic political stability is of key importance to our nation’s long-term well-being. Our understanding of the inner workings of Chinese politics, and especially how the state exercises authority with its citizens, is of particular significance. Drawing on interdisciplinary approaches, archival research, and in-person and digital fieldwork, this project addresses a gap in our knowledge of Chinese politics by looking at how the Chinese state, historically and at present, has harnessed and institutionalised sectarian differences among its Muslim minority populations as a governing method for reinforcing its authority and legitimacy. Findings will be shared with the Australian foreign policy and intelligence community through two major reports examining, respectively, Chinese political stability from the angle of sectarianism, and the global politics of sectarianised religion. The knowledge will be critical for building Australia’s national capacity to understand the source of regime resilience in China, and how sectarianism is leveraged within the context of state-religion relations across the Asia-Pacific, whether by Muslim or non-Muslim states. As Australia seeks to grapple with the changing political and religious landscape of the Asia-Pacific, home to over half of the world’s Muslims population, it will further contribute to our efforts to support regional stability and benefit our relations with China.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Locally-led Collaborative Urban Governance in Superdiverse Suburban Centres. Superdiversity is a growing trait of Australian suburban centres, where cultural, generational and other forms of diversity intersect. Many suburban centres also face urban decline and disadvantage. This project examines locally-led collaborative governance as an emerging strategy for revitalising these centres where traditional policy levers have shortcomings. By investigating how locally-led collaboration shapes revitalisation, this study will generate critical insights for scholarly debate on collaboration inclusion and effectiveness in diverse settings. Findings will inform policymaking through a toolkit, briefings and a national roundtable, enhancing Australia’s capacity to foster urban revitalisation in diverse suburban contexts. Field of research: 3304 - Urban and Regional Planning Australia’s suburban centres are critical to accommodating population growth and fostering economic and social inclusion. However, many face persistent urban decline and disadvantage. These challenges are visible through failing retail, dilapidating public spaces and exclusion of certain people. Local decline has national implications. Where suburbs fail, broader aspirations, including providing housing to meet Australia’s growing and changing population needs, are impacted. Suburban revitalisation is possible. This study contributes a timely investigation into suburban revitalisation driven through locally-led collaborative governance. This process involves local leaders initiating collaborative forums that bring together councils, state government, developers, community groups, retail traders and other key people in the local community. Together, they discuss, design and advance revitalisation initiatives. This study will provide insights from two active efforts of collaborative revitalisation in Victoria and will build national capacity. Policy briefings and a practical toolkit will be delivered, based on research evidence. Local communities, especially those which are superdiverse -places where cultural, generational and other diversity traits combine- will also benefit from better-informed urban policymaking. This research will advance more effective and inclusive collaborative approaches to the suburban revitalisation Australia urgently needs.

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

Discovery and optimisation of rare-earth quantum materials Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

3D elemental mapping by prompt-gamma ghost imaging Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Differentiable optimisation for constrained three-dimensional shape design. Deep learning has revolutionized many areas of machine learning and now stands ready to address problems in science and engineering. This project will apply techniques from deep learning, specifically the ability to solve complex optimisation problems, to the task of constrained three-dimensional shape design. The outcome of the project will be a set of mathematical tools to assist engineers and designers. Such tools will accelerate the design and evaluation of three-dimensional shapes, such as airplane wings and implantable medical devices, that optimise operational performance while meeting manufacturing and structural constraints, significantly reducing development costs and time-to-market. Field of research: 4611 - Machine Learning Sovereign capability in artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools is critical now more than ever. Investment in this project will further build Australia's deep expertise in foundational AI technologies, specifically deep learning and optimisation, to ensure competitiveness in the global AI market. The project establishes new and advanced mathematical techniques for constrained three-dimensional shape design building on recent advances in deep learning. It focuses on the application of these new techniques to the design of airfoils, such as airplane wings, and implantable medical devices to optimise performance and cost while meeting complex manufacturing and operational constraints. While the techniques developed will be more broadly applicable to other products and industries, these two examples---airfoil and medical device design---closely align with Australia's national research priorities delivering critical research to build a secure and resilient nation and help transition to a net zero future through advanced product design.