Australian National University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Meta-optics systems for driver-fatigue monitoring. The project aims to develop novel miniaturised optical systems for driver fatigue monitoring, which provide increased sensitivity, eliminate reflections from eyeglasses and enable accurate depth measurements of facial features. The unique performance of our optical systems is derived from the concept of optical nanostructured surfaces to allow for efficient control of light wavefront and polarisation. The project aims to apply this concept to develop six different optical elements with new functionalities and performance well beyond what is possible with conventional components. This development will enable the construction of high-performance driver monitoring systems, thus facilitating a safer driving experience for all. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The growth of giant black holes in the early universe. This project aims to discover the largest black holes in the early universe and their origin, and weigh them using infrared spectroscopy. Giant black holes at the centres of galaxies reach masses over ten billion times that of our Sun. Astronomy has revealed the origin of black holes with masses similar to that of the Sun, but remains puzzled by the existence of those with masses many million times larger. This project will reveal pathways of black-hole growth early after the Big Bang. The project will shed light on the evolution of galaxies in the early universe and prepare the ground for new work by other scientists, for example on the origin of the elements. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Synthetic multi-dimensional integrated photonics. This project aims to develop and realise experimentally integrated circuits where light propagation mimics dynamics in arbitrarily complex imaginary photonic lattices. The project puts forward a universal and mass-fabrication compatible design concept of planar optical structures featuring unconventional synthetic multi-dimensional properties, which can also be reconfigured in real time. This underpins expected outcomes in optical detection with fundamentally enhanced sensitivity and optical signal switching with ultra-low threshold. The benefits of such breakthrough improvements can have broad applications spanning from future optical communication networks to optical sensors for monitoring and health applications. Field of research: 0205 - Optical Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The fitness consequences of age-dependent changes in cognitive abilities. This project aims to investigate health-related topics in invasive fish. The evolution of large brains suggests that smarter individuals have more offspring due to natural and sexual selection. This project aims to test if the ability to perform cognitively challenging tasks predicts reproductive success. In addition, many life history traits show a trade-off between early and late life performance. This project will test this prediction to see if individuals with above average cognitive performance when young are below average when old, that is faster 'cognitive senescence', or whether some individuals stay relatively smarter than others throughout their lives. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

New approaches to understanding the forces driving convergent evolution. This project aims to address the evolutionary biology question of what drives convergent evolution of morphological phenotypes. Leveraging previous research on the phylogenetics of Australian reptiles and amphibians, the project will apply new methodological and analytical tools for quantifying and evaluating morphological diversity in a phylogenetic context. The project expects to test the influence of climate, habitat and evolutionary history on driving convergent morphological evolution across multiple independent animal groups. The project will address fundamental theories on convergent evolution and will improve public awareness of Australia’s unique animals and their history. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Black titanium dioxide-graphene nanoleaves drive solid-gas selective carbon dioxide to solar fuels. This project aims to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as part of a reaction to produce a carbon-neutral solar fuel. People are currently still over reliant on fossil fuels for energy production, which leads to increased greenhouse gases and their detrimental climate effect. This project will develop novel wireless sustainable nano-reactors, which can be scaled to a system working in an ambient environment for high-yield production. The expected outcomes are to synthesise nano-flowers composed of 2D functional nano-leaves, which will be fabricated into a flexible large-area carbon dioxide-to-solar fuel system. This project will also expand knowledge in heterojunctions, surface chemistry and nano-manufacturing of 2D materials. The technology to be developed will only rely on natural solar, atmospheric, and earth-abundant eco-friendly resources, and intends to promote Australia as a key regional solar fuels production and export nation. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Symmetries in CR-geometry. This project aims at investigating symmetries of geometric objects called CR-manifolds. It is expected to open new avenues for understanding such symmetries at the infinitesimal level and lead to ground-breaking results in CR-geometry. Expected outcomes include new methodology, solving long-standing problems, and establishing international research collaborations. The benefits are in enhancing the strength of the research in analysis and geometry performed in Australia, in fostering the international competitiveness of Australian research and in high-quality research training. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

RNA surveillance and the initial steps of RNA biogenesis. This project aims to understand the initial steps of RNA biogenesis and how this process is linked to the chromatin environment. Although less than five per cent of our genome encodes proteins, almost the entire genome is transcribed to RNA. A large portion of these transcripts are degraded during the early steps of RNA biogenesis by the RNA surveillance machinery, but the mechanism for the recognition and degradation of these transcripts is not understood. New evidence suggests that the chromatin environment of the transcribed locus plays an important role in this process. This project will lead to significant benefits in the implementation of emerging RNA-based technologies and in understanding how genome stability is maintained. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Wild eco-evolutionary dynamics: the decline of an iconic Australian bird. This project aims to dissect the ecological and evolutionary processes causing a decline in an iconic Australian bird species. Studies that can properly test explanations for declines in wild populations are rare. This project aims to test how environmental and genetic processes shape individual traits, how these traits determine fitness and how changes in individual fitness affect population dynamics. The project expects to provide essential information for the improved management of Australian bird populations, and for understanding the effects of environmental change on natural systems globally. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Governing harmful commodities: the case of ultra-processed foods. This project aims to generate new knowledge on how to influence public policy in order to reduce the supply and consumption of a health-harming commodity, ultra-processed foods. Using governance theory and qualitative techniques the project intends to identify the actors who are influential in the three key policy areas of trade, taxation and marketing and who affect the consumption of these foods in Australia, Thailand and Fiji. Expected outcomes include strategies for pursuing these different actors’ interests and evidence that can help institutions to promote better policies. Intended benefits include better nutrition outcomes in Australia, Thailand and Fiji. Field of research: 1111 - Nutrition and Dietetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Bimetallic carbidos: hard-wiring a single atom of carbon. This project aims to explore the design, synthesis, characterisation and applications of novel materials in which metals are bridged by a single carbon atom. Materials based on metals (M) separated by a single oxygen atom (O) underpin all manner of technologies from the pigments of antiquity to modern electronics. Electronic/magnetic communication across MOM bridges is thus extremely well understood. Materials with two metals bridged by one carbon atom (MCM) are in contrast, rare and poorly understood. Developing synthetic routes to such materials will make it possible to map the diversity of chemical and electronic features against theoretical models in search of new materials with unique reactivities and properties for commercial exploitation. Field of research: 0302 - Inorganic Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The infrastructure of China's international influence. This project aims to investigate how China uses infrastructure-driven development to wield international influence, by studying how Chinese ideas of ‘developmentalism’ interact with nation building and regime security imperatives in Indonesia, Myanmar and Laos. The project expects to generate new comparative knowledge about development logics and competing sectoral interests around major infrastructure projects that breaks new conceptual ground on analysing international influence and the economic-security nexus in Asia. Enhanced understanding of the conditions under which China’s development model is attractive to others, would benefit Australian and international agencies seeking strategic diplomatic and investment decisions in the Asia-Pacific. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Limits to ocean surface temperature in future climates. This project aims to investigate whether ocean surface temperatures can increase beyond the 35 degree centigrade threshold for the survival of humans and many other mammal species. Climate models predict that ocean surface temperatures will exceed 35 degree centigrade in parts of the middle east and throughout much of South East Asia in as little as 50 years. This project will use a series of laboratory experiments to test whether parts of the ocean surface can be warmed beyond this limit under natural conditions. Expected outcomes of this project are a new understanding of what sets the maximum surface temperature of the ocean, thereby allowing us to determine whether coastal regions of the humid tropics and sub-tropics will remain habitable for humans and other mammal species in the near future. Field of research: 0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Antimicrobial resistance, inequality and development in India. This project aims to provide an analysis of the cultural and social drivers behind the threat of antimicrobial resistance in India. As the highest consumer of antibiotics globally, India is central to the global challenge of addressing antimicrobial resistance. This project will focus on antimicrobial resistance as a distinctly social problem. The intended outcomes include a deep understanding of how the crisis is unfolding in India at the nexus of poverty, weak governance and embedded cultural practices. Anticipated findings will generate policy-relevant outputs to optimise antimicrobial use, position Australia as a leading voice in addressing a global threat, and prepare Australia against the specific issue of microbial resistance. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Addressing the hour-glass ceiling: new case for action on gender equality. This project aims to provide new evidence on the twin wealth and health costs and benefits of greater gender equality in work hours, and new data resources for policy modelling and testing. It also aims to provide insights into progress on gender parity which appears to have stalled despite concerted policy action. Expected benefits of this evidence include improving the health and economic security of women, and the identification of options for new policy actions to solve the problem of gender inequality in employment and earnings. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Epitaxial growth of III-V microring lasers for integrated silicon photonics. This project aims to investigate the growth and demonstration of compound semiconductor microring lasers on silicon substrates, using selective area growth to engineer the shape of the lasing cavity at the nano/micro-scale. Silicon photonics is currently a dominant technology in optical and data communication systems, and the continued development demands higher speeds, lower power consumption and lower costs. However, on-chip integrated, high efficiency lasers are still elusive due to mismatch in material platforms between the lasers and silicon substrates. This project will produce reliable, efficient and easily manufacturable laser sources integrated on silicon photonic chips. It is also expected to pave the way for more development of this technology by the industry to further drive the cost of silicon photonics technology down whilst increasing data transmission speed. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Time-space resolved photoelectron emission to control molecular processes. This project aims to resolve simultaneously the timing and space localisation of photoelectron emission from atoms and molecules as a means for targeted breaking of molecular bonds. Existing techniques determine the timing and spatial characteristics of photoemission independently. The simultaneous time-space resolution will allow for the precise manipulation of photoelectrons by a sequence of phase-stabilised laser pulses, a technique known as coherent control. The benefit of this project will be the coherently controlled breaking of molecular bonds in oxide, carbonyl and hydrocarbon molecules. The outcome will be a significant step forward in driving complex photochemical reactions in industry. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

The cellular basis of sex-specific responses to virus infection. This project aims to explore how the sex of cells impacts virus infections in culture. To date, the sex of cells in culture has been overlooked as an important source of biological variability, but may be found to affect basic science through to anti-viral drug discovery. Using a model in which a virus can be adapted to grow better in cells of a single sex, this project expects to generate new knowledge about how sex differences impact virus-host interactions. This project expects to provide new insights into sex-based differences in how cells detect and respond to virus infection, and the extent to which the sex of cells impacts viruses in general. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Exploiting shear to form new structures of carbon. This project aims to create new, technologically-interesting, materials by combining shear (sliding forces) with high pressure. The work will use both modelling and experiments to understand the pathways to form new materials such as a different form of diamond that is predicted to be harder than regular diamond. Such a material could be used in coatings for cutting tools or ultra-low-scratch surfaces. Expected outcomes include both an understanding of the importance of shear in the study of high-pressure science, and as a tool to manufacture new functional materials. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Quantum thermalisation: a new framework for nuclear collisions. This project aims to quantify and model the processes that lead to quantum thermalisation in nuclear collisions. Thermalisation is critical to the synthesis of new superheavy elements, production of medical isotopes, and creation of heavy elements in the cosmos. Yet quantum thermalisation in nuclear systems is not understood, causing models to be wrong by up to a factor of 100. This project will determine the routes to thermalisation in nuclear systems by combining the latest concepts in many body quantum physics with enhancements to Australia’s precision measurement capabilities. The project will enable new fundamental tests of quantum mechanics and benefit broader applications of nuclear collisions. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Trust in a social and digital world. This project aims to provide a systematic and empirically-informed account of the way networks facilitate or hinder knowledge. Distinguishing on-line information from disinformation can be difficult. This task can be greatly assisted by networks of trusted peers, but figuring out who to trust is itself a challenge. Identifying, designing, and facilitating networks of trust is therefore an urgent task. By using the tools of social epistemology, virtue epistemology, and network science, this project will identify how individuals should distribute their trust when embedded in epistemically hostile environments. Field of research: 2203 - Philosophy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Investigating the impacts and future of land rights and land restitution. This project aims to develop new understandings of the effects of land rights on Aboriginal communities and the nation. The era of gaining rights has, for many, transitioned into a time of restitution and seeking economic and cultural futures for younger generations. It remains to be seen what these futures will be, how they will align with or challenge national interests, and what hopes younger Aboriginal people have for country. This project aims to uncover future aspirations, engaging with Yanyuwa claimants, the first group to lodge a land claim under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976, and land rights professionals. The project aims to reveal intercultural understandings of land rights and the future for Australian lands and waters. Field of research: 1699 - Other Studies In Human Society

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Disentangling the origin and evolution of the tangled magellanic stream. This project aims to reveal the process of gaseous accretion in interacting galaxies by elucidating the origin and evolution of the Magellanic Stream. The Magellanic Stream is an enormous tail of hydrogen gas extending from the Magellanic Clouds almost fully around the Milky Way. Through unravelling the Magellanic Stream and revealing how it will impact the Milky Way, this project will help understand how galaxies receive new gas to continue their star formation and very existence. The project will use the newly constructed Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder to shed light on the question of how galaxies evolve, one of the highest priority questions in Australian Astrophysics as defined by the Australian Astronomy Decadal Plan. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Creating high flux degenerate quantum atomic sources with active feedback. This project aims to deliver a new technique for cooling dilute ultracold gases, which are rapidly transitioning from a fundamental physics platform to a building block for quantum technology. This technique is measurement-based feedback cooling. Unlike the current evaporative methods, feedback cooling neither loses atoms, nor relies on elastic collisions or internal atomic structure. This opens up the possibility of directly cooling traditionally un-coolable systems. This project will expand the quality and range of available atomic sources, benefitting research into exotic materials, and improving precision sensor applications. Quantum sensors are rapidly reforming our image of what a sensor is and what it can do, offering unprecedented opportunities in sensor fusion, and directly impacting business opportunities in mineral exploration, mapping and navigation. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Robust control of highly resonant flexible and nanoscale systems. This project aims to develop new methodologies to analyse and design control systems for highly resonant flexible structures occurring in emerging areas of precision engineering such as atomic force microscopes, scanning tunnelling microscopes and microelectromechanical systems. Critical to the operation of these instruments are feedback control systems. In order to enable microelectromechanical technologies to be developed at a large scale, control systems are required with high levels of accuracy, speed and robustness. This project will enable the systematic synthesis of such control systems and thus facilitate advances in micro and nano-electomechanical sensors, biological, medical and materials imaging, and quantum computing devices. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering