Australian National University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Lactation after loss in contemporary motherhood and healthcare delivery. This project aims to investigate how lactation and breastmilk donation after infant death may modulate bereaved mothers' grief experiences. It will draw upon bereaved mothers' experiences, the practices of lactation and bereavement specialists, and online content of select contemporary healthcare services. Expected outcomes include the development of guidelines and recommendations for lactation and bereavement healthcare services, providing benefits for bereaved mothers and their carers. Field of research: 1699 - Other Studies In Human Society

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Global wavefront propagation and non-elliptic Fredholm theory. Many significant phenomena in the natural world are described by partial differential equations that involve evolution in time. This project aims to develop new mathematical methods, involving recently discovered global wavefront set analysis and Fredholm theory, to solve such equations. These methods aim to extend the range of equations that can be solved as well as yield more information about solutions, in particular, their long-time asymptotics. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Algebraic and computational approaches for classical and quantum systems. This project aims to use a combination of algebraic, analytic and numerical techniques to develop computational algorithms to address a range of notoriously challenging problems in the mathematical sciences. These problems involve predicting the large-scale behaviour of strongly interacting classical and quantum spin systems originating in condensed matter physics, including models of relevance to proposals for topological quantum computation and the latest progress using field theory. The project outcomes will involve advances in understanding these systems from new exact results and high precision numerical estimates. Field of research: 0105 - Mathematical Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Engineering stable, efficient perovskite solar cells. This project aims to address and resolve a critical issue facing perovskite solar cells which have enormous potential as a future technology for the large-scale generation of cheap, clean electricity: their instability under actual operating conditions. The project is expected to make significant fundamental advances in compositional, structural and interface engineering. This project will benefit the environment by paving the way for the widespread adoption of cheaper and more efficient solar cells. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Dimension reduction and model selection for statistically challenging data. This project aims to develop a deep theoretical understanding of the relationship between various dimension reduction and model selection methods used in statistical model building, and then use this understanding to develop new, improved methods of model building for statistically challenging data. The research will impact on both the theory and practice of statistics, and on substantive fields which collect and analyse these kinds of data. This will provide a significant improvement in the statistical model building in areas such as epidemiology, chemical and ecological sciences. The project is timely because of the increasing collection of large-dimensional, complex, correlated data sets in these and many other fields. Field of research: 0104 - Statistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Nanowire quantum well infrared photodetectors. This project aims to demonstrate semiconductor nanowire based quantum well infrared (IR) photodetectors for applications in chemical analysis, remote sensing, thermal imaging, environmental monitoring, space ranging and communications. By utilising one-dimensional nanowire detector architecture, the project expects that improved sensitivity, functionality and reduced cost can be achieved surpassing the performance of current IR technologies. This project will pave the way for a new research and development platform for next generation large scale, low cost, high performance IR systems with commercialisation opportunities accessible to both high-end defence sectors and broader civilian industries. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Coding of olfactory information in the piriform cortex. This project aims to understand how electrical activity in the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex enables mice to recognise and remember odours. By using optical recording techniques together with genetic tools, the project expects to generate new knowledge about how the mammalian brain builds internal representations of the external world. Specific outcomes of the project include new insights into the functional architecture of the piriform cortex and fresh understanding of how olfactory information is encoded and stored in neural circuits. More broadly, the project aims to advance our understanding of how the brain works, with benefits for future improvements in artificial intelligence and brain-machine interfaces. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A unified model of amino acid homeostasis. This project aims to develop a unified model of amino acid homeostasis in mammalian cells and apply it to brain cells. The model will be underpinned by a mathematical algorithm that allows predicting amino acid levels in the cytosol based on fundamental parameters such as transport and metabolism. This project should provide the significant benefit of enabling the prediction of essential functions such as cell growth and survival. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Coherent control engineering for state estimation in quantum linear systems. This project aims to develop new methodologies for designing coherent controllers to facilitate optimal estimation in systems incorporating quantum sensors such as optomechanical and atom-interference sensors. New quantum sensors are being developed which have the potential to achieve sensitivities approaching fundamental physical limits. However to fully exploit these devices, this project will develop new control engineering and signal processing methods taking into account the fundamental properties of quantum systems and noise. This will enable quantum sensors to be applied to a wide range of applications including transport, medical imaging, civil engineering, and the detection of hazards. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Promoting fairness in online attention. This project aims to design mechanisms for fairness of attention to online digital items, by promoting diversity and reducing biases. Attention is one of the most valuable, yet scarce resources in the modern world. Biased attention fuels the propagation of fake information, hurts democratic debate in society and leads to public trust crisis of online media, which could result in unpleasant surprises in individual and group decisions. This project builds upon recent breakthroughs in social dynamics, and expects to design new methods for measuring the extent of (un)fairness and (mis)trust, validate novel intervention strategies in a series of online experiments promoting unbiased information consumption and fair decision-making. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Buddhist ethics and moral psychology. This project aims to investigate the ethical and moral psychological foundations of Buddhist thought. It aims to critically analyse the theoretical differences between Buddhist philosophical traditions to reveal a plurality of theoretical grounds on which Western thinkers can embrace Buddhist insights. The project is expected to advance intellectual engagement between Buddhist and Western ethicists, and to demonstrate the importance of a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to global philosophy. Field of research: 2203 - Philosophy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Understanding attitudes toward ambiguity: A multidimensional framework. This project aims to develop a comprehensive psychological framework and effective measures for assessing attitudes to ambiguity. Using empirical work and quantitative modelling, it will address the multidimensional nature of ambiguity, and likely individual and cultural differences. Attitudes to ambiguity strongly influence people's judgments and the expected outcomes from this project will enhance theoretical understandings and measurement tools for psychological research in decision making. This project aims to provide significant benefits by developing novel strategies for improving decision making in contexts of ambiguity. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Impact of geochemical alteration on carbon dioxide stability in the subsurface. This project aims to investigate the reactive behaviour of carbon dioxide in sandstone rocks to improve the safety of carbon sequestration operations. The project will develop new techniques to link fluid flow behaviour and geochemistry analysis, using high resolution 3D microscopy within geologic samples. The results will demonstrate the level of stability and security of carbon dioxide in underground sandstone rocks, and lead to safer design of sequestration operations. Field of research: 0503 - Soil Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A radical approach to unnatural amino acids and peptide-based antibiotics. This project aims to develop a new synthetic approach to valuable amino acid derivatives and their rapid incorporation into peptide analogues, including promising new antibiotic candidates. This project expects to generate knowledge in the chemical and biological sciences and build scientific capacity to address the global rise of antimicrobial resistance. It is anticipated that this will provide direct health and economic benefits by establishing a powerful platform for peptide drug design. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The functional characterisation of a novel immune response in plants. This project aims to identify the role of pathogenicity-related-1 proteins in plants and characterise a new disease resistance pathway. By focusing on the interaction between key plant and pathogen proteins, this proposal seeks to advance the understanding of how the pathogen causes disease. The expected outcomes from these advances include the generation of new tools to manage plant diseases whilst building strong international collaborations. This project should provide significant benefits for generating new leads for plant disease management leading to enhanced food security. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Plasmonic hot-electron technologies for nanoscale energy conversion. This project aims to improve the efficiency of plasmonically enhanced hot-electron photodiodes for solar fuel generation and targeted photo-detection. This project is expected to make advances towards the development of effective devices which will directly impact a range of applications of local and global importance including alternative energy production, and the next generation of imaging and sensing technologies for the biomedical and health industries. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A long-term history of mercury in Australasia. This project aims to investigate how natural levels of mercury have changed over time and how human activities have affected mercury atmospheric fluxes and deposition. Using state-of-the-art experimental approaches combining palaeontology and chemistry, the project seeks to build comprehensive knowledge about the flux and sources of mercury in the Southern Hemisphere, to address significant geospatial and temporal gaps in understanding mercury’s environmental impact. Expected outcomes are a more refined understanding of the global biochemical cycle of mercury and its exposure effects on human and wildlife populations. Potential benefits are better-informed international actions designed to reduce environmental and health risks from mercury pollution. Field of research: 0399 - Other Chemical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Inequality of health, wealth and education in China. This project aims to examine whether China’s recent increase in income inequality is associated with increased inequalities in other well-being related outcomes: health, education and wealth. It also aims to identify the factors associated with increases in inequalities. Significant increases in income and wealth inequality could have detrimental effects on economic and political stability. The expected outcomes from this project will help to identify policies useful in addressing inequalities and enhancing stability within Australia's important trading partner. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Role of top-down-rehydration in drought tolerance of mangroves. This project aims to understand the role of absorption and storage of atmospheric water (vapour, mist, rain, dew) by shoots in survival of mangroves where high soil salinity limits root water uptake, particularly during hot, dry conditions. This research will advance understanding of drought and salinity tolerance. The project outcomes will include identification of environmental conditions that limit drought survival and functional plant traits that enhance drought survival. These outcomes are fundamental to interpreting mechanisms underlying mangrove dieback under drought and will benefit the development of process-based models for better prediction of mangrove responses to climate change. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Welfare entrepreneurs and paradoxes of social control in rural China. This project aims to examine how non-state welfare systems run by local private entrepreneurs affect power relationships in contemporary rural China. Combining humanistic and social science approaches, the project expects to generate new knowledge about how welfare policies and practices interact with or develop alongside institutions of social control. Expected research outcomes include new empirical data on informal political processes and institutional development in post-Socialist economies. This will enhance the basis for scholarly theory and provide commercial and governmental organisations with the information and conceptual tools to accurately assess the priorities of their Chinese partners, competitors, or counterparts. Field of research: 1699 - Other Studies In Human Society

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Machine vision techniques for solar power forecasting and generation. This project aims to advance the research in short-term solar power forecasting and optimise the generation process using machine vision techniques. This project will use cameras to capture images of sky and mirror surfaces of heliostats. The scientific novelties are the exploration of geometry-aware feature representations for solar power prediction and building three-dimensional models of mirror surfaces of heliostats to optimise the solar power generation process. The outcome is a working prototype to boost the solar power forecasting accuracy and a three-dimensional reconstruction system to be helpful for the solar power generation. These outcomes will highly benefit the short-term solar power forecasting, generation and electricity grid management systems. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Signalling pathways for sexual differentiation of apicomplexan parasites. This project aims to study the sexual development of apicomplexan parasites, which cause major diseases in humans, livestock and wildlife, including malaria. Only sexually differentiated cells can survive in the mosquito vector and hence this development is essential for the parasite's life-cycle. This project will employ a new approach that separates female from male parasites, thus enabling new information to be gleaned about the development of these parasites. The expected outcomes are an understanding of the mechanisms of sexual differentiation and a functional characterisation of novel sex-specific molecules. This will provide significant benefits, such as pivotal prerequisites for new approaches to parasite intervention. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

On-line planning for constrained autonomous agents in an uncertain world. This project aims to develop admissible heuristics for constrained stochastic planning problems and integrate them into state-of-the-art on-line algorithms. Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, such as self-driving cars or energy management systems, make intelligent decisions to act near-optimally in uncertain environments, leading to savings, for example in energy use. But we also want assurances that AI systems will obey safety constraints. Solving constrained stochastic planning problems is key to building AI that is both robust and safe. This project will explore ways to account for uncertainty and constraints in heuristic estimation. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

New public management, Aboriginal organisations, and Indigenous rights. This project aims to understand links between recent new public management reforms, particularly in New South Wales, and the operation and capacity of successful urban Aboriginal organisations. The project will include an analysis of case studies from other international jurisdictions (such as New Zealand and Canada). Urban Aboriginal organisations have a distinctive role in society in relation to urban Aboriginal peoples and their rights to self-determination and community development. The outcomes from this project will provide evidence-based research to improve public policy understandings of the distinct role Urban Aboriginal organisations play in society, as well as insights from international comparative research. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Who governs global energy? The role of informal international organisations. This project aims to improve our understanding of global energy governance and the role played by informal international organisations such as the G20 and G8. It will produce new data and analytical tools for policymakers seeking to govern energy at the global level in the face of mounting challenges, including energy-related emissions. In a rapidly changing international energy system, it will also enhance Australian policymakers’ capacity to strengthen the national energy sector, which by the end of the decade is expected to have yearly export earnings of $114 billion. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science