Australian National University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Metal-rich materials for optical limiting. This project aims to create metal- and carbon-rich materials that function as optical limiters over a broad temporal range. The project will create robust molecules that are meant to be used to prepare functional materials. These materials could be used for optical devices and to protect personnel from accidental exposure to intense light sources such as high-power lasers. Field of research: 0399 - Other Chemical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Ultrafast optical non-linearities in robust organometallic materials. This project aims to create organometallic complexes with ultrafast nonlinear optical responses. These robust molecules are intended to be used to prepare surface-supported nanostructures. The project will create materials with reversibly switchable nonlinear optical properties that can control or process incident light beams in photonics technologies. These new materials will have possible applications in future photonics technologies, potentially creating highly-skilled jobs in Australia and growing Australia’s reputation as a leader in molecular materials science. Field of research: 0399 - Other Chemical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Drug discovery and structural biology by NMR spectroscopy. This project aims to extend the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in rational drug development and protein structure analysis. A new chemical labelling approach provides detailed three-dimensional structure information of large protein-ligand complexes, needed for structure-based lead-compound development. New chemical and paramagnetic lanthanide tags for site-specific dual labelling of proteins will enhance this technology, which will assess target-drug interactions by in-cell electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The techniques offer scope for accelerated drug development in the pharmaceutical industries. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Non-equilibrium material phases. This project aims to synthesise and characterise exotic materials produced in the laboratory under conditions that replicate those inside planets and stars. Highly non-equilibrium processing methods are needed to find entirely new material forms of elements and compounds created under extreme pressure and temperature. The project will use its laser-based synthesis method to explore and understand the non-equilibrium pathways and develop new materials. Understanding how these materials form could lead to the next materials revolution. This research will lead to materials that industry sectors can exploit for commercial benefits. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Nonlinear and tunable topological states of light and sound. This project aims to provide deep theoretical insights into the physics of electromagnetic and mechanical topological states by bridging fundamental concepts of optics, optomechanics and nonlinear physics. The rapidly expanding digital world calls for a new generation of photonic devices to transmit and process information without losses. Recently discovered topological phases open unique opportunities to realise topological states of light that are inherently immune to scattering losses. This multidisciplinary project aims to bridge fundamental topological physics with nonlinear nanophotonics and optomechanics by developing novel concepts of topological systems, dynamically tunable by nonlinearity. An expected outcome of this project is new approaches to control both light and sound dynamically in complex nanoscale structures, and uncover disorder-immune technologies for applications in on-chip communications and information processing. Field of research: 0203 - Classical Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Naturally derived photoinitiators for biocompatible 3D printing. This project aims to develop an environmentally-friendly approach to naturally derived photoinitiators which are applicable to 3D printing through low-energy, visible light-induced polymerisation, and explore their application in the fabrication of biocompatible polymeric materials. Traditional polymer manufacturing processes such as thermopolymerisation employ hazardous chemicals which present health and environmental risks. This project expects to expand fundamental scientific knowledge of photochemistry, polymer chemistry and biology through the development of a novel, economical, clean, commercially-relevant platform (3D printing) for the fabrication of polymeric materials. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Quantum satellites: safeguarding space-based communication networks. This project aims to address the fundamental challenges of developing quantum communication technology in space by performing space qualification of quantum technologies and optimising quantum-key distribution protocols for space applications. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of long-distance quantum key distribution based on continuous variables providing Australia with secure information networks. Expected outcomes of the project include licensing of key patents in building a quantum toolkit for space applications, establishment of collaboration across research institutes and disciplines, defence organisations and industry partners. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Regularisation methods of inverse problems: theory and computation. This project aims to investigate regularisation methods for inverse problems which are ill-posed in the sense that their solutions depend discontinuously on the data. When only noisy data is available, regularisation methods define stable approximate solutions by replacing the original inverse problem with a family of well-posed neighbouring problems monitored by a so-called regularisation parameter. The project expects to develop purely data-driven rules to choose the regularisation parameter and show how they work in theory, and in practice. It will also develop convex framework, acceleration strategies as well as preconditioning and splitting ideas to design efficient regularisation solvers. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Reading at the interface: literatures, cultures, technologies. This project intends to use massively expanded digital evidence of reception to investigate a central insight of cultural criticism - that meaning is produced through interactions between texts, contexts and readers. The project expects to generate new knowledge of literary culture and digital approaches to research in the humanities. The project will employ new digital evidence and methods to explore general and professional reading in concert. Mapping the impact of new media on reception of Australian literature should provide significant social and disciplinary benefits in fostering literary research capable of engaging diverse publics and responding effectively to policy demands to demonstrate impact. Field of research: 2005 - Literary Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Rediscovering the deep human past: global networks, future opportunities. This project will analyse Australia's epic Indigenous narratives alongside relevant new scientific evidence in order to create a big picture history of Greater Australia/Sahul, and as a result transform the scale and scope of history. Fresh periodisations and understandings will reorient this history in its wider global context. Through critiquing the evolution of disciplines, especially the world history/prehistory divide and the Cambridge training nexus, the project will develop future-oriented transdisciplinary techniques for researching the deep human past. As part of the project, a diverse generation of early career scholars will join top international networks and be trained in digital research techniques and delivery platforms for researching this exceptional human history. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The causes and consequences of attentional rescaling. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms that underlie people’s capacity to rescale the focus of their visual attention. Such rescalings are important because they are linked with people’s capacity to perform specific tasks. Using an innovative approach within cognitive psychology that integrates individual differences, experimental, and training frameworks, this project expects to generate new theoretical knowledge about attentional re-scaling and its possible improvement. The expected outcomes include selection and training programs for specific contexts such as training athletes and flight attendants. Economic benefits can be expected through the identification of those who will benefit most from training (reducing waste) and developing cost-effective forms of training which improve task performance. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Quantum symmetries: mathematical models for topological matter. This project aims to investigate quantum symmetries, new mathematical objects which allow an algebraic description of topological phases of matter. The project expects to bridge the current gap between our mathematical and physical understandings of these topological phases of matter. The project will develop innovative tools for analysing and constructing new exotic symmetries, and provide an extensive survey of examples. It is expected to build national research capacity in an emerging field and put Australia at the forefront of the mathematics of topological matter. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Inconsistent migration data in the Asia Pacific. This project aims to develop statistical models of population movements in the Asia-Pacific regionto harmonise, correct for errors and estimate annual flows by origin, destination, age and sex. International migration is increasing and thriving in the Asia-Pacific region but data on the annual movements and pathways are largely unknown because the data are unavailable for cross-national comparison. This is surprising considering the region makes up over three-fifths of the world’s population. The results are expected to form a basis for understanding the dynamics and complexity of migration in countries near Australia. Field of research: 1603 - Demography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

van der Waals epitaxy for advanced and flexible optoelectronics. This project aims to investigate the growth of compound semiconductors directly on two-dimensional material templates, via the so-called van der Waals epitaxy. Two-dimensional materials combined with compound semiconductors as optoelectronic materials can have many uses. This project expects to design flexible solar cells, which could be integrated with fabrics or building products, and lasers that need small drive currents. It will use the Anderson localisation effect, a photon management concept, to control the interaction between photons and material and improve device efficiencies. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Cluster dynamics in nuclear fusion. This project aims to pin down cluster transfer dynamics and develop models combining quantum coherence and energy dissipation, using Australia’s exotic beam capability. Accelerators providing intense beams of stable and exotic nuclei are tools for nuclear physics, astrophysics and cancer therapy. Accurate knowledge of nuclear reactions underpins these research and technological opportunities, but the process of fusion is significantly less than quantum model predictions. Nuclear cluster transfer is the likely cause. This project expects to advance fundamental understanding of nuclear physics and its application to medical physics Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How iron is cycled in Southern Ocean waters. This project aims to probe the Southern Ocean phytoplankton’s ability to take up and retain iron, using iron isotope tracer techniques. The Southern Ocean regulates Earth's climate, but the supply of iron to Southern Ocean surface waters is low, restricting the ability of phytoplankton to flourish and draw down carbon dioxide. The results are expected to reveal survival strategies of phytoplankton in this iron-poor environment and their potential ability to adapt to environmental change. This knowledge could be used to develop models to manage this climate-sensitive region. Field of research: 0405 - Oceanography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How ribosomal protein loss affects cell fate. This project aims to challenge the dogma that the ribosome behaves only as a ‘‘house-keeper’’. Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations should, and often do, result in reduced cell growth and stunted animal development. Depletion of RPs in Drosophila blood cells impair stem cells and cause massive tissue overgrowth. This suggests RPs are involved in cell fate determination, which this project will research using genetic models. As ribosomal function is fundamental to the development of all living organisms, this work could have wide implications for understanding all biology – from microbes, insects and plants to humans. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The spatial dynamics of myth in Pausanias’ Periegesis. This project aims to use Pausanias' Periegesis (2nd c. AD) to reveal the spatial dynamics of Greek myth when it was still a living tradition. This text shows how myths inhabited the landscapes of ancient Greece and how stories shaped travellers' experiences. The resulting monograph expects to enhance our understanding of the experience of Greek myth and contribute to debates over the interplay between the local and the universal (panhellenic) in antiquity. This study will form the basis for a collaborative symposium and edited collection bringing together scholars working on spatial dynamics of myth in other cultures. Field of research: 2005 - Literary Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Protein design. This project aims to design binding specificity in proteins in a rational way. Extending the existing repertoire of protein specificity using engineering principles should harness the catalytic power and high binding affinities of natural proteins. By building upon protein design algorithms, this project will develop biosensors for neurotransmitters and specialist enzymes to incorporate unnatural amino acids. It will iteratively improve the designs and algorithms by computational and experimental characterisation. The outcomes should address the long-standing need in synthetic biology for a facile route to designer proteins Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Diamond quantum technology. This project aims to advance diamond quantum technologies by discovering and engineering defects, innovating quantum microscopy techniques and enabling large-scale diamond quantum computing. Quantum technologies could transcend the limits of today’s current technologies. Defects in diamond are a proven platform for the development of quantum microscopes which could yield images of nature at the atomic scale and quantum computers that may solve problems too difficult for classical computers. This project will employ an integrated research approach, spanning fundamental theory to device design and demonstration. Key anticipated outcomes are international collaboration and knowledge, capability and training in quantum microscopy and computing. This will benefit Australia by securing its global competiveness in the emerging market of quantum technology. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Neuronal activity underlying efficient sensory processing. This project aims to study how neuronal activity in the sensory cortex efficiently represents the external world. Operating with a finite quantity of attentional resources, the brain needs to prioritise processing to provide important information about a situation. This project combines neurophysiology, behavioural and computational sciences to study attention mechanisms in rodents. This multidisciplinary project aims to develop a novel paradigm for studying sensory prioritisation in rodents as a model organism. Field of research: 0606 - Physiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions. This Centre aims to answer fundamental questions in astrophysics including the origin of matter and the periodic table of elements, and the origin of ionisation in the Universe. It intends to use Australian three-dimensional technology to transform our understanding of the Universe. It will unify world-leading Australian optical and radio surveys with theoretical simulations and new e-Science techniques for Peta-scale data sets. The Centre will also nurture young scientific leaders and make high-school students interested in STEM sciences through education and outreach programmes. It is expected the research will propel Australia to the forefront of astronomical research for the coming decade while capitalising on innovative instrumentation. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Australian Partnership in Advanced LIGO+. This project aims to improve the sensitivity of the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (aLIGO). aLIGO’s detection of gravitational waves proved general relativity in the strong field limit and the existence of black hole binary systems. The increased sensitivity will enable daily detections and new classes of events, opening the field of gravitational wave astronomy. Since telescopes can detect only 5% of the stuff in the universe, this is expected to greatly improve understanding of the universe. This Australian partnership will put its physicists and astronomers at the vanguard of this field and inspire the next generation to study the physical sciences. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Application of boronate ester-appended scaffolds in drug-discovery. This project aims to improve carbohydrate synthesis. Glycochemistry is an increasingly important chemical science that combines organic synthesis with biology. This project will develop methodologies that incorporate boronate ester residues onto selected carbons of monosaccharides and transform them to obtain hitherto inaccessible scaffolds for drug discovery. This strategy can be used in the controlled assembly of other biologically important compounds, including azacycles, oxacycles and inositols. The methods for the controlled diversification of carbohydrates are expected to be broadly applicable to scientific endeavours ranging from glycobiology to medicine. Successful execution will provide new drug-discovery tools and ensure Australia secures a competitive position in this rapidly expanding discipline. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

China's economic ideas: From Bretton Woods to Bandung. This project aims to provide a comprehensive account of China’s role in shaping the post-World War II international economic order. Though not widely known today, Nationalist and Communist China played a leading role in two key international economic conferences between 1944 and 1955: Bretton Woods and Bandung. By studying recently declassified Chinese archives, the project aims to uncover how nationalism shaped China’s economic ideas, and the historical origins of 21st century Chinese economic institutions and initiatives. Understanding China’s post-war economic ideas is expected to refine theories of economic nationalism, and help policymakers understand how China seeks to shape the global economy. Field of research: 1699 - Other Studies In Human Society