University of New South Wales

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Next-Generation Biodegradable Adhesives. This project aims to develop new biodegradable adhesives derived from oxidized natural polysaccharides. These adhesives will effectively bond various biodegradable materials while maintaining their structural integrity and performance. The significance of this research lies in its potential to replace toxic synthetic adhesives with safer, eco-friendly alternatives. Expected outcomes include innovative methods for producing sustainable adhesives to enhance manufacturing processes. Benefits include reducing environmental impact from adhesive waste, improving sustainability in Australian industry, and fostering economic growth through commercializing environmentally friendly adhesive technologies. Field of research: 3405 - Organic Chemistry This project, led by Associate Professor Vinh Nguyen at UNSW Sydney in collaboration with Benignancy Pty Ltd, pioneers the creation of innovative, eco-friendly adhesives derived from natural polysaccharides. This research addresses a critical international need to replace toxic synthetic adhesives with biodegradable and sustainable alternatives, significantly reducing environmental pollution and promoting cleaner manufacturing practices. Given the adhesive and sealant market’s global valuation of ~ US$79 billion, this project offers substantial economic benefits for Australia, including the creation of new markets and employment opportunities in green manufacturing. Environmentally, the project supports Australia’s commitment to sustainability by reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives and minimizing pollution. Socially, this initiative contributes to healthier, sustainable communities by fostering responsible industrial practices and aligning with growing public demand for environmentally safe products. Furthermore, the project will train highly skilled scientists equipped with expertise that is in high demand within the Australian workforce. To ensure practical and widespread adoption of these new biodegradable adhesives, the research team will actively engage industry partners, stakeholders, and the broader community through demonstrations, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, facilitating the clear translation of research benefits to all Australians.

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

A Rapid and Diverse N-Heterocycle Synthesis Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Examining Place-Based Investment Models through Civic Wealth Creation Lens. Place-based investment models aim to attract or blend private sector and philanthropic capital, alongside government funding, to enable communities to transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Significant knowledge gaps exist as to the organisational forms, institutional infrastructure, and governance models at a community level that can attract, absorb, distribute and ensure active community participation in place-based investment. Our project examines place-based investment models through the lens of Civic Wealth Creation (CWC) to systematically investigate how such investment is delivered and sustained in communities, and to what effect, to generate longer term civic wealth. Field of research: 3507 - Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour Place-based investment is a priority for the Australian Government in tackling entrenched community disadvantage, allocating over $83 million in 2024-25 for local partnerships and $399.1 million over five years to support a just transition to an inclusive, sustainable economy. Yet significant knowledge gaps exist about the capacity of communities—reflected in organisational forms and governance models—to attract, manage, and build on these investments effectively. This is the first study to explore how Australian communities can build wealth and prosperity through differing forms and arrangements of community organising, using the innovative lens of Civic Wealth Creation. By combining qualitative and quantitative analyses of global and national place-based investment models, and case studies of nationally significant transition regions, the project generates evidence-based, actionable insights into what helps a community attract, govern, and benefit from place-based investment. Our novel approach brings practitioner and academic expertise together through forums and panels to create an open-access resource where original data, findings, academic publications, and best practice symposia outcomes are shared to cultivate continuing dialogue and advancements on how to make the most of place-based investment for the well-being of Australian communities.

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

3D manufacturing for special silica optical fibres Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Advancing Data Quality Management with Graph-Enhanced Foundation Models Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Bio-enhanced Hydrogen production and CO2 mineralisation Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Fire-Resistant Carbon Fibre Reinforced Structural Batteries. This project aims to develop flame-retardant electrolytes for carbon-fibre-based structural batteries that can bear loads and store electricity while meeting stringent fire safety standards. By creating 3D co-continuous ionic conductive microstructures in fire-resistant polymers, it addresses the critical flammability issue of existing epoxy-based electrolytes and enhances ionic and mechanical properties. This project will also advance decoupled structural batteries by integrating all-solid-state batteries with laminated composites. Expected outcomes include new insights into the multifunctionality of and innovative designs of structural batteries enabling lightweight drones, mobile robots, electric vehicles and aircraft for longer ranges. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project aims to develop fire-resistant composite structural batteries that can withstand loads, store electricity, and meet relevant fire safety standards. Structural batteries capable of carrying mechanical loads and storing electric energy have emerged as a transformative lightweight technology for a diverse range of industries, such as drones, mobile robots, and electrical aircraft. One key challenge, however, is that existing composite batteries are highly flammable due to the use of epoxy in their matrices. To address this critical issue, this project aims to create 3D co-continuous ionic conductive microstructures in fire-resistant polymers. This new electrolyte will enable carbon fibre-reinforced composite batteries to meet relevant industry fire standards while achieving high energy density and mechanical strength. The expected outcomes include new insights into the multifunctionality and innovative designs of structural batteries, which will enable lightweight drones, mobile robots, and future electrical aircraft to achieve longer ranges. Safer and more efficient load-carrying batteries will contribute to the transitioning to net-zero future of these sectors. The project’s success will position the Australian industry as a global leader in structural batteries, contributing to the Australian Government’s priority of “Made in Australia” in building a secure and resilient nation.

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

A mechanistic approach to assess integrity of soil-geothermal structures Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Ribonucleic Acid Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Cooperative Virtual Power Plant Scheme for Sustainable Distribution Grids. This project aims to create a new cooperative architecture for virtual power plants (VPPs). It expects to generate new knowledge in smart grids, developing fundamental techniques to enable VPPs to cooperatively support the operation of power distribution systems, contributing to achievement of Australia’s net-zero emission target by 2050. The anticipated outcomes include new science and knowledge of energy data interoperability among VPPs, new cooperation mechanisms for distributed energy sources (DERs) and VPPs, and an open-source framework for prototype evaluation. This research promises significant benefits, such as enhanced grid sustainability, greater capacity to accommodate DERs, and fortifying the security of the distribution grid. Field of research: 4008 - Electrical Engineering The Australian Energy Market Operator’s 2024 Integrated System Plan projects that improved integration of distributed energy resources (DER), such as customer photovoltaics (PV) and batteries, can reduce the investment power grids needed to achieve the 2050 net-zero goals by up to $4.1 billion. To this end, this project addresses a key capability gap in current grid infrastructure; namely, the ability to coordinate DERs, energy users, virtual power plants and electricity distribution networks, and harness their flexibility to reduce costs and provide services to the grid. The project aims to do this by developing a computational energy ecosystem that will be able to coordinate and control large deployments of DERs and share benefits across all participants, taking into account computation, fairness and cybersecurity aspects. The benefits of this technology extend across various dimensions, offering reduced grid costs and end user energy bills, environmental conservation by minimizing carbon emissions, and commercial viability through the development of fundamental computational energy management techniques with international export opportunities. As well as technically innovative, the proposal embodies a paradigm shift in the sector, from a focus on power supply to a consumer-centric energy system. Accordingly, to maximize the impact of research outcomes, dissemination strategies will involve targeted engagement with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and community groups.

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

A next-generation water splitter for a green-hydrogen future Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Multidimensional Targeted Synthesis of Compound Semiconductor PV... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Development of monoclonal antibody therapy for AL amyloidosis Category: Medical Research

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

Unravelling Drivers of Cellular Evolution Using Single-Cell Multi-Omics Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unravelling ammonia slip in zero-carbon rich-lean staged combustors. Ammonia, which can be produced via renewable electricity, has potential as a zero-carbon fuel in gas turbine engines. In emerging rich-lean staged combustion systems, ammonia slip, the emission of unburned ammonia in the primary rich stage is a significant unsolved issue, since it leads to large emissions of oxides of nitrogen when consumed in the second stage. Using large-scale, first principles direct numerical simulations, we aim to provide basic understanding of two proposed mechanisms for ammonia slip that involve local quenching: the interaction with a cold wall or via aerodynamic straining in turbulence. Understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the design of mitigation strategies, enabling ammonia-fuelled zero-carbon engines. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering The global energy system must rapidly transition to low-carbon sources if severe climate change is to be avoided. Australia's potential for renewable electricity generation greatly exceeds our domestic needs, and could make a sizeable contribution to this transition if this energy were embodied in chemical form, such as via ammonia or hydrogen. Either fuel would likely be transported in the form of ammonia to reduce costs. Gas turbines could offer a robust, low-cost, and efficient means to use either fuel to produce electricity in the destination market. Ammonia can be burned in a gas turbine, which would improve overall economics, but emissions of oxides of nitrogen are unacceptably high. In emerging rich-lean staged combustors, the bypassing of ammonia from the fuel-rich first stage (ammonia slip) to the fuel-lean second stage is believed to lead to production of nitrogen oxides in the second stage due to oxidation of fuel-bound nitrogen, however the source of ammonia slip is unknown. This project seeks to evaluate, in a fundamental setting, two proposed pathways for ammonia slip that involve local flame quenching: the interaction with a cold wall or via aerodynamic straining in turbulent flows. Clarifying these mechanisms will guide the most promising directions for designing lower emissions ammonia combustors, providing an effective pathway to utilise Australia's stranded renewable energy and realise our significant potential contribution to a global zero-carbon future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Shining light on a chemical mess: Light-driven programmable networks. This project will develop collections of molecules that reversibly form dynamic functional systems in response to different coloured light with new chemical and physical properties, and programmable lifetimes. The expected outcomes are the development of the first orthogonally addressable self-assembled structures, and systems that will reproducibly evolve to deliver predictably changing reactivity for complex functions, such as for chemical computing. This scientific outcome will build strong international collaborations and enable new capabilities in Australia. The significant benefits of the project will be new light-controlled technology and the training of researchers in the next generation of chemistry. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry Human brains process information efficiently using complex networks of interconnected chemical reactions to make decisions, whereas modern computers operate by strict digital calculations, which are energetically expensive to operate. How can we develop computational systems that operate like biological systems? This project will address this knowledge gap by introducing synthetic chemical systems that respond to light signals to process complex data. We will use cutting-edge synthetic and analytical chemistry to design, prepare and operate ‘chemical computers’, bringing new capabilities to Australia in synthetic chemistry, robotics, and automated data processing. The project is closely aligned with the National Science and Research Priorities in transitioning to a net zero future and building a secure and resilient nation by developing skills and expertise in the high-tech industries of the future, especially around designing and studying complex systems. The List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest includes advanced manufacturing and materials technologies, artificial intelligence technologies, advanced information and communication technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, positioning, timing and sensing – all of which align strongly with this project. The outcomes will be new physical technologies for analysing complex chemical systems, and conceptual advances to revolutionise data processing which will deliver future economic benefits for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Framework for optimising operation of electrified transportation fleets. This project will develop a framework to optimise the schedule and operation of electrified transportation fleets, which include buses, trucks and aircrafts. It will predict batteries performance and detect anomalies in real time, with updates as new data arrives. Through information gap decision theory, the framework will manage schedule uncertainties, adapt to battery health, charger availability and unexpected delays. Expected outcomes include improved reliability and efficiency, extended battery life and reduced operational costs. Benefits for Australia encompass economic savings, environmental gains from lower emissions and waste, and better connectivity for remote communities through more affordable and efficient transport options. Field of research: 3509 - Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chains Australia has an urgent need for efficient fleet scheduling solutions that will support the upcoming large-scale transition to electric buses, trucks and aircraft. NSW plans a full electric bus fleet by 2035, Victoria aims to replace all diesel buses from 2025 and ACT targets a fully electric public bus fleet by 2040. Globally, 27 governments have pledged to achieve 100% zero-emission bus and truck sales by 2040. Industry and agency reports emphasise the need for innovative solutions that will address limited vehicle ranges, longer charging times, depot and opportunity charging needs, power grid constraints and battery monitoring. This project tackles these problems by using artificial intelligence-based methods to plan the most economical and efficient schedules. As a result, operators could achieve up to 30% energy savings through optimised charging and scheduling strategies. Logistics companies that implement advanced fleet management systems have reported up to a 20% reduction in costs and a 30% improvement in asset utilisation. Through direct collaboration with industry partners, the project ensures practical implementation and delivery of measurable national benefits. It also aligns with the National Science and Research priorities and the National Reconstruction Fund’s priorities in artificial intelligence, transport innovation and energy efficiency.

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

Generating the evidence required to enable health equity for gender and... Category: Medical Research

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

Multidimensional Targeted Synthesis of Compound Semiconductor PV... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Ribonucleic Acid Dynamic Covalent Chemistry. RNA is a unique molecule fundamental to both extant biology and life's origins. This discovery project explores RNA dynamic covalent chemistry, a novel method for synthesising complex RNA structures using reversible chemical reactions. It aims to investigate new and potentially green mechanisms for RNA synthesis, including functional RNA molecules with potential applications in health and medicine. This approach could reveal RNA’s role in the origin of life and enhance our understanding of its evolutionary and functional capabilities. The findings promise applications in biotechnology, RNA therapeutics, and diagnostics, aligning with Australia’s innovation goals and advancing research into life’s early chemistry. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry Australia has a proud tradition of making significant contributions to answering the “big questions”. One of the most fundamental scientific questions is the origins of life. This project will pioneer a novel approach to RNA synthesis using a strategy traditionally reserved for materials science but never applied to biological RNA. The primary aim is help explain how RNA molecules initially evolved and started replicating themselves on the early Earth leading to some of the first “life-like” molecular systems. In addition to the intrinsic social and cultural importance of understanding life’s origins, this project will train new researchers in RNA science. These skillsets will directly contribute to maintaining Australia’s skilled workforce, securing our long-term ability to respond to technically demanding issues such as global and national health crises. This work also has the potential to open new applications in RNA biotechnology and molecular biology, which are vital in medical diagnostics, drug delivery, and synthetic biology, supporting the nation’s strategic goals in health, science, and advanced manufacturing. Conducted in collaboration with global leaders in prebiotic and RNA chemistry, this project will reinforce Australia's international standing in origin-of-life research and biochemical innovation.

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

FEELING AGAIN AFTER PARALYSIS: Combining Haptic Virtual Reality and... Category: Medical Research

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

Modulating Piezo1 channels in vascular smooth muscle cells to treat... Category: Medical Research

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

Understanding the clinical presentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing Data Quality Management with Graph-Enhanced Foundation Models. This project aims to advance data quality management (DQM) with graph-enhanced foundation models, targeting the whole lifecycle of DQM, from data quality assessment and data quality enhancement to data fusion. Key challenges expected to be addressed include data quality assessment from multi-perspective dimensions, mitigating multi-category issues within raw data for quality enhancement, and handling multi-type data from disparate sources. The anticipated outcomes include novel models, computing paradigms, scalable computation frameworks and a system prototype to demonstrate the practical value. Success of this project will open up a new research direction to enrich frontier technologies and benefit many key applications in Australia. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Effective data quality management is essential for driving innovation across Australian industries and the broader economy, underpinning applications that rely on high-quality data. Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, including large language models such as OpenAI's GPT models, depend heavily on high-quality data to achieve optimal performance. This project aims to advance data quality management by developing new theoretical foundations, innovative models, efficient processing techniques, rigorous complexity analysis, and a system prototype. Enhancing data quality will boost productivity across Australian businesses and generate significant short- and long-term social and economic benefits. More accurate and reliable data will support informed decision-making in critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, transport, education, and mining. It will also strengthen business and consumer confidence in data-driven AI solutions, fostering greater adoption and unlocking new commercial opportunities. Furthermore, this project will contribute to workforce development in data science and data engineering. The techniques and systems developed through this project will be made accessible to Australian businesses, policymakers, and researchers. We will actively disseminate our findings through keynote speeches and presentations at leading international conferences and workshops, as well as through industry and government engagement events.

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

New Chemical Geographies: Governing Emerging Contaminants Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research