University of New South Wales

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Nanostructured dielectric thin films for miniaturized energy storage . This project aims to establish a new framework for solid-state capacitor materials design towards producing unprecedented, reliable energy density in miniaturized energy storage. The project will substantially advance the state-of-the-art in electrostatic thin-film capacitors. Expected outcome is to achieve novel oxide multilayers with both ultrahigh energy density and ultrafast operation under low electric field in virtue of combination of configurational entropy design and negative capacitance stabilization. The project will set a viable paradigm of high-performance dielectric capacitors to meet the demands of miniaturization and integration in emerging electronic systems, such as Internet of Things devices and autonomous AI agents. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The increased functionality and miniaturization of modern devices demands higher energy density and better efficiency of energy storage than the state-of-the-art. Ceramic thin-film capacitors have emerged as ultrafast charge-discharge miniaturized sources, compared with batteries and fuel cells. However, the energy density enhancement of current thin-film capacitors still relies on the application of intensely strong electric fields, which incur concerns over reduced reliability and shorter lifetime. This project aims to develop novel ‘thin-film materials’ with ultrahigh energy density and ultrafast operation under low electric field, which not only meet the requirements for integration and miniaturization, but also greatly improve the reliability and operational performance of advanced electronic systems. The project will underpin Australia’s leadership and competitive edge in next-generation energy storage technology. The pursuit of such ground-breaking discoveries in thin-film materials aligns with national interest in Advanced Energy Storage, which was set out as a priority by the Australian Government in National Science and Research Priorities. Through partnership and the licensing of IP, these new materials will add a critical technology into the global ceramic thin-film capacitors industry ($2.6b by 2026), and have potential application across numerous Australian industry sectors, from electric vehicles to renewable energy and medical devices to defence and aerospace.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

The Evolutionary Landscape of RNA Modification in Mammals. This proposal aims to unveil ancestral and species-specific programs of RNA regulation driving mammalian evolution. By combining our latest artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with direct RNA long-read sequencing, this project expects to generate new knowledge on the role of RNA modifications in evolution. Anticipated outcomes include an atlas of RNA modifications across species and tissues, and new computational algorithms in RNA biology. This project should provide multidisciplinary training opportunities, strengthen international collaborations in the study of RNA, and catalyse innovations in research and industry, helping to build Australia’s capability in the exciting field of RNA biology. Field of research: 3105 - Genetics RNA is essential for all biological processes across all kingdoms of life. It is also a versatile and powerful biotechnological tool. However, our lack of understanding of the native state of RNA is a major hurdle in understanding the biological role of RNA and limits our ability to develop biotechnological tools. This project will pioneer the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative direct long-read RNA sequencing, to create an multiple-species atlas of the native RNA sequences including major chemical modifications variants. Outcomes will reveal mammalian-specific RNA innovations and extend our understanding of the roles of dynamic RNA control in complex organ development. The new knowledge gained and the innovative AI algorithms created by this project will advance RNA bioengineering approaches such as vaccines. The project aligns with the Science and Research Priorities of the Australian Government by generating innovative AI algorithms and knowledge to accelerate, and make cost-effective, the design of RNA. Future applications may include improvements to RNA therapeutics and vaccines, which for human health will improve the quality of life of Australians and reduce the economic burden of the health system, and in the agriculture sectors help reduce production losses from disease that costs Australian farmers ~$1 billion a year. Integration of our results into Australian RNA Production Consortium will maximise translation and commercialisation of the research.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Encoding 3D microstructural gradients via metal additive manufacturing Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Unlock the Potential of Gallium Oxides for Power Electronic Applications. Power electronics, a cutting-edge circuitry device, efficiently channels power from source to load, prioritising efficiency, compactness, and resilience. Ultrawide bandgap semiconductors stand as pioneers in this field, with Ga2O3 emerging as a game-changer to surpass the boundaries set by SiC and GaN. However, its low thermal conductivity presents a significant hurdle for its integration into power electronics. This project aims to develop breakthrough technology capable of fabricating atomically thin freestanding single crystal Ga2O3 membranes with precise thickness control on a 2-inch wafer scale. It seeks to tackle head-on the critical limitation posed by Ga2O3's low thermal conductivity with a high-throughput manufacturing methodology. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Power electronics, which rely on efficient semiconductor power switches, play a crucial role in energy conservation. Over 50% of globally generated electricity requires conversion through these devices, so even a small improvement in efficiency could lead to significant savings in primary energy. A new generation of power devices using Ga2O3 is set to transform the power electronics sector. This technology promises to greatly reduce the size, weight, cost, and energy consumption of power systems by increasing both power density and conversion efficiency at the device level. However, its limited thermal conductivity poses a significant challenge for widespread use in power electronics. This project aims to overcome the primary limitation of Ga2O3—its low thermal conductivity—by using a high-throughput manufacturing approach. The resulting ultrathin freestanding membrane is designed to enable innovative architectural designs, addressing the challenge of low thermal conductivity and expanding the potential applications of Ga2O3. Success in this endeavour would place Australia at the forefront of a technology poised for global market dominance, potentially evolving into a tens-billion-dollar industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Electronic delocalization in organometallic molecules. This project aims to investigate a new class of organometallic molecules capable of long-range delocalization of electrons. This project expects to generate new knowledge in chemistry by studying how the interaction of metal centres and pi-conjugated fragments affects electron delocalization. The expected outcomes of the project include (i) the synthesis of new organometallic building blocks for next-generation semiconductors; (ii) quantitative insight into their electronic and optical properties, individually and in complex assemblies. This project will provide benefits by establishing a platform for the design of future materials with potential applications as molecular conductors and semi-conductors, and as next-generation sensors. Field of research: 3405 - Organic Chemistry Recent progress in technology has been driven by the manufacture of ever-smaller electronics. We carry computers in our pockets that are more powerful than those which filled entire rooms just fifty years ago. The next step towards faster and lower-energy computer chips is to shrink the size of electronic circuits even further – to the size of single molecules (50,000 times smaller than the width of a hair). In this project, we will build a toolkit of molecule-scale electronics and create design rules for better materials. Through partnerships with users and IP licensing, this research will contribute to the Australian advanced manufacturing sector and will help to establish an onshore semiconductor industry (current global value: $860bn). For the Australian community, our research will underpin the electronic devices of the future, with uses from energy storage (e.g., improved batteries), to miniature sensors (e.g., wearable devices), and computing (e.g., faster processing).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Twisted algebras for Zappa–Szép products of categories. This project in pure mathematics aims to significantly advance our understanding of twisted algebras, especially operator algebras, using the investigators’ recent discoveries about sophisticated composite structures called Zappa–Szép products. It expects to generate new knowledge about twisted algebras, which permeate the mathematical theory used to model quantum states of matter such as topological insulators. Expected outcomes include flexible techniques for constructing twisted algebras for use further along the research pipeline, and cross-pollination of ideas within mathematics. Benefits include enhanced international collaboration and increased Australian capacity in pure mathematics, particularly algebra and operator algebras. Field of research: 4904 - Pure Mathematics Long-term commercial impact of fundamental mathematics research is common, but the specifics are difficult to predict. It typically arises through the development of new technologies based on the use of mathematical concepts in other disciplines. This project will discover new models for noncommutative phenomena, at the frontier of the study of operator algebras, which underpin quantum mechanics - the physics that made possible the development of the transistors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) from which devices like the one on which you are probably reading this text are built. Impact also arises through mathematically skilled individuals going on to work in industry and the public sector, and helping demonstrate the significant benefits of mathematical research. At least five of the investigators' PhD graduates currently work in Australian government agencies, driving policy; at least six more contribute to economic activity in the finance, green tech, data science and security sectors. Others are now internationally-based researchers, contributing to Australia's collaborative network. This project supports world-leading research, expands Australia's knowledge base in mathematics, and fosters Australian international competitiveness. Its capacity-building aspects will train individuals who will enhance Australia's international reputation, our ability to make data-driven decisions, and our economy more broadly.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Self-Powered and Interference-Free Wearable Sensors . This project aims to develop self-powered and interference-free wearable sensors without bulky and rigid power sources like batteries, thus addressing the significant issues of portability and miniaturization for wearable electronics. This will be achieved by novel engineering of soft conductive composite materials by gaining a deep understanding of how their microstructures impact energy harvesting and sensing capabilities. Outcomes will include new knowledge of self-powered and interference-free sensing mechanisms and new development of integrated wearable sensor. This project holds significant potential to advance renewable energy for cutting-edge wearable electronics, while simultaneously promoting sustainability in Australia. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Portable and wearable electronic devices have been receiving increasing attention because personalized electronic devices such as smart watches and smart glasses have sprung up, bringing much convenience to our life. For portable and wearable electronic devices, the energy supply is a major obstacle to its flexible and integrated application. This project aims to develop a new soft self-powered wearable sensor system with high mechanical flexibility and minimized environmental inference to precisely measure a range of physical stimuli. This new sensing system will overcome the major limitation of existing self-powered sensors with significantly improved accuracy and reliability, which is expected to be the major form of wearable technology in the future. The technology will transform the wearable electronics industry in Australia, creating commercial opportunities in renewable energy supply and sensing system as well as reducing battery replacement and our environmental pollution.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Insurance as a Management Tool for Uncertainties in the Changing World. The world we live in is fraught with multi-layered uncertainties, posing profound challenges to economic activities. This project reconceptualises insurance as a management tool to cope with novel uncertainties, beyond its traditional risk management function. Aim 1 enhances integrated assessment modelling with uncertainties and an insurance component, Aim 2 conducts quantitative analysis of uncertainties arising from technological advancements, Aim 3 develops a dynamic pricing framework under uncertainty, and Aim 4 prices green bonds focused on uncertainties. Expected outcomes are a system of robust and adaptive insurance solutions to uncertainties. The project offers policy insights for ongoing regulatory reforms amidst a changing world. Field of research: 3502 - Banking, Finance and Investment Australia is highly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, and financial instability, which are sources of multi-layered uncertainties, posing profound challenges for its economy. This project reconceptualises insurance as a management tool to cope with uncertainties in a changing world. It focuses on novel risks and uncertainties induced by climate change and technological advancements and develops actuarial solutions from an insurance perspective. By developing a robust and adaptive decision-making framework, the project contributes to the financial safety of institutions and the stability of the financial system, the key objectives of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. The project aligns with the Australian Government’s Science and Research Priorities: (i) Environmental Change, addressing the key challenge “Improved accuracy and precision in predicting and measuring the impact of environmental change caused by climate and local factors.” (ii) Cybersecurity, addressing the key challenge “Understanding the scale of the cyber security challenge for Australia, including the social factors informing individual, organisational, and national attitudes towards cyber security.” Along with Australia’s net zero plan, domestic green financial markets have recently seen rapid growth. Our project will provide scientific support for market development. A planned workshop will disseminate the research findings to practitioners, regulators, and government advisors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Loneliness. This project aims to develop Artificially Intelligent [AI] companions that are able to meaningfully engage with experiences of loneliness. Its principal innovation will be the prototyping and evaluation of digitally embodied AI companions that can respond dynamically to changing user-states (eg. emotions or moods) as an attentive human companion might. This step change in the effectiveness of AI companions is the key to addressing the socio-emotional states associated with loneliness. The project will thereby provide both the psychosocial and technical knowledge-base to enable Australia to harness AI to reduce the social and economic burden of loneliness. Field of research: 3605 - Screen and Digital Media This project develops world-leading, digitally embodied, Artificially Intelligent [AI] companions with the goal of reducing loneliness -- a social problem that costs Australia $2.7B p/a and contributes to lost productivity, poor health and early mortality. The project focuses principally on older people living alone or in aged-care, working closely with them to evolve AI companions, suited to their needs and preferences. Taking account of the social and emotional complexities of loneliness, the project will make significant technical advances, developing an AI module that overcomes many of the limitations of currently available AI conversational agents/chatbots. It will develop skilled AI companions capable of attuning to feelings/emotions and of supporting people (24/7) to address the challenges of loneliness within the context of longer-term plans and personal goals. These advanced AI companions will have extensive application across the aged-care sector; for (over 1M) older Australians living alone; and for other demographics. The capabilities we will develop will open-up further potential applications in areas such as education, justice, health and social services. Rapid commercialisation/licensing to industry partners will ensure that Australia leads the world in capitalising on the social and economic benefits of developing well targeted, responsible AI solutions to complex social challenges such as loneliness.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Masculinity Norms: Economic, Health, and Political Impacts Across the World. This project investigates the role of masculinity norms in explaining persistent gender gaps. Its contribution will be threefold: (i) document cross-cultural patterns of masculinity norms based on the first large scale, nationally representative survey of masculinity norms across 40 countries; (ii) understand the influence of masculinity on gender gaps in economics, health, and politics; and (iii) develop a survey experiment to identify the causal impact of masculinity norms on economic, health, and political decision-making. This research aims at improving fundamental knowledge about how cultural norms shape economic and political outcomes and anticipates delivering practical policy recommendations for more inclusive economic growth. Field of research: 3801 - Applied Economics In Australia, substantial gender gaps persist in economic outcomes and wellbeing. Gender wage gaps have stagnated since the 1990s, men commit suicide twice as much as women, and gender-based violence remains tragically high, with one in three women a victim of physical or sexual violence, a phenomenon labeled a “national crisis” by PM Albanese in May 2024. Australia and other advanced economies are increasingly recognizing the role of masculinity norms as drivers of these gaps. The National Men’s Health Strategy for 2020-30 acknowledges the intersection between masculinities and public health. In May 2024, Victoria’s state parliament created a Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change, a new role aimed at reducing violence against women. However, evidence on the role of masculinity norms is currently based on small-scale and localized studies with limited external validity. This project will expand the scope of existing research by collecting the first large-scale, nationally representative, cross cultural data on masculinity norms and understand their relationship to key economic, health, and political outcomes. Our findings will inform policy efforts to benefit men's and boys' well-being, reduce gender inequality, and, ultimately, reduce gender-based violence. We will set up international outreach and dissemination programs by cooperating with international organisations – the World Bank, EBRD, and the OECD-- and national government agencies, such as the Productivity Commission.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Enhancing Retirement Outcomes: The Role of Liquidity in Decumulation. This project demystifies the role of liquidity in the retirement phase, a less understood area but a main driver of suboptimal decumulation decisions undermining dignified retirement. Utilising advanced actuarial models and quantitative finance methods, the project assesses drawdown strategies which involve various assets and diverse retirees in a holistic framework integrating public and private sectors' participations. The outcomes include optimal decumulation strategies to enhance the quality of life in retirement and building blocks to design customised retirement income products. Additionally, the project brings scientific foundations to validate potential policy changes for governments to improve pension systems and social welfare. Field of research: 3502 - Banking, Finance and Investment Decumulation of retirement savings is challenging to navigate. Without informed strategies, Australian retirees often opt for highly liquid account-based pensions at regulated minimum drawdown rates, exposing themselves to inadequate income, longevity and investment risks which undermine a dignified retirement. To address liquidity challenges, this project devises effective drawdown strategies by disentangling the multi-faceted and evolving needs for individuals as they age. It quantifies the potential implications of alternative phased retirement income solutions and systems on decumulation decisions and their capability of mitigating numerous risks in retirement. The project addresses key policy areas of national interest as highlighted in the 2021 Retirement Income Covenant: “increasing the availability of better retirement income products that provide higher incomes and flexibility while also efficiently managing the risks faced by retirees”. Research findings will potentially benefit the entire Australian retirement landscape including regulators, the government, 4.2 million retirees, many more pre-retirees and the superannuation system with combined assets under management of $3.7 trillion. It directly supports The Treasury’s 2023 Discussion Paper on the Retirement Phase of Superannuation, which recommends solutions with longevity protection, forward-planned asset allocation considering retirement phase and income framework enabling collaborations among stakeholders.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Building a super-ribosome with nature’s tool kit of protein modifications. This project aims to improve the cell's capacity to grow, in normal and in stressed conditions, by optimising its protein-making machine (the ribosome). This is significant as efficient organism growth underpins all bio-industries - from fermentation through to aquaculture and broad acre crops. Expected outcomes of the project include novel ways to use small tweaks to proteins - known as post-translational modifications - to optimise ribosomes, a knowledge of the diversity of such ribosome modifications in the tree of life, and a new self-tuning ribosome. The project should provide benefits through pioneering a new paradigm for ribosome optimisation, which is of strong future potential for a range of biological and biotechnology industries. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Protein synthesis is a critical process for life. It is a determinant of how rapidly things can grow, generally, including all the microbes, animals and plants used to sustain the human population. This project will seek to enhance the growth rate and stress tolerance of the yeast species used in baking, brewing and many industrial processes. This will be done by making changes to the structure of the protein-making machine in the cell, called the ribosome, using entirely novel engineering methods. In doing so, this project will pioneer a new field of ribosome design and improvement, where intellectual property has potential for out-licensing or commercialisation. Our project outcomes will be of high immediate potential in the $900b market of yeast-driven products and of future relevance to broad-acre crops and even livestock and aquaculture. Staff and students participating in this project will be trained in and gain unique experience in the field, contributing to a highly trained national workforce.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Low-dimensional low-energy ferroelectricity for future technologies. This project aims to pioneer a novel approach in designing and developing a new generation of non-traditional low dimensional ferroelectric (FE) materials for low-energy-consumption applications in emerging technologies. It anticipates breakthroughs in FE materials and advancing defect chemistry. Outcomes include a groundbreaking materials design strategy for non-traditional materials and bridging existing gaps in materials science that constrain technological development. Potential implications include the development of fast computer technology and applications in other emerging fields, aligning with Australian priorities in Advanced Manufacturing, National Security, and Quantum Technology. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The energy consumption of emergent data-centric technologies (e.g. AI) is high and growing exponentially, threatening an energy supply crisis because the materials currently used in computing devices do not function with high energy efficiency. This project will explore a new generation of materials and intelligent devices that can provide a fundamentally technologically innovative solution to deliver energy-efficient technologies. The pursuit of such ground-breaking discoveries in functional materials aligns with the national interest in Advanced Manufacturing, which is set out as a priority by the Australian Government in its National Science and Research Priorities. Through licensing of new IP to industrial electronic technology developers, the project will drive Australian advanced technology and unlock potential for new and developing devices and applications across many sectors. This will enable a Productive & Innovative Economy by harnessing emerging technologies and creating future industries. The research outcomes will directly benefit Australia’s industry in the fields of AI, internet of things, ultra-speed information and communication technology, high-speed computing, and quantum technology, improving Australia’s innovative economy and improving the quality of life of Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Taming Hard Optimization in Measure Spaces for Modern Applications. Optimization over measures is pervasive in modern technologies spanning commerce, science, and engineering, including image recognition systems and industrial robots. Despite its ubiquity, it presents a significant challenge in mathematical optimization. This project aims to tackle this challenge by developing innovative mathematical principles and efficient numerical schemes, building upon the investigators' recent award-winning breakthrough. This project expects to make fundamental advances and develop novel methodologies, enhancing Australia's global standing in this emerging field. Expected benefits include the development of much improved and reliable solutions to numerous machine learning tasks, key technologies of modern inventions. Field of research: 4903 - Numerical and Computational Mathematics The project is designed to address the critical needs of modern optimization, such as rigorous mathematical principles and efficient computational procedures for large-scale optimization in very high dimensions, that are not met by current methods. Hence this project will advance Australia's national interests in multiple ways. Firstly, developing cutting-edge optimization technologies to tackle modern challenges across computer science, engineering, and scientific domains will improve our quantitative expertise in Australia. This will empower us to harness emerging avenues of scientific and engineering advancements, thus amplifying Australia's standing in innovation on the global stage. The successful implementation of our optimization technology will significantly impact various sectors that need extremely high dimensional optimization technologies, such as industrial automation, machine learning, and image processing, by improving automation controls, increasing prediction accuracy or improving image qualities. Beyond these immediate gains, the project carries direct societal benefits for Australia by reinforcing Australia's global reputation as a frontrunner in pioneering optimization technology. The strategic research partnership between leading optimization research centers in the USA, Austria, and Australia built into this project promises to bolster our nation's capacity for international research collaboration, fostering knowledge exchange on a global scale.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Fixing Gaps in Ocean Governance: International Law Duties of Persons at Sea. This project focuses on international law duties held by non-state actors to protect people at sea. From seafarers during the COVID pandemic to boat migrants to naval officers, we know each individual has rights at sea. But responsibility for protecting those rights is currently shifting, with more international law obligations being imposed on shipping companies, humanitarian workers and military commanders. International law scholars and practitioners, government lawyers and advisors all need to know who owes what duties to whom and how those duties can be enforced. Answering these questions is fundamental for good ocean governance and will inform international law initiatives as well as Australia's 2022 Civil Maritime Security Strategy. Field of research: 4803 - International and Comparative Law On any given day there are 30 million people at sea. We need to know not just what international laws provide protection, but who has international law duties to prevent harm or to assist these people at sea. International law typically assumes the state will provide protection. But recent events indicate that non-state actors, such as shipping companies and humanitarian workers, also owe duties to protect people at sea. These duties were evident when passengers and crew were stranded on cruise ships during the pandemic and when volunteers have sought to deliver aid to Gaza. Duties may arise under different bodies of international law, such as the law of the sea, international human rights law and international labour law. This project will identify what duties international law imposes on non-state actors, how those duties operate in practice and what mechanisms are available to enforce those duties. This research will close a growing gap in ocean governance and contribute to Australia’s management of ocean activities and the defence of its maritime interests. The findings will support Australia to meet its own legal obligations and to enforce obligations owed by other actors. Through diverse publications, presentations and community engagement, this research will also assist Australian lawyers, advocates and government officials who are seeking to ensure that any Australians who travel, fish or work at sea receive the rights to which they are entitled.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Remedies for Victims of Modern Slavery in Indo-Pacific Fisheries. Modern slavery is widespread in the capture stage of fishing in the Indo-Pacific, but remedy is rare. This project aims to identify existing practical and legal obstacles to remedy, and propose solutions under Australian, regional and international laws. In doing so, the research will advance business and human rights scholarship, as well as the developing field of human rights at sea. Extensive stakeholder engagement will produce realistic mechanisms to deliver more accountability and better remedies for this significant and growing problem. Reducing modern slavery in supply chains is an Australian strategic priority and benefits include providing targeted input into the post-2025 Australian National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery. Field of research: 4803 - International and Comparative Law Addressing modern slavery in the supply chains of Australian companies is a national strategic priority. The global seafood supply chain, including fishing in Australian waters and imports into Australia, is tainted by the abuse of fishers and their lack of access to remedy. It is especially apparent that the Indo-Pacific fishing industry has been built on the back of “seafood slaves”. While awareness of modern slavery in Australia has increased in the last five years among business, advocates and consumers, the provision of remedy to fishers trapped on vessels remains a critical gap. This project will examine the lack of accountability in public and private governance and propose effective remedies under national, regional and international laws for fishers caught in modern slavery. Our research will support Australian business by providing a toolkit aimed at preventing and remedying modern slavery at sea. Through engagement with Australian government officials, publications and public events, the project provides (1) critical knowledge to policymakers to support Australia in showing leadership in regional initiatives responding to this problem, and (2) will contribute to the development of a national framework to combat illegal fishing practices, which should include consideration of the people who catch the fish supplied to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

A Probabilistic Approach to Big Data-Based Industrial Process Control. Based on the behavioural systems theory for stochastic systems, this project aims to develop a novel probabilistic behavioural process control approach by utilizing big industrial process operation data. Unlike many existing data-driven control methods for deterministic systems, the proposed approach deals with the uncertain operation conditions encountered in daily industry operations by using the statistical information from big process data and controlling the probability distribution of process variables (e.g., leading to products with more consistent specifications). The research outcomes are expected to help the Australian process industries leverage the power of Industry 4.0 to improve the efficiency and economy of their operations. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Australia has very strong process/manufacturing industries representing over $873bn turnovers and $350bn value added per annum. In these industries, many modern plants are very complex but are often controlled by simple logic controllers that deliver inadequate performance. Furthermore, plant operations are always subject to uncertainties (e.g., variations in raw material specifications, environmental conditions and energy costs). This project aims to develop a novel big data-based process control approach to operate these complex processes and improve their energy and materials efficiencies and the consistency of the product specifications by using the statistical/probability information from big process data. This project is expected to help the Australian process industries improve their competitiveness in the global market while reducing their environmental footprints. A big data-based process control framework that deals with process uncertainties is becoming a cornerstone of future manufacturing with Industry 4.0 turning into reality. This research project will enhance Australia’s scientific reputation in the international arena. This project falls in Australian Government’s National Science and Research Priority goal of “Advanced manufacturing: cross-cutting technologies that will de-risk, scale up, and add value to Australian manufactured products”.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

A scaled boundary framework for nonlinear dynamic analysis of structures. This project aims to address the integrity assessment of engineering structures subjected to dynamic actions, which are often the most critical loading cases. An innovative scaled boundary framework will be established leveraging the power of modern computer facilities needed for dynamic nonlinear analysis of large-scale structures. Modern digital technologies for geometric modelling will be seamlessly integrated with computational mechanics. The outcome of this project is an innovative technology and a computer simulation tool that will be robust, fully-automated and highly efficient. This research will benefit Australian economy and society by enabling timely, cost-effective design, planning and management of civil engineering structures. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Engineering structures such as buildings, bridges, tunnels and dams are integral parts of national infrastructure assets. Ensuring their resilience and safety under earthquakes, cyclones, blasts and other dynamic actions is a major concern to all the stakeholders. This project aims to establish an advanced numerical framework to utilise modern computing systems and digital technologies (laser scanning, computer tomography, virtual reality, etc.) for computer simulation of large-scale structures in a fully automatic and near real-time manner. Through industry partnerships and licensing of intellectual property, the innovative computer simulation tools developed in this project will benefit infrastructure asset owners, as well as Australia's building, engineering, and mining sectors. These innovations will increase the capability for cost-effective and rational decision making in the management of infrastructure that more comprehensively considers the impact of extreme events and environmental changes. This project will lead to scientific and technological advances in computational structural analysis that help Australian structural engineering firms stay competitive and benefit Australia's digital transformation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Engineering artificial organelles for on-demand bioenergy production. The project aims to create a generalisable and programmable artificial organelle to provide on-demand externally controlled production of bioenergy by engineering synthetic hybridised organelles mimicking chloroplasts and mitochondria. It will be achieved by compartmentalising tailor-made carbon nanozymes in a membrane structure to confine catalytic cascade reactions of photo-oxidative phosphorylation in a nanoreactor. The outcome will provide in-depth understandings of structure-activity relationships of carbon nanoparticles and intelligent artificial organelles and generate patentable methodologies and technologies. This will pave the way for vast applications of controllable biomimetic systems in bioenergy production-related industries. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering All plant and animal cells create natural ‘bioenergy’ within small cell structures called organelles. Researchers have recently managed to create artificial organelles that can produce a similar type of energy, but all present challenges. One main type responds to an external stimulus we can control, but we cannot ‘tune’ its reaction to take it more efficiently. The other is tuneable, but does not respond to external stimuli, meaning we cannot control its energy production. This project seeks to develop a completely new type of artificial organelle – one that is both controllable and tuneable – to create on-demand bioenergy. The applications for such an organelle are extensive, ranging from waste treatment to veterinary medicine and nutraceutical supplements. Additionally, by creating a ‘platform technology’, the project would pave the way to develop new products and processes with even greater national benefits. To promote our research beyond academia, we will use both the UNSW Industry & Innovation office and UNSW Newsroom to promote our research outcomes to industry, commercial entities and the wider community. Through licensing of IP and established relationships with industry partners SoHi and Cartago Biotech, we will ensure that this new research can be adapted into a bioenergy production strategy and associated products to create commercial, social and environmental benefits for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Redefining the mechanosensory role of Transient Receptor Potential channels. This project will answer the question: how do members of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) super family of channels contribute to cellular force sensing? TRP channels do not fit the classic paradigm of force sensing channels as they are not activated by membrane stretch. This project will determine if TRPs can be activated by a different type of force (tensile forces applied at cell adhesion sites) and aims to establish a new paradigm for mechanosensing, where select TRP channels function as mechano-amplifiers to boost the signal from a classical stretch-activated primary mechanosensor, i.e. PIEZO1. This work is anticipated to redefine our understanding of the flexibility of force sensing via ion channels in mammalian cells. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology To adapt to the local environment, cells must sense external cues and translate them into messages that tell the cell how to respond. While we know that cells in our bodies sense and respond to force, the way that information is conveyed is unclear. In this project, we will investigate how a family of force sensing molecules transmits the sensation of force and amplifies these signals within the cell. An improved understanding of basic mechanisms underpinning cellular force sensing will enhance national bioengineering capabilities (both creating implantable devices and designing materials that do not negatively impact cellular function) and provide future avenues for investigating alterations in human performance related to aging and sedentary populations. Improving outcomes for our rapidly aging population will drive social wellbeing and economic growth. Socially, the research also has potential to inspire curiosity about the intersections between biology and physics, thus supporting the growing research field of mechanobiology. Media engagements, public events and social media will ensure widespread dissemination and enhance commercial interest in industries outside basic research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Lightweight, Low Rare-earth, Permanent Magnet Motors for Electrified Future. This project seeks to push the envelope of the power to weight ratio of electric motors developed for transport electrification, aiming for over 5kW/kg using a novel Halbach magnet array with low rare-earth content and integrated stator cooling. This high-specific power breakthrough promises lighter, more efficient motors for electric vehicle, aircraft, and drones. The project will attempt to unlock the theoretical secrets of buried Halbach arrays, leading to a groundbreaking motor design and its drive system. The project will expand the knowledge base for future generations of high-specific-power electric machines and train the workforce for a sustainable, green future. Field of research: 4008 - Electrical Engineering The Government’s 2021 NEAT Policy (Advanced Air Mobility and National Emerging Aviation Technology) highlights the role of electrified aviation in Australia’s quest to reduce carbon emissions and reach a “net zero” future. However, existing motors are not powerful, compact, or sustainable enough to deliver on the promise of electric aircraft and high-power drones. While permanent magnet motors are the preferred choice for these emerging applications due to their high efficiency and power density, they cannot yet produce the power-to-weight ratio needed for carbon-neutral aviation and next-generation electric vehicles. This project aims to develop the first-ever permanent magnet motor with the required kilowatts-per-kilogram specification using fewer rare-earth materials. The high energy-density rare earth materials used in permanent magnet machines already benefit Australia as the world’s second-largest supplier. The developing drone sector could boost Australia’s GDP by $14.5 billion over 20 years (NEAT 2021). By sharing project findings with stakeholders in aviation and automotive technology via workshops, publications and commercialisation opportunities for IP licensing, this project should enable the adoption of Australian-designed cutting-edge permanent magnet motors in next-generation electric vehicles, aircraft and drones. Crucially, a highly efficient, lightweight motor designed and manufactured in Australia will also ensure the sector’s geopolitical self-reliance.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Age dating the Milky Way halo using new data from NASA’s Kepler mission. The project will use a radically new approach to investigate how our Galaxy formed, by fusing two fields of contemporary astrophysics -- the study of stellar oscillations and 'Galactic Archaeology'. This will dramatically improve our understanding of the fundamental physics that governs the evolution of all stars. We will probe, for the first time, the interior structure of several thousands of the oldest stars in the Galaxy to reveal the intimate details of its formation from the oscillation frequency imprint of each star. The ambitious goal to go beyond classical astronomy, which examines only the surface of stars, will be possible through access to new extremely high-precision data from one of NASA's most successful space telescopes. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences The fundamental question addressed in the project – how our Milky Way home came into existence – helps to inform our perception of ourselves in a cosmic context, from a cultural to a psychological level. Its significance is underlined by its top priority in the Australian Government’s Decadal Plan for Astronomy. To achieve it, the project will create sophisticated AI and machine learning techniques for complex data analyses. This will provide world-class training in analytic and information processing skills that are directly transferable to solve complex data analysis problems in an increasingly wide range of areas such as technology development, finance, transport, and production analytics – all highly relevant for increased efficiency in industry and government, and key to building a stronger economy. Significant benefits of the project come through international linkage and access to world-class data, making it highly cost effective. Investment in the project will strengthen Australia’s involvement in a ground-breaking NASA space mission and will build the nation’s capacity to develop skills directly relevant to future space programs into the next decade. This will feed into the Government’s commitment to support the Australian Space Agency, in recognition of its importance as a strategic long-term plan that supports the development and application of space technologies and grows industry within Australia. The results will be promoted through regular media interaction.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Tax justice: Closing policy gaps to lessen intimate partner financial abuse. This project aims to address the weaponisation of the tax and transfer system in Australia by perpetrators of intimate partner financial abuse. The research team will innovate and drive knowledge advancements at the intersection of tax and financial abuse by applying interdisciplinary approaches including co-design with frontline services, practitioners and policymakers, and international comparative legal analysis with leading scholars in Australia and the United States. The research will generate significant economic and social benefits by enhancing outcomes for victim-survivors and their families; bolstering existing coercive control reforms; modernising Australia’s tax law, and administration; and maintaining trust in the tax system. Field of research: 4801 - Commercial Law Intimate partner financial abuse is a red flag for domestic violence (DV). It occurs in nearly all DV cases, impacts over 2.4M Australians, and costs the national economy over $10.9B annually. Perpetrators can currently use business structures to create tax debts in the victim-survivor's name. This gives rise to the perverse outcome of victim-survivors being held responsible for perpetrators’ debts, with the Australian Taxation Office unwittingly being mobilised against them using payment plans, debt collectors and bankruptcy. In contrast, ‘innocent spouse relief’ provisions in the United States offer relief on grounds of financial abuse. Leveraging participatory action research methods and collaborating with US researchers, this interdisciplinary project aims to address current legal, regulatory and administrative shortcomings by comprehensively mapping the abuses of the tax system by perpetrators, and designing tax law and policy responses to identify and support victim-survivors while also disrupting perpetrators. To maximise knowledge translation and practical outcomes, results will be shared through government and policymaker meetings, community organisations, industry networks, conferences, articles and media channels. The new knowledge generated by addressing this critical gap has significant policy and practical relevance, strengthening the federal response to DV and modernising tax law and administration by combatting the weaponisation of the tax system in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Detecting A New Population of Circumbinary Planets via Apsidal Precession. This project aims to use a novel detection strategy to identify and characterise potentially 100 or more circumbinary planets, or planets which orbit two stars. The significance of this project is that it will enable us to understand the wide variety of environments in which small planets do or do not form, improving our understanding of the possible locations life may exist in the galaxy. Expected outcomes include a detailed understanding of how planets form in different environments. Benefits include a significant advance in the field of circumbinary planets under Australia's leadership, setting the stage for continued growth in this field with upcoming international facilities in which Australia is a partner. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences This project aims to answer long-standing questions about how planets form around binary star systems, like the planet Tatooine in Star Wars. Different models of planet formation make different predictions about whether these types of planets form more or less easily when there are two stars in the system compared to when there is only one star. There are not enough detected planets orbiting binary stars to test these theories. We have developed a new method to identify these "circumbinary" planets, which we will be able to use to identify more than 100 planets. This effort will benefit Australia, building its research capacity in astronomy and placing it at the forefront of this burgeoning field. It will also enable future Australian leadership of the next generation of telescopes that will provide data to discover even more of these planets in the future. The team working on this project will work closely with international partners in North America and Europe, enabling the researchers funded through this project to highlight Australia's commitment to astrophysics and data-driven discovery on the world's stage. The technical data analysis and statistical methods developed in this work will be of broad interest and use to researchers in machine learning and related fields, strengthening links with industry partners across Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

A neuro-biomechanical model of the pharynx during breathing and swallowing. The pharynx enables breathing, eating, & speech, but its biomechanics and neuromuscular control are poorly understood. This project will solve this via an integrated series of experimental and modelling studies. Experimental work will elucidate the neural circuitry and molecular basis for pharyngeal sensation and neural control and pharyngeal function. These data will then be integrated into a 3D neuro-biomechanical model of the pharynx to simulate breathing and swallowing. This will provide the first full understanding of pharyngeal mechanosensory machinery and how neural drive, anatomy & sensation interact during breathing and swallowing. The model will provide a platform for future development of oral devices and sensors. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering The pharynx (throat) enables us to breathe, eat and speak as well as switch seamlessly between these activities. However, we do not know how forces from airflow and food are sensed in the pharynx during breathing and eating, nor how this sensory information is fed back into the nerves and muscles in the pharynx so they can work in a coordinated way and rapidly adjust to changes. We will tackle this with an integrated series of experimental and modelling studies that will result in creation of the first 3D computer model of the pharynx that can simulate how the sensory system and muscles work during breathing and swallowing. To achieve this, we will identify the molecular machinery that encodes force and pressure detection in the pharynx and the neural circuits that provide sensory feedback to these muscles, and measure how the muscles respond to sensory inputs in humans. We will also develop new modelling technology to simulate how sensory information alters the contractions of the muscles of the pharynx and compare the model ouput to humans. This will provide the first full understanding of how the pharynx senses forces and pressures and how sensory input is integrated with individual anatomy by the nervous system to enable breathing and swallowing. Our model will also provide a platform for future development of oral devices and sensors. This project will further cement Australia's leadership in this field and create a platform for further research and development.