University of New South Wales

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

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Loneliness Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Modular nanopores as conduits for nanoreactors. Nanoparticles that can store, transmit, and process chemical signals are required for nanoscale reaction and computation networks. The aim of this project is to develop artificial cells that can programmably communicate. This strategy uses modular, responsive DNA nanostructures to form nanopores and channels in synthetic compartments. Controlling the mixing and transfer of cargo within these networked systems will harness knowledge in nanotechnology and self-assembly to generate nanoreactors for chemical transformations. Engineering the migration of molecules across membrane boundaries will offer benefits in biotechnology and nanochemistry – for the triggered release of cargo, data transmission, and chemical fractionation and computation. Field of research: 3106 - Industrial Biotechnology Cells are miniature factories where different compartments handle specific tasks. Directed communication between molecules and reaction pathways in each zone ensures that tasks are undertaken efficiency, but current technologies cannot replicate this level of programmable information transfer. To develop sensing, catalysis, and tissue engineering technologies inspired by cellular systems, we need to engineer information highways between artificial compartments. This project uses DNA structures to create reversible gateways between synthetic compartments. The development of artificial cells that dynamically connect and communicate will lead to downstream economic and commercial benefits ranging from targeted delivery systems to highly sensitive environmental sensors, new chemical separations methods, and ways to improve catalysis. Benefits to the Australian biotechnology market will be pipelined through partnerships with Swann Genetics, Moderna, and the CSIRO. Australia’s synthetic biology industry is expected to generate $27 billion in revenue and 44,000 jobs by 2040. This project’s focus on Australia’s Research Priorities (2023) of 'developing impactful emerging technologies' will ensure highly trained personal for the bionanotechnology industry, enabling an innovative economy. This project will bring social benefits for Australia by demonstrating the importance of strategic fundamental science to broad audiences, through public talks, online videos, and social medias.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Lights, DNA, action! Photo-controlled machinery for nanorobotics . Nanomachines can translate chemical energy into motion, but programming when, how long, and over what distances they operate requires control over reaction timescales. This project aims to build synthetic DNA machinery that responds to light and modulates its operation using molecular recognition. These machine parts will fold, coil, and lever under visible light irradiation, organising a biochemical engine that propels DNA nanobots with precision in time and space. Expected outcomes are the translation of light into time-dependent motion through spatial reorganisation and kinetic control, providing photo-actuated, bio-orthogonal nanomachinery for benefits in molecular delivery, sensing, and robotics applications. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry Time is the lens through which all action occurs, but at very small scales it gets challenging to control how machines change shape and move over time. This project will use light to operate nanomachines that are activated and transformed over programmable lifetimes. This technology will control the rate and operational window of nanobots for downstream navigational, cargo delivery, and assembly tasks that are performed over definitive timeframes. Aligned with Australia’s Draft Research Priorities (2023) in robotics, biotechnology, and harnessing future industries, this project will position Australia as a world leader in light- and time-controlled nanorobotics. Improving our national capacity for nanomachinery is expected to create new environmental sensors, microscopic delivery/transport technologies, and biocompatible devices that have commercial impact across Australia’s nanomanufacturing, engineering, and biochemical industries. With the global market of nanorobotics projected at $8.9 billion in 2025 , increasing demand for automated nanotechnology will ensure diverse job opportunities for researchers in the biotechnology, chemical, and sustainability sectors. Socially, the ‘scifi’ nature of our nanobots will inspire the public’s curiosity in fundamental research, supporting Australia’s growing nanotechnology landscape. Media releases and public talks will ensure widespread dissemination, popular understanding, and commercial interest.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Multimodal mapping of punishment learning. This Discovery Project aims to provide the first integrated, multimodal mapping of how punishment learning is assembled in the brain. Combining an animal model directly relevant to humans, with innovative, cutting-edge methods it expects to identify the brain cell activity, connectivity, and spatiomolecular mechanisms of punishment learning. This outcome has the potential to transform contemporary understanding of associative learning and decision making, showing how the brain helps us make better choices, benefiting academic and downstream industry users. It also has potential to generate new capacity and identify new ways to mitigate the social and economic impacts of poor decisions, benefiting the wider Australian community. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology We all make poor decisions some of the time. However, some people make poor decisions a lot of the time. Across a variety of domains, from health to the environment, the impacts of poor decisions by individuals are staggering. For example, excessive alcohol use costs the economy $67bn/year. Tobacco use, lack of physical activity and poor dietary choices cost $27bn/year. Australians lead the world for gambling-related losses ($21bn/year). There is a pressing need to understand how we learn from our mistakes to mitigate these impacts on individuals and the community. Yet we know very little about the psychological and brain mechanisms that help us learn from our mistakes. This Discovery project addresses this need by generating a transformative, new understanding of the cognitive processes and brain mechanisms supporting learning from our mistakes and driving better versus worse decisions at the level of the individual. It uses innovative behavioural, cellular, and molecular genetic tools to map how we learn from our mistakes to make better decisions in the future. With a clear established pathway from innovation to impact on real world settings, this Discovery expects to deliver new technology, new knowledge, and new capacity to address the mechanisms of better decisions and mitigate the individual, social and economic impacts of worse decisions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Revolutionising single-nucleotide variation detection via digital CRISPR. Single-nucleotide variations (SNVs), though they involve minor DNA changes where one nucleotide is replaced with another, contribute significantly to genetic differences and biological functions. Precisely detecting SNVs is crucial for advancing biological research and industry. By synergising CRISPR/Cas biosensing and microfluidic technologies, this project will develop a world-first lab-in-the-pocket platform to enable rapid, low-cost, highly sensitive, and multiplex detection of SNVs, surpassing the capabilities of state-of-the-art technologies. This platform will greatly advance molecular biology and genetics research, offering vital insights into genetic variation, biological pathways, and ecological responses to environmental factors. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering The project is designed to develop a state-of-the-art biosensing platform for the field-deployable monitoring of DNA mutations. This groundbreaking technology aims to profoundly enhance our understanding of molecular biology and genetics, propelling forward technological advancements across a diverse range of biological applications and industries. The platform will facilitate rapid, efficient detection of gene mutations—delivering results within 10 minutes at a cost of less than $5 per test, setting a new benchmark for performance exceeding current technologies. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionise industries such as food production, agriculture, and environmental management by enabling early detection of invasive species and facilitating the monitoring of climate change and pollution impacts on Australian ecosystems. The project is set to deliver significant commercial benefits for Australia through several avenues: (i) licensing the technology to biotechnological industrial partners, (ii) offering expert consultation services to help validate, scale, and de-risk the technology, and (iii) encouraging the growth of potential startups. This initiative is poised to advance gene-based detection technologies, reinforcing Australia's leadership in high-value scientific instrument manufacturing. With the global biosensing market expected to exceed USD$49 billion by 2030, this project is a strategic move to boost Australia's advanced manufacturing sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

3D-Printing Nanostructured Solid Polymer Electrolytes. This project aims to pioneer the design and development of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) to enable Li-metal batteries, utilising the high-capacity lithium metal anode. By merging the digital assembly capabilities of 3D printing with in-situ self-assembly of block copolymers and establishing precise control over bicontinuous SPE nanostructures, we anticipate yielding SPEs with tuneable ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. The envisioned outcomes include enhanced battery safety and heightened energy density, surpassing traditional Li-ion batteries. Additionally, integrating 3D printing will bolster manufacturing efficiency and scalability, facilitating battery customisation to meet specific requirements and applications. Field of research: 4014 - Manufacturing Engineering To achieve Australia’s net zero future and support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy resources, better high-energy battery storage is urgently needed. While lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been instrumental, they rely on unsafe flammable liquid electrolytes and only store limited amounts of energy. A promising alternative are lithium metal batteries, which could double the storage capacity of conventional LIBs. To deliver on this promise, new solid electrolytes, especially those made of polymer, must be developed to address both safety and efficiency concerns in lithium metal batteries. Current solid polymer electrolytes are difficult to produce and do not possess the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties needed for widespread adoption. This project aims to overcome these challenges by developing rapid, one-step 3D-printing techniques to create safe and efficient solid polymer electrolytes specifically designed for high-energy lithium metal batteries. The project aligns with the Australian Government’s focus on energy and advanced manufacturing. By leveraging Australia’s abundant lithium reserves, the project not only promises substantial economic benefits but also advances local lithium battery production technology. Project outcomes will be commercialised, contributing to the growth of Australia’s battery and manufacturing sectors and advancing the country’s clean energy future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Brown food webs are critical for sustaining arid ecosystems. This project investigates how brown food webs, involving dead vegetation, termites, and their predators, function as energy and nutrient channels in arid ecosystems. Experiments will test the hypothesis that brown food webs are critical for ecosystem functioning during dry periods, focusing on trophic feedback loops connecting pulses of primary productivity to brown food webs. The findings will be significant by demonstrating the linkages between green and brown food webs and showing how these two inter-linked but distinct food webs drive energy and nutrient transfer during wet and dry periods. This project will benefit biodiversity conservation and help managers prepare for droughts by revealing how brown-food webs sustain arid ecosystems. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management There is widespread concern that there has been significant loss of biodiversity in the 70% of Australia that is defined as semi-arid or arid and that over-grazing during droughts has been one of the key drivers of this environmental change. However, there is a poor understanding of the mechanisms via which over-grazing has contributed to biodiversity loss. The goal of this proposal is to understand how brown food webs involving the transfer of energy and nutrients from senescent vegetation to arthropod detritivores such as termites and their predators play an essential role in the functioning of arid ecosystems. The results will provide a whole of ecosystem understanding of how brown food webs sustain the function and biodiversity of arid ecosystems and how grazing can disrupt brown food webs and affect biodiversity. The findings will benefit managers of conservation and pastoral lands throughout semi-arid and arid Australia who require better understanding of how ecosystems work to inform their management practices and prepare for inevitable droughts.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Race Science and the Human Hand: Dermatoglyphics in the Twentieth Century. This project aims to deepen our understanding of the history of physical anthropology, comparative anatomy and population genetics over the twentieth century. It will do so through analysing ‘dermatoglyphics’, the study of ridges, lines, and shape of the human (and other primate) hand. Still occasionally pursued to study human variation, as well as medical diagnostics, the project will be the first historical study of this little-understood aspect of ‘race science’, and of its legacy, including its Australian applications. This research should improve our capacity to assess the ethical dimensions of current human, medical and life sciences. Field of research: 5002 - History and Philosophy of Specific Fields By advancing knowledge of genetic studies in the past, this project may improve our capacity to assess current human, medical and life sciences in Australia, including their ethical dimensions. Its historical findings may assist medical, health and education sectors, seeking to address legacies of eugenics, in formal or informal inquiries. Our research returns knowledge to communities subject to 'dermatoglyphic' research throughout the twentieth century, enabling historical understanding and possible policy improvement. It advances our understanding of Down syndrome research, and results will be made available to Down Syndrome Australia and similar advocacy groups internationally. Indigenous communities may acquire new genealogical information, research subject to AIATSIS protocols. This project will increase research capacity in Australian historical studies, by providing opportunity for doctoral and postdoctoral positions, and by connecting early career researchers to a wide international sector in the history of science and medicine.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Shear Crack Characterisation in RC Members with High-Strength Steel. The Australian standard for concrete structures was updated in 2018 to allow the limited use of steel bar reinforcement with a strength of 600 MPa. However, reliable crack width prediction models are not yet available to allow their use as shear reinforcement. Now, even stronger bar products, with strengths of up to 800 MPa, are available but are not used in construction due to insufficient understanding of crack mechanics under service conditions. This study addresses this knowledge gap and will provide crucial data to engineers and standards bodies for the use of these products. This research will create a pathway for the use of more sustainable, higher-performance materials, providing substantial benefits to the Australian economy. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering In Australia, annual construction expenditure surpasses $250 billion, which constitutes 10% of our GDP, and offers employment to over 10% of our workforce. A notable part of this spending is in constructing concrete structures, bridges, tunnels, and pavements. To enhance benefits for asset owners, it is essential to conduct research on innovative materials, such as Australian manufactured high-strength bar reinforcement, for cost reduction and improved productivity. Thus, the development of more effective and efficient structural systems is a critical priority to maximise national advantages for infrastructure owners, including those in the private and public sectors. To achieve these benefits, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of behaviour and physical design models for inclusion in building codes. Utilising new, higher-performance materials like high- strength bar products hold enormous potential for reducing greenhouse gasses through increased structural efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and reducing overall life cycle costs. The research conducted in this study will quickly translate to the Australian market by integrating it into design codes and standards, thereby providing an excellent market for Australian suppliers and manufacturers. Additionally, the study's results, through international collaborations and associations, have the potential to extend beyond national borders, thus creating new markets for Australian reinforcing bar products.

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

Identification of a genetic-microbial signature for the prevention and... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Next generation groundwater clean-up technologies. Our environment is heavily contaminated. We aim to develop chemical catalysts to accelerate the degradation of toxic contaminants in water and use computer models to predict contaminant degradation rates. This approach to cleaning up contamination is a world first and could lead to global applications cleaning up contaminated environments. We expect to deliver an innovative market ready technology for use by the contaminated land and groundwater industry. This industry is crying out for such innovations and widespread deployment will reduce clean-up costs, duration and impact resulting in improved human and environmental health. Field of research: 4103 - Environmental Biotechnology Like all industrialised countries with a history of chemical manufacturing and application, Australia has thousands of sites contaminated with toxic chemicals negatively impacting human and environmental health. Existing technology options for cleaning up contaminated sites (dig and dump, pump and treat) have limitations (costly, hazardous, disruptive, energy intensive) so there is demand for effective economically, environmentally and socially sustainable alternatives. By mimicking how bacteria degrade chemicals, we will develop an innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly approach to contaminant destruction using recently discovered catalysts to accelerate natural degradation processes ten-fold. This will benefit Australians by facilitating contaminated site clean-up improving human and environmental health and unlocking or increasing land value. Benefits will also be derived from commercialisation of the remediation technology internationally. Industry partner Orica will apply project outcomes to address contamination in Botany NSW. Successful full-scale application by Orica will be followed by international commercial rollout through established industry remediation amendment suppliers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Aboriginal-led pathways to community benefit on Aboriginal land. The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 made NSW a leader in returning stolen land, yet Aboriginal rights and interests remain conspicuously absent from the planning landscape. This project aims to identify, develop and amplify pathways to collective rights and benefits for Aboriginal communities from and on returned land. Let by Local Aboriginal Land Councils, the project will generate new collaborative practices among Land councils, Government and industry bodies through a novel Community-led Practice approach. Expected outcomes include a Toolkit and policy recommendations for enhanced Land Council voice and agency on returned land. This will provide significant benefits, empowering Aboriginal organisations to care for community and Country. Field of research: 4505 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Society and Community 72% of Australia’s landmass is predicted to have some form of Indigenous right recognised in it by 2030. In NSW, the Aboriginal land estate recovered under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 amounts to 1% of the State, with tens of thousands of land claims awaiting government processing. These returned lands are of high conservation, cultural and economic value, yet the collective benefits of returned land to Aboriginal communities remain uneven and unrealised. This project directly addresses Australia's National Science and Research Priorities and Closing the Gap priorities by centring Local Aboriginal Land Councils in planning, managing and developing their land in NSW. Led by four Local Aboriginal Land Councils in collaboration with the NSW government, planning professionals, land rights lawyers and an interdisciplinary group of academics, this project will produce a Policy Briefing for Ministerial roundtable and a Toolkit of Community-Led Planning for leading industry bodies to amplify positive cultural, economic, social, and environmental benefits for Indigenous Australians on their land. Therefore, the project will lead Australia towards a better implementation of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act. Community forums will be hosted to enhance Land Councils’ capacity in planning, managing and using returned land for collective benefit, and to support Aboriginal self-determination.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Cementitious Photocatalytic Coating: A Solution to Noxious Vehicle Emission. Vehicle-emission toxicity is more severe in indoors than outdoors, but photocatalysts could efficiently mitigate harmful pollutants emitted by vehicles. The project aims to develop a highly effective and reliable cementitious photocatalytic materials as coating layers on indoor surfaces to reduce harmful gases in enclosed car parks and building-ventilation costs. The expected outcomes will significantly improve air quality, decrease maintenance costs, and reduce the risk of illness, enhancing strategies for controlling air pollution for the enclosed environments. This is expected to strengthen Australia’s competitiveness in environmental purification, bringing sustained economic, environmental and social benefits to the construction sector. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Noxious emissions from vehicles are a major contributor to air pollution in Australia: exposure to nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds has negative effects on human health, as air pollutants in enclosed spaces are a particular concern. Underground and multistorey car parks face severe air pollution and high maintenance costs. Photocatalyst materials can use light energy to effectively catalyse chemical reactions, breaking down harmful gases and other vehicle pollutants and reducing ventilation needs. Photocatalytic materials have not yet been widely applied; nor have their substantial benefits been fully exploited due to the limitations of traditional photocatalysts such as low degradation efficiency, limited reaction range, and insufficient stability of titanium dioxide. To address the challenges, this project will develop a new type of cementitious photocatalyst with efficient and reliable photocatalytic action, significantly reducing air pollution in enclosed spaces. The new photocatalyst is expected to create a more comfortable living environment for urban residents, with increased export opportunities giving Australia a competitive advantage. The outcomes will significantly improve urban air quality, reduce the risk of illness, and decrease maintenance costs, enhancing policies and strategies to control air pollution. In turn they will support Australia’s sustainable development and eco-environmental protection goals in construction sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Greening Wastewater Treatment Process for Efficient Resource Recovery. This project seeks to pioneer a circular economy-driven greening wastewater treatment process for efficient resource recovery. It brings together a multidisciplinary team to develop an innovative system that integrates anaerobic with microalgae-bacteria process, aiming to achieve near-zero greenhouse gas emissions while producing valuable biostimulants for agricultural use. Through extensive laboratory studies and pilot-scale testing, the project will refine this approach and demonstrate its potential in real-world conditions. In collaboration with industry partners, this initiative promises substantial benefits for Australian industries and research communities, advancing sustainable practice in wastewater management and resource recovery. Field of research: 4011 - Environmental Engineering This project tackles two pressing challenges in Australian wastewater and resource industries: reducing GHG emissions and enhancing resource recovery. The water industry is a major contributor to GHG emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). This research introduces an innovative solution by integrating microalgae-bacteria systems with anaerobic wastewater treatment, aiming to achieve zero-emission wastewater management while producing valuable biofertilizer. The benefits of this research to Australia are multifaceted. Environmentally, it will contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions, supporting Australia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Economically, the project will promote resource recovery, transforming wastewater from a waste disposal challenge into a valuable source of bioenergy and agricultural products like biofertilizers. Socially, it will enhance sustainable practices in the water industry, safeguarding public health and the environment for future generations. The research outcomes will be actively communicated to the public and industry stakeholders through OA publications, national conferences, industry partnerships, and media outreach. By fostering collaboration between academic researchers, industry innovators, and policymakers, this project will pave the way for the widespread adoption of low-emission wastewater treatment technologies, ensuring that the benefits of this research extend well beyond the academic community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Intelligent Transport for Vision-impaired Passengers with mmWave Sensors. This project aims to realise a world-first tag-aided wearable mmWave radars for smarter and safer transport systems to individuals with vision impairments. Leveraging recent breakthroughs in mmWave backscattering and radar technology, this innovation enables the detection and identification of indoor obstacles and signs equipped with low-power backscattering tags. The non-intrusive nature of this sensing method brings about numerous social and economic advantages, including the facilitation of smarter and safer transport systems for vision-impaired users, thereby promoting equality and inclusivity. The anticipated outcomes of this research offer a multitude of benefits, positioning Australia as an intelligent transport system innovator. Field of research: 4606 - Distributed Computing and Systems Software In Australia, more than 357,000 individuals grapple with vision impairment. The proposed tag-aided wearable mmWave radar system, designed for joint obstacle detection and sign-reading, represents a revolutionary technology. Its application empowers vision impaired individuals to navigate and engage confidently in intricate indoor transport environments. This innovation not only fosters safety and inclusivity but also ensures equitable access for those relying on transport assistance, thereby contributing significantly to social well-being. Additionally, we will facilitate broad adoption of this technology by forging industry partnerships and licensing our intellectual property. Beyond enhancing accessibility, mmWave radar and backscattering technologies offer non-privacy-intrusive insights for transport systems. This contribution holds immense promise for the USD67.2 billion industry, providing valuable technologies for future innovations. Consequently, the project aligns with the Science and Research Priority of "Transport" and directly addresses Practical Research Challenges of `improved logistics, modelling and regulation: urban design, autonomous vehicles, electrified transport, sensor technologies, real time data and spatial analysis'. By investigating novel, non-intrusive sensor technologies like mmWave radar and tags, and leveraging real-time data, this research can provide detailed system insights, thereby advancing modelling and regulation in transport systems.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Inks Development for Commercial Manufacturing of Perovskite Photovoltaics. This project aims to commercialize the latest breakthrough in perovskite photovoltaic technology by developing scalable manufacturing processes and enhancing solar module stability. By integrating rationally designed self-assembled monolayers and stable perovskite inks for printing fabrication, this research will transform lab innovations into market-ready solutions. The outcomes of this industry-academia collaboration include the development of stable, cost-effective perovskite solar modules, cutting-edge pilot production lines, and potential spin-offs, addressing key gaps in Australia’s manufacturing sector while contributing to the global transition toward renewable energy and carbon neutrality. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The commercialization of perovskite solar cells is critical to advancing next-generation photovoltaic technology, given their high efficiency and low-cost potential. This project aims to overcome key challenges in translating perovskite research into industrial applications, ensuring that cutting-edge innovations are scalable and market-ready for widespread adoption. Scalable fabrication process for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar modules are expected to be developed, making them more cost-effective and reliable for the growing need in renewable energy. This well aligns with the Australian Government's priority areas of transitioning to a net-zero future. Collaborating with industry partners, we will ensure that these innovations are developed and upscaled for real-world applications. The success of this project offers significant economic and environmental benefits by driving innovation in Australia’s renewable energy sector. Developing cost-effective solar technology will enable local manufacturing, create jobs, and accelerate clean energy adoption, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and long-term sustainability. To maximize impact, spin-off companies that will focus on commercializing the research outcomes is expected, positioning Australia at the forefront of the renewable energy industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Overcoming challenges to fabricating spin qubits at an industrial level. This proposal combines UNSW's expertise in hole quantum devices with IMEC’s technology and facilities for chip fabrication to optimise the design and fabrication techniques used to manufacture silicon based spin qubits on an industrial scale in a full 300mm wafer fabrication line. IMEC is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, with a €1billion semiconductor chip fabrication facility, while UNSW has unique cryogenic equipment and theoretical expertise for the study of electrons and holes in semiconductor devices. The outcomes will identify critical materials parameters for scaling up to large numbers of qubits, and open new routes to spin-based quantum computing based on semiconductor holes. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionise computing and almost all fields of technology. In order for quantum computing approaches using silicon chips to progress from few qubit prototype devices towards more powerful devices with large numbers of qubits, it is imperative to optimise the materials and advanced fabrication technologies needed for quantum devices that operate at ultra-low temperatures. This project will build on a highly successful Academia-Industry collaboration to deepen Australian linkages with IMEC, a leading semiconductor research consortium. It will provide new quantum characterisation tools for the silicon industry, and enable Australian scientists to work with and visit a leading industrial R&D fabrication facility, with tools, capabilities and linkages that do not exist in Australia. Similarly IMEC researchers will visit Australia and benefit from the tremendous expertise and unique research facilities developed in Australia. The outcomes will not only train the future Australian quantum workforce, but will directly support Australia’s world leading activities in quantum technologies – a sector with predicted global productivity gains of $450B in annual operating income.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Multidimensional Targeted Synthesis of Compound Semiconductor PV Materials. This fellowship aims to develop next-generation photovoltaic (PV) materials that can partner with silicon solar cells to achieve ultra-low cost and high-performance tandem photovoltaic technologies. Overcoming the pitfalls of conventional unguided synthesis – a key bottleneck to the next PV frontier – this program will revolutionize the synthesis of compound photovoltaic materials by a physics-informed, empirical-learning-advised, and experimentally validated multidimensional targeted scalable synthesis platform. Expected outcomes include innovative synthesis technologies and multiple top-cell candidates enabling silicon tandem cell technologies; benefiting Australia’s renewable energy leadership in academia and in industry application. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Solar electricity is a critical renewable energy source for the transition to 100% clean energy. However, further efficiency improvements are crucial to reduce costs and increase power output per unit area. At present, the rate of photovoltaic (PV) materials development is limited by conventional ‘unguided’ synthesis, which can no longer meet the demands for accelerating next-generation PV technologies. The PV acceleration includes the need to develop a viable ‘top cell’ for tandem solar cell combinations to boost power output. This fellowship would overcome the challenge by revolutionizing the synthesis of compound photovoltaic materials using a physics-informed, empirical-learning-advised, and experimentally validated targeted scalable synthesis platform. This new platform would ‘unlock the synthesis code’, enabling efficient development of highly desirable light harvesting materials for ultra-low cost, durable, and sustainable tandem PV. Beyond the program, benefits are also expected in the development of other compound energy materials. Through existing start-up companies, industry partnerships and licensing of project IP, the fellowship’s novel materials and devices will be upscaled, enabling widespread use across the residential, commercial, and solar farm sectors. This new technology will allow Australia to access the trillion dollar global renewable energy market by 2030, and ensure we are at the forefront of renewable energy R&D, commercialisation, and transition.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Transforming 2D Transistors: Breakthroughs in Nano-Dielectric Engineering. As the demand for data-driven computing skyrockets, the race for smaller, faster devices has become insatiable. While the continuous miniaturization of silicon transistors has met this demand, they are now nearing their physical limits. 2D semiconductors present a powerful alternative, but their potential is constrained by the lack of cutting-edge gate dielectrics. This Laureate program aims to break down this barrier by creating a revolutionary dielectric, enabling 2D transistors to scale down to the atomic level and unleash a transformative leap in performance. This breakthrough will not only overcome the limitations of silicon technology but also position Australia as a pivotal force in the trillion-dollar global semiconductor industry. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Miniaturization is essential in expanding the impact of semiconductor devices, such as tablets and smartphones, on society. Yet, as silicon devices approach their physical size limits, their performance capacity is increasingly constrained. To overcome these limitations, there is a strong push to develop cutting-edge materials that meet the evolving demands of the global semiconductor market. This Laureate program is set to innovate by creating a novel "gate dielectric" that addresses these challenges, enabling semiconductor devices to shrink to atomic scales while achieving exponential gains in performance for future applications. Through strategic industry partnerships and intellectual property licensing, these advancements will introduce groundbreaking technology to the trillion-dollar semiconductor industry in 2030. With potential applications across key Australian sectors—such as healthcare, telecommunications, quantum computing and artificial intelligence—this will strengthen a resilient semiconductor value chain, driving long-term economic growth in Australia and bolstering national security.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

A next-generation water splitter for a green-hydrogen future. Cost-effective and environmentally safe production of green hydrogen will be a vital component in Australia’s future energy economy. Splitting water without any use of fossil fuels is the obvious way forward; but for that we will need next-generation water splitters (electrolysers). This project aims for a new class of durable and efficient electrolysers, using only cheap and abundant materials and adapted to the intermittency of wind and solar as energy inputs. Among expected outcomes are fundamental new science concerning water electrolysis (readily translatable for real-world use at scale), and advanced new materials for industry; and among the broader benefits, revolutionary energy strategies that should vastly reduce carbon emissions. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering A core component of Australia’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 is our commitment to clean carbon-free hydrogen energy, with no use of carbon-emitting fossil fuels in its production. But current hydrogen technologies are neither affordable nor green, relying for example on the energy-intensive splitting of methane (yielding unwanted carbon dioxide along with the hydrogen). To achieve Australia’s ambitious target, clean and low-cost hydrogen-generating technologies are a necessity. This Laureate Fellowship aims to develop new devices capable of splitting water into its components hydrogen and oxygen, cleanly, efficiently and economically, which present technologies do not. The new approach will be tailored to capitalise on Australia’s unique natural endowment of renewable resources, robustly adapting to the well-known intermittency of wind and solar, to produce the world’s cheapest hydrogen at scale. The project will deliver fundamental and generalisable new science for water electrolysis, advanced materials for industry, and innovative decarbonisation technologies in preparation for the fast-approaching hydrogen revolution. Drawing on industry partnerships and with licensing of new intellectual property, the project will develop research personnel and capacities for Australia’s hydrogen industry and advanced manufacturing – accelerating our transition from an economy dependent on fossil fuels to one founded on clean and sustainable resources.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

AI-Empowered ESG Data Analytics in Responsible Investment. This project aims to enhance the effectiveness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analysis by leveraging advanced AI and data management to improve risk assessment, performance forecasting, and report generation in responsible investment. By addressing challenges such as complex data and evolving ESG demands, this project will empower investors to make more sustainable choices. Expected outcomes include innovative AI and data management tools that provide more accurate and timely ESG analysis, fostering sustainable development and social responsibility. Additionally, the project will promote global knowledge exchange, talent development, and public awareness of the importance of responsible and transparent business practices. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science This project focuses on advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analysis by leveraging AI and data management to improve risk assessment, performance forecasting, and reporting. In Australia, where ESG regulations are becoming more stringent, there is a growing need for reliable, timely ESG insights to support sustainable investment and corporate responsibility. Currently, ESG analysis faces challenges such as complex data types and evolving ESG demands. This research addresses these gaps by creating AI- and data-driven tools that provide more accurate, accessible, and objective ESG information. The outcomes of this research will benefit Australians economically, socially, and environmentally by promoting sustainable practices, enabling better investment decisions, and supporting regulatory compliance. The tools developed could assist Australian companies and investors in identifying ESG risks and opportunities, driving long-term economic growth while protecting natural resources and enhancing social responsibility. To promote the research outcomes beyond academia, we will engage industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public through workshops, public lectures, and collaborations with regulatory bodies. By disseminating findings through accessible channels, we aim to encourage widespread adoption of our AI-powered ESG tools, ultimately advancing responsible business practices and sustainability initiatives in Australia and beyond.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Enzyme Nanoparticles as Biotechnological Tool for Reprogramming Cells. The project will develop a next-generation biocatalytic platform by combining enzymes with polymers to form nanoparticles that can function inside living cells. These enzyme nanoparticles can perform complex chemical reactions, extending the use of nanomaterials beyond medicine into industries such as food processing, agriculture, and biomanufacturing. Expected outcomes include sustainable and functional biopolymer materials capable of reactions that current technologies cannot achieve, offering unprecedented control over cellular processes. This will enhance the production of high-value biotechnological products like antibodies and biofuels, strengthening Australia as a leader in nanotechnology and sustainable materials. Field of research: 3403 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry The success of Covid vaccines underscored the crucial role of nanomaterials, sparking renewed attention to this field in Australia and emphasising the need for stronger domestic leadership and production capabilities. However, despite advancements in nanotechnology, a significant gap remains in the ability of current nanomaterials to perform complex biochemical reactions in industrial settings. This project addresses these gaps by extending nanomaterial applications beyond medicine. It will produce a new generation of nanoparticles using enzymes as sustainable and functional materials, capable of performing essential biochemical reactions unattainable with current technologies. The benefits and impact are far-reaching, offering unprecedented control over cellular processes and a transformative influence on biomanufacturing. It is anticipated to enhance production processes for high-value products, including antibodies, biofuels, and industrial enzymes. The economic benefits extend beyond biotechnological applications to essential Australian industrial processes, such as food processing and agricultural production. This platform offers strong potential for intellectual property development and commercialising biomaterials and natural catalysts. A successful outcome promises international recognition and biotechnology investment. It ultimately strengthens Australia's expertise in sustainable materials, solidifying our position as a global leader in nano- and biotechnology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Project Delivery Harmonisation for Urban Micromobility Infrastructure . This project aims to enhance delivery of micromobility projects by improved collaboration and consensus building among governments, private practice and communities through participatory research. This project is expected to yield substantial benefits, including facilitating the allocation of billions of dollars for many smaller-scale projects, leading to significant local economic growth. It aims to achieve the strategic goals of governments concerning health and decarbonisation, stemming from increased physical activity and reduced reliance on private vehicles. We will promote our research outcomes through high-profile industry organisations and partnerships with local and state governments to ensure widespread understanding and adoption. Field of research: 3304 - Urban and Regional Planning Smaller-scale urban transport devices such as bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, scooters, and mobility aids for seniors and individuals with disabilities, are experiencing rapid growth worldwide. These devices offer significant environmental, social, and health benefits by making everyday trips easier and more sustainable. However, Australia lags behind other countries in providing safe and convenient facilities for these modes of transport. Many Australians express a desire to use these alternatives but will only do so if safe infrastructure is available. All levels of government acknowledge the necessity for this transition, with billions of dollars planned for projects across Australia. However, progress has been slow, and at the current pace, it would take hundreds of years to establish safe, city-wide networks. This project aims to overcome the primary challenge: navigating a uniquely complex consultative and regulatory landscape for project delivery by developing a consensus-building framework. By understanding both the technical and social complexities within localised contexts, we can create innovative approaches that will lead to more equitable and inclusive transport systems. This initiative will yield substantial environmental, social, and health benefits for the Australian community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

An Intelligent Spatial Data Management System for Smart Query Processing. Spatial data and its effective management are essential across various domains, including public health, transportation, urban planning, cybersecurity, logistics, and emergency management. It provides critical insights and enables better decision-making and analysis. Spatial data often involves high-dimensional, non-linear patterns that traditional methods struggle to capture. This project aims to develop an intelligent spatial database system for smart query processing using novel machine-learning techniques and large language models to handle such complexity effectively. The success of this project will open up new research directions to enrich frontier technologies and establish our leadership in the global geospatial analytics market. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science Spatial data is being generated at an unprecedented rate from mobile and internet-connected devices, and it has become a vital tool for people who need information on land, the environment, transport, communications, utility services, and demographics. For example, in the NSW Spatial Digital Twin program, a digital version of a city, enhanced with real-time data from sensors and 5G networks, will allow identifying flood-prone zones and fire-risk areas to improve emergency planning and response. Traditional spatial data management methods struggle to capture the data complexity including high-dimensions and non-linear patterns. This project will develop effective spatial indices and efficient query-processing algorithms powered by novel machine-learning techniques and large language models. The outcomes will enhance Australia's capacity to address challenges such as urban congestion, disaster response, and environmental sustainability. The system will also contribute to the digital transformation agenda by enabling seamless spatial data integration into smart technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks and autonomous systems. The research promotes innovation in spatial data management and strengthens Australia’s position in the global technology landscape. The solutions developed through this project can be applied across various sectors, including agriculture, transport, energy, and public health, ensuring broad economic and societal impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Enhancing the Characterisation of Industry Designed Arrays of Spin Qubits. This project aims to develop a highly sensitive tool for characterizing silicon quantum chips, addressing a key challenge in building scalable quantum computers. This new characterisation tool will help Australian company Diraq Pty Ltd advance from prototype devices to large-scale quantum processors by improving the ability to detect and understand material imperfections at the atomic level. The outcomes of this project will support the development of commercial quantum technology in Australia, strengthen the nation’s competitive edge in a rapidly growing industry, and contribute to training a skilled quantum workforce essential for the future of technology. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Quantum technology has the potential for huge societal impact by revolutionising aspects of healthcare, finance, defence, and cyber security. The global quantum-technology sector is expected to produce over $450B in global income, and 2025 has been labelled the international year of quantum science and technology. Australian scientists and companies are world leaders in silicon-based quantum computing. To ensure Australia remains in this position, a key challenge must be addressed: scaling silicon quantum processors from the existing few qubit prototypes to systems with millions of qubits. This will require unprecedented materials design and characterisation tools to support the atomic scale precision required. This fellowship will build on a successful homegrown industry-academia collaboration to develop an advanced tool for characterizing silicon quantum chips. In partnership with Diraq Pty Ltd, this new tool will be used to solve fundamental issues associated with material quality and provide a new level of understanding needed for large-scale quantum chip production. The outcomes will enhance Australia’s technological capabilities, capture valuable intellectual property, and bolster the nation’s competitive position in the quantum sector. This project not only aligns with national priorities in technology and innovation but also supports the growth of Australia’s skilled quantum workforce, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of this transformative field.