University of New South Wales

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Improving Resilience of MCDI for Water Supply in Remote Communities . The AIM of this project is the development of robust, PV-powered water treatment units based on the emerging technology of Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (MCDI). The development of a more resilient approach to provision of potable water is particularly SIGNIFICANT to remote indigenous communities in central Australia where brackish groundwaters are unsuitable for use without prior treatment. EXPECTED OUTCOMES include development of resilient MCDI units incorporating innovative control of the charging and discharging cycles using "smart” (machine learning enabled) Digital Twins of these units. These MCDI units will BENEFIT any community requiring removal of contaminants from brackish waters without the need for external mains power supply. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Although it is recognised that all Australians should have access to clean drinking water, this has not always been the case, particularly for remote indigenous communities in central Australia. Existing technologies such as reverse osmosis and electrodialysis are not well suited to use in remote locations in view of their high energy use and the need for ongoing maintenance and/or frequent membrane replacement. The over-arching goal of this project is the development of robust, low energy (PV-powered) water treatment systems that unlocks the potential of the emerging technology of Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (MCDI) by using intelligent power conversion techniques which eliminate need for regular maintenance thereby enabling application for a large number of remote locations. This will be achieved by development of units that exhibit minimal fouling on long term operation through use of our novel power converters coupled remotely to machine-learning enabled Digital Twins. Aside from the obvious social and environmental benefits (i.e., access to water, low and/or renewable energy use), this project will deliver economic gains through the commercial exploitation of unit development and advancement of Australia’s capacity for development and commercialisation of water treatment solutions. We will engage with State and Territory water agencies and relevant industry partners to translate this research to practice and enhance the use of this technology across Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Rare Event Simulation: Protecting vital infrastructure from flood extremes. This research aims to develop Rare Event Simulation to quantify the future risk of very rare to extreme floods. Expected outcomes include a framework for the design and maintenance of critical Civil Engineering infrastructure such as dams, extrapolation of extreme storm events beyond the observed record, and an assessment of change in rare flood risk across Australia. The significance of this world-first research lies in adapting rare event simulation techniques that have only been applied to computer system failure before, to water engineering design. With Australian riverine flooding projected to cause $170 billion in losses by 2050, the benefit of this proposal in reducing future infrastructure damage costs and liability is overwhelming. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Flooding is our most pervasive and costliest natural disaster, with over $1 trillion in damages since 1980 globally. With higher temperatures, these damages are expected to increase, with flood risk expected to triple, possibly as soon as the middle of this century. While this implies a $170 billion value loss in property by 2050 due to flooding across Australia, this figure pales in comparison to the total liability of our infrastructure that is ageing ($37 trillion just in dam infrastructure, a number that increases by roughly $25 billion each year). Evidence suggests that rising air temperatures are impacting the hydrological cycle, with the rare to extreme floods used to design critical infrastructure expected to increase. This study seeks to unravel the factors that result in such extreme flood events (orders of magnitude rarer than events we have observations for), providing the means to simulate change in the risk of failure of existing and planned critical infrastructure, providing a platform to ensure future generations remain safe and our most expensive infrastructural assets perform without failure.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

New Generation of High-Performance Radio Frequency Devices . The strong demand for faster internet speed pushes high-speed technology to evolve faster. Designing and developing devices are now facing changes that are far more complex. We aim to tackle them, proposing to develop phase-change materials-based electronic systems. The outcomes will be reconfigurable devices with unprecedentedly increased operational frequency, reduced critical system-level metrics, and elimination of control circuits. The successful results will address the Science and Research Priority of Modern Manufacturing and bring substantial socio-economic benefits to Australia by executing advancements of new technologies for modern wireless communications, leading to new high-tech opportunities, jobs, and economic growth. Field of research: 4006 - Communications Engineering The mobile broadband sector provides billions of dollars to the Australian economy annually, with Australian society increasingly relying on superfast internet connectivity. The modern manufacturing industry continually challenges the core of new technologies, hence the need to develop progressively smaller, more reliable components for electronic devices. This project outcome will offer new techniques to create unprecedented performant innovative electronics and materials relying on more enabling, simplified circuitries for high-speed systems and transmission minimised-sizes communication infrastructures of future next decade commercial communications and the defence sector. The project will enable the immediate transfer and expansion of advanced onshore capacities in the design, manufacture, and commercial utilisation, placing Australia at the forefront of this critical area of future technical demand and preparing Australian companies to seize the technology opportunity for business. The high-quality research conducted by this project will increase the global competitive edge of Australian-based research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Designing metallic glass structures for damage tolerance via 3D printing. This project aims to make breakthrough developments in understanding the processing-structure-property relationships that govern the fracture toughness of bulk metallic glasses produced by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. The project intends to generate new knowledge on how to control fracture toughness of bulk metallic glasses via novel processing approaches that create designed glassy microstructures. Expected outcomes will be an enhanced capacity to develop and commercialise bulk metallic glasses with mechanical properties superior to conventional metal alloys. Anticipated benefits will be improved products for the aerospace, defence, transportation, biomedical device, consumer product, and 3D printing industries. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The Australian manufacturing industry produces roughly A$115 billion annually, and this proposed project will develop the capability to manufacture 3D printed metallic components with superior and more reliable performance. This proposed project perfectly aligns with the Practical Research Challenge “Specialised, high value-add areas such as high-performance materials, composites, alloys and polymers” under the Australian Government identified Science and Research Priority of “Advanced Manufacturing.” Within the advanced manufacturing sector, this proposed project specifically advances the field of additive manufacturing (3D printing), which the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre identifies as a strategic R&D priority in its sector competitiveness plan. The availability of 3D printed metallic components with superior and more reliable properties is expected to provide economic benefits to the aerospace, defence, transportation, biomedical device, and consumer products industries, among others. Australian citizens are expected to benefit from the outcomes of this project through job creation in the advanced additive manufacturing sector and through the availability of products with improved performance, energy efficiency, and reliability.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Topological semiconductors resonate with an elusive form of radiation. The aims of the project are to fill a substantial knowledge gap in a class of novel semiconductors that can function as sensors in a frequency range where conventional semiconductors do not work. The way these materials interact with light is not fully understood. The project expects to provide this understanding of great significance and generate new knowledge in physics and materials science. Expected outcomes include a results database that will guide experiments and enable future sensor design. The project expects to provide substantial benefits by identifying the best materials for use as sensors in this frequency range, which has applications in communications, defence, and in the Science and Research Priorities of Food and Transport. Field of research: 5104 - Condensed Matter Physics This project focuses on a class of new semiconductors that can be used in sensing technologies. Reliable sensors work in specific frequency ranges and require the right materials in order to function properly. Conventional semiconductors perform well for most frequencies, but there is one range, the terahertz range, in which they do not work. In order to fill this gap scientists have turned to a family of newly discovered semiconductors which respond strongly to light, and could work in the terahertz range. However, the properties of these novel semiconductors are not well understood, and this precludes the development of terahertz sensor applications, which would have uses across a broad spectrum of industries: food, aviation, communications and defence. The project aims to fill this knowledge gap by using advanced theoretical and computational modelling techniques in order to understand the properties of these new semiconductors and identify the best semiconductors for use as sensors in the terahertz range. Sensing is key to our government’s Science and Research Priorities of Food and Transport, enhancing food production and facilitating transport. The market for devices in this range is set to grow at 30% a year over the next 5 years, and reach $3.5bn by 2026. In the long run the research will enable sensors to be produced locally, supporting the longer term growth of the sensing and imaging industry in Australia through employment and export opportunities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Integrated Sensing and Communication for 6G Wireless Networks. The project aims to investigate the open challenging research problems for realising high-speed sixth-generation wireless networks with seamless networked sensing capabilities via integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). The significance of this project is expected to generate new knowledge of ISAC exploiting advanced communication theory, signal processing theory and optimisation theory. Expected outcomes of this project include pragmatic robust beamforming, joint channel and sensing parameters estimation, resource allocation designs and a system-level analysis as the foundations and tools to unleash the full potential of ISAC. These should provide significant economic benefits to wireless service providers and mobile users worldwide. Field of research: 4006 - Communications Engineering The telecommunications industry in Australia has contributed more than 20 billion AUD annually to the country's GDP. The rise of the Metaverse and the digital twin has led to the emergence of new applications such as extended reality, holographic communications, smart e-health, smart cities, and autonomous driving, which demand enhanced wireless communication and sensing capabilities. However, state-of-the-art fifth-generation (5G) communication systems do not support these requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) paradigm for the upcoming sixth-generation (6G) communication. This paradigm can provide a highly flexible and cost-effective deployment of high-speed and versatile communication infrastructure to promote the development of a sustainable digital society and is essential for ongoing productivity growth in Australia. The results of this project will offer a new system paradigm to facilitate the adoption of 6G communication networks in the next decade, providing Australian companies in all sectors with the opportunity to capitalize on new technology. Additionally, the high-quality research conducted by this project will enable Australia to maintain its global competitive edge in research and drive the country's future prosperity in terms of its economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

On the Hunt: Boosting Productivity of Cell Factories by Advanced Searches . This project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying protein secretion in yeast, an industrial workhorse and a model organism. It will develop a unique multifaceted research platform to identify and analyse superior yeast strains with the desired traits at the single-cell level. Expected outcomes include a new analytical tool for high-throughput strain analysis and advanced knowledge of yeast molecular biology that can be applied to improve cell factories for the next generation of fuels, food and pharmaceuticals. This will provide significant economic and social benefits by boosting biotech industry growth, facilitating the transition to a sustainable society and improving Australia’s biosecurity. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering The biological world can be harnessed to produce many useful products of industrial importance, including proteins secreted by yeast which have numerous beneficial applications in the production of food, fuel and pharmaceuticals. This emerging ‘bioeconomy’ calls for new yeast cell factories capable of secreting industrially important proteins in a cost-competitive manner. This project aims to address a key gap in our understanding of protein secretion in yeast, a key player in numerous large-scale industrial manufacturing processes, by deciphering its molecular basis, and ultimately ensure success and growth of the bioeconomy. The fundamental knowledge gained from this project will speed up the development of industrial microbes, allowing us to make food, fuel and pharmaceuticals cheaper and faster. This will not only increase the availability of these biotechnology products, but also drive down manufacturing costs, bring new jobs to Australia and stimulate the production of new value-added bioproducts. These developed yeast strains would be able to grow on renewable waste materials, which is eco-friendly and sustainable. This will benefit the Australian economy, support the emerging domestic biotech industry, improve environmental protection and promote sustainable development.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Do root microbiomes control seagrass response to environmental stress? The project aims to determine the role root microbes play in controlling seagrass responses to environmental stress. By integrating marine and microbial ecology, environmental genomics and ecosystem function (e.g., biogeochemical cycling), this project is significant as it will create new knowledge of the processes that confer seagrass resilience to global environmental issues. An expected outcome is an increased understanding of how microbes control seagrass health and an enhanced capacity to develop effective restoration strategies for Australia's valuable seagrass ecosystems. Benefits include improving the extensive environmental, economic, social/cultural services Australian communities derive from seagrass ecosystems. Field of research: 3103 - Ecology Australia's coastal communities depend on healthy seagrasses to support food security and reduce the impacts of climate change through shoreline protection and carbon storage. Currently valued at AUD$5.3 billion annually, seagrasses are experiencing global losses due to multiple environmental stressors such as climate change and pollution, with current conservation efforts often having limited positive outcomes. Efforts to conserve and restore seagrasses have focused on improving water quality, ignoring the critical role below-ground processes under microbial control contribute to seagrass health. We lack knowledge of the timing, location and mechanistic role of microbes in the formation and development of seagrass communities. Using novel experiments methods, this project will provide new information on the role of root microbes in controlling coastal seagrass species’ response to environmental stressors. In providing a new understanding of how root-microbes influence seagrass health, the results will also provide evidenced-based support for coastal managers and policy makers. In particular, strategies leading to enhanced resilience of existing seagrass meadows and improved restoration outcomes when intervention is required. This project supports the Australian Governments national scientific priority in ‘Environmental Health’.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Rerunning the evolution of an ancient bacterial propeller. This project aims to measure how the propeller which drives bacterial swimming originated and then evolved. This project expects to generate new knowledge in molecular evolution using interdisciplinary techniques in synthetic biology and biophysics to resurrect ancient proteins and test how they can be directed to evolve in a contemporary host. Expected outcomes include the development of new types of flagellar motor for applied uses in synbio and microfluidics, and new methods to resurrect ancient proteins and evolve their function for purpose. This should provide significant benefits by delivering a de novo molecular motor for custom applications and galvanise public interest in how this iconic molecular complex originated and evolved. Field of research: 3105 - Genetics This project uses synthetic biology to learn from evolutionary history to engineer new molecular motors that can be used for propulsion. We use statistical methods to best estimate proteins that may have existed millions of years ago and then resurrect them and test them in the present day. By doing this, we learn much about protein adaptation during historical environmental changes, as well as learning how to engineer novel microswimmers that are powered by different energy sources and swim in different ways. This research contributes to significant national infrastructure and investment in Synthetic Biology, estimated by Prime Minister and Cabinet (in Nov 2021) to contribute $70B/yr to Australia's economy by 2050. This project builds future capacity, including in industry, for the engineering of new molecular motors and the generation of new methods for mining insight from ancient events and extinct organisms. The bacterial flagellar motor is of widespread public interest - it plays a key role in helping us understand the origins of complexity in biology. In this project we satisfy this public interest by demonstrating exactly how it arose, and how we can make it anew.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Physico-chemical effects on long-time fluid transport for CO2 geostorage. This project aims to develop an efficient multi-scale laboratory-based modelling framework for the analysis of nonequilibrium transport and reaction processes occurring in CO2 storage scenarios. In a significant technological advance two non-destructive analysis techniques, Xray computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance, are combined with pore-scale simulations to address uncertainties in dynamic wettability alteration occurring during gravity driven convection. Expected outcomes are the in-situ characterisation of solid-surface interactions and predictions of multi-phase fluid flow. The project benefits the Australian resources sector by improving injectivity, storage efficiency and security of supercritical CO2 storage projects. Field of research: 4101 - Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation The geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a key strategy of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to net zero global emissions. It is expected to be a multi trillion-dollar industry by 2050. The accurate prediction of CO2 plume migration and long-term storage capacity is limited by a lack of understanding of underlying mechanisms and interactions during carbon storage in porous rock, especially rock wettability and mineral reactions. This project addresses this knowledge gap by combining advanced X-ray tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques to characterise the microscopic changes of rock caused by CO2 injection. The research will enable Australian operators and regulators to benefit from resultant improved designs of CO2 injection scenarios and more accurate predictions of CO2 plume movement within a storage complex. This may enable Australia to set more ambitious emissions reductions targets and offer Australia competitive advantage in a decarbonising economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Big Data-based Distributed Control using a Behavioural Systems Framework. With Industry 4.0 turning into reality, industrial processes are becoming distributed cyber-physical systems which generate, process, store and communicate large amounts of data. Using the behavioural systems framework, this project aims to develop a novel distributed control approach for complex processes directly based on big process data. A new model-free framework will be developed to represent and analyse the process/controller networks and interaction effects, and determine the feasibility of desired control performance under distributed control. Novel big data-based distributed control design approaches will be developed by extending the dissipativity, contraction and differential dissipativity conditions for behavioural systems. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Australia has very strong process/manufacturing industries representing over $156bn turnover and $46bn value added per annum. In these industries, many modern plants are of large scales, consisting of dozens process units interconnected with material recycle loops and energy integration. These processes have very complex dynamics but are often controlled by simple logic controllers that deliver inadequate performance. Meanwhile, a huge amount of high-dimensional process data is being collected during process operations. This project aims to develop a novel distributed big data-based process control approach to operate these complex processes and improve their energy and material efficiencies. The outcomes can also be applied to data-based distributed decision making (e.g., operations of supply chains). This project is expected to help the Australian process industries improve their competitiveness in the global market while reducing their environmental footprints. Distributed data-based process control 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 2024 · 2024-01

Scaling laws for aerodynamics of moving wings in the Martian atmosphere. This project aims to increase understanding of the aerodynamics of bio-inspired flight in the low-density atmosphere of Mars. The significance of flight in planetary exploration is shown by the ongoing success of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, and the Dragonfly rotorcraft planned for use on Titan. Expected outcomes of this project will be innovative numerical modelling techniques validated using local specially designed low-pressure experimental facilities. Benefits will be more accurate design guidance for efficient and robust flapping and rotary wing robotic vehicles for Mars and other space exploration that take advantage of the unique atmospheric conditions, and in placing Australia at the forefront of such design technology. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering This project aims to determine the aerodynamics of unmanned drones in Martian environments and to develop scaling laws to bridge our knowledge gap between Earth-designed and Mars-capable flight platforms. The intended research outcomes will benefit Australia scientifically, technologically and economically. Scientifically, this project will enable modelling of wings and propellers operated in complex and challenging non-Earth environments and generate numerical and experimental data for building scaling laws for achieving efficient flight, laying the foundation for significantly advancing Australia's contribution to planetary exploration. Technologically, this project puts Australia at the forefront of space exploration by providing fundamental and technological contributions to the design of efficient unmanned flying probes with greater payload capability and higher efficiency. These contributions will benefit Australia since novel designs of air vehicles based on fundamental and comprehensive understanding of aerodynamic principles that work on different atmospheric conditions as experienced on Earth and Mars could lead to breakthroughs in uncharted flight conditions and expand the utility and operating environments of drones for planetary exploration. Economically, the research capability developed has the potential to increase the global competitiveness of Australian industries involved in space exploration and unmanned aerial and surface vehicles technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Engineered topological nanostructures – a new frontier in materials design. The aim of engineering and utilising topological defects such as domain walls and and skyrmions in functional materials is currently receiving tremendous attention. Their significance lies in a plethora of fascinating phenomena for fundamental research and future technological applications in nanoelectronics. One frontier area of research is negative capacitance nanoelectronics using such materials, carrying the prospect of revolutionizing ultralow energy electronics, which will be developed here. The project's expected outcomes are new concepts for the synthesis and design of topological nanostructures for such applications. The utilization of these materials will benefit efficient controllable functionality for future nanoelectronics. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Topological materials are an emerging class of high-efficiency functional materials for nanoelectronics applications in environmentally friendly and energy-efficient information processing, and sensor and detector applications, for example in novel miniaturized wifi and mobile phone antenna designs. This proposal will significantly impact the development of novel synthesis and application concepts based on topological nanostructures in such materials, which allows control of the materials properties through a new concept. A better understanding of such control will pave the way to novel multifunctional materials, including their use in ultralow-energy electronics designs using environmentally friendly architectures. We will seek partnership opportunities with existing Australian manufacturing and defence industries through established and new collaborations, facilitating Australia's position in these critical global sectors. Therefore, this project will enable the development of advanced materials engineering capabilities in Australia, and it will foster the design, manufacturing and commercial exploitation of these new materials. This will place Australia at the forefront of this critical area for future technology demand.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Risky choices: From cells and circuits to computations and behaviour. This project aims to ask and answer fundamental questions about how we safely make risky decisions to guide our behaviour. It combines theoretically driven approaches from experimental psychology with state-of-the-art technology for mapping and manipulating brain function. The project expects to show, with unprecedented behavioural, brain cell type, and circuit precision, how we safely make choices, how these choices are shaped by experience, and how controlling these cells and circuits controls choice. This outcome should provide significant benefits including a new knowledge base bridging behavioural, cognitive, and neural sciences to advance theories of behaviour and laying a new basic science platform to understand impulsive behaviours. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology This project applies state-of-the-art, integrative capabilities to show how we safely make risky decisions. This is a core capacity allowing us to safely navigate the world and to make safe but timely choices in dangerous situations. Disruptions in this core cognitive capacity can drive impulsive, risky behaviours such as reckless driving, drug taking, unsafe sexual behaviour, and aggression as well as underpin the even more problematic behaviours seen in problem gambling, substance abuse, and related disorders, problems directly affecting 1 in 3 Australians and costing the Australian economy more than $80 billion a year. By decoding the brain cellular and circuit mechanisms for risky decision making and showing how experience shapes these mechanisms, this project will inform and advance brain stimulation, brain-machine interfaces, and cognitive training efforts to improve decision-making. In the longer term, the integrative capabilities we develop to control these brain circuits will assist in predicting, identifying, and reducing disruptions in these core cognitive capacities, thereby helping deliver important social and economic benefits to the Australian community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

An Open Access Native Mass Spectrometry Facility. This project aims to create a world-class Native Mass Spectrometry Facility to allow measurement of proteins, protein complexes and other biomolecules, in a way such that key structural information is maintained. This instrumentation will be the first of its type in Australia allowing measurement of very high mass ions with high precision and accuracy. A better understanding of protein structure will enable new discoveries in chemistry, biotechnology and medicinal research. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology This project will provide the infrastructure needed for a Native Mass Spectrometry facility within NSW and will be available to all Australian researchers. The new equipment will enable novel details to be obtained about proteins and how they exist naturally and provide information on how they interact with other molecules. The new equipment will also complement existing mass spectrometry instruments used for proteomics and discovery science. Projects in drug development, discovery of new enzymatic inhibitors and how modification of amino acid sequence effect structure and function will benefit. The equipment has potential to provide positive economic impacts for Australia through training the next generation national and international STEM students and providing easy access to unique capabilities for researchers in academia and industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Thermophysical Property Analysers for Materials under Extreme Environments. The development of new materials with properties specifically tailored to withstand the extreme environments begins with understanding the physical nature of the processes involved, including the properties of atoms and molecules extending from the nanoscale to the collective behaviour at the macroscale. This relies on the knowledge achieved with new capabilities of analytical tools to open new avenues for developing the materials. This project aims to strengthen Australian research activities in the development of advanced materials for energy, defence and space, and advanced manufacturing technologies through establishing a high temperature, high pressure and high force materials characterisation suite for extreme environments at UNSW. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Breakthrough technologies for the energy, defence, space and advanced manufacturing sectors require improved materials that can perform and survive under the extreme environments such as ultrahigh temperatures, high pressure, corrosive, radiative or oxidising atmospheres. This project will set up a new facility to test materials under ultrahigh temperature, high pressure and high force conditions, to support research into next generation materials as well as providing testing and development capabilities for Australian industry. Access to and adoption of the new facility will be enabled via the collaborations and partnerships of the UNSW Materials and Manufacturing Institute, and by engaging with existing and newly developing industry research networks in defence, clean energy and space technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

The National Cycling Data and Analysis Platform (NCDAP) . A National Cycling Data and Analytics Platform to collect, integrate and communicate new and historic data on cycling infrastructure, attitudes, and behaviours. This project will address the significant issue of data fragmentation, pilot a national cycling survey, and develop a cycling toolkit to allow exploring and testing various cycling infrastructure scenarios. The platform will provide an open access e-Infrastructure to enable tracking social and cultural changes that influence transport choices, create effective behaviour change programs and prioritise cycling infrastructure investment. This project will contribute to healthier lifestyles, reduced traffic congestion and emissions and energy efficiency of Australia’s transport sector. Field of research: 3304 - Urban and Regional Planning Australian cities are facing a variety of critical transport, environmental, health, and sustainability issues. Australian governments at every level acknowledge that cycling can help address many of these issues. However, the development of effective interventions is hindered by insufficient and disconnected data, as well as a shortage of decision support tools. This project will facilitate the integration, sharing, and dissemination of new and existing cycling-related data. In order to address gaps in the current data and provide a seamless data hub for understanding current cycling trends and the needs of future or potential cyclists, a nationwide survey of cycling attitudes and behaviours will be conducted. The integrated data will enable the development of planning support tools through an interactive, online map-based dashboard. This will allow researchers, planners, and designers to visualise data, monitor evolving attitudes and sentiment towards cycling, identify gaps and opportunities in cycling networks, test various infrastructure provision scenarios and analyse economic impacts to justify targeted infrastructure investments. The project will aid in promoting more active and healthier lifestyles, alleviating traffic congestion and public transport crowding, and promoting decarbonisation and energy efficiency in Australian cities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Visualising Intercultural Futures: the role of performance in soft power . This project aims to develop understandings of visual and cultural perception applied to the making of intercultural performance to investigate how performance contributes to cultural diplomacy between Australia and South East Asia. Forging research innovation to (re)imagine and visualise shared environmental and cultural futures in our region, the project will develop new skills for remote community artists, performance researchers and arts industry application. Working with Kimberley Indigenous and diasporic South East Asian communities, it will generate new intercultural performance as a public engagement platform to recalibrate Australia’s position as a leading force in performing arts in the post-pandemic era. Field of research: 3604 - Performing Arts This project is field-first analysis of the overlap and interplay between Australian intercultural performance practices, Indigenous cultural diplomacy and new approaches to artist mobility in the post-pandemic era. It address the gap in Australian society’s capacity to imagine the benefits of Indigenous recognition by demonstrating the importance of recognition for cultural diplomacy. Forging new performance models to (re)imagine and visualize shared environmental and cultural futures between north west Australia and South East Asia, the project will contribute simultaneously to the Australia Government’s 2022 strategy to Deepen Engagement in South East Asia. Through demonstrated performance research methodologies the project will investigate under explored modes of cultural and visual composition and performance in collaborations between Indigenous and South East Asian artists and community members. The project will simultaneously research, identify and share cultural and perceptual performance literacies, support First Nations performing arts workforce development and amplify cultural diplomacy in South East Asia. Results will be shared with a diversity of audiences, through performance outcomes, industry masterclasses across the region and multi-vocal publications in order to reinvigorate Australia’s position as a leading force in the performing arts post the Covid 19 pandemic.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Quantum microscopy facility for ultrasensitive nanoscale magnetic imaging. Investigations of 2D and van der Waals materials, biological samples, energy materials, and quantum devices on the nano- and microscale are revolutionising medicine, communications, information technology, energy production and storage by virtue of new phenomena. The new quantum microscopy facility will enable state-of-the-art capabilities in mapping chemical, magnetic, optical, electronic, and spectral properties, providing cutting-edge tools that will enable breakthroughs in both existing and future multi-disciplinary projects in photonics, quantum devices, nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, biotechnology, and energy technology as key drivers of the new economy in Australia. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia’s development of quantum technology is based on local advanced manufacturing industry designing nanoelectronic devices that are capable of efficient information storage and high-speed processing. The industry’s ability to extend the limits of this technology, in particular, using new functional materials, relies on state-of-the-art microscope technology to study and improve such materials. This project will establish such a new quantum microscope facility in Australia to study unprecedented, man-made materials. These are new, high value-added materials for applications in medicine, electronic communication, information technology and energy production, among others. The facility will be accessible by academic and industrial research, thus outcomes will be directly shared with industry stakeholders in the form of immediate technology transfer. Therefore, this project will enable the development of advanced materials engineering capabilities in Australia, and it will foster the design, manufacturing and commercial exploitation of these new materials. This will place Australia at the forefront of this critical area for future technology demand.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Cryogenic microwave characterization facility for quantum technologies. This project will establish a multi-user, fast-turn-around cryogenic characterization facility for microwave superconducting quantum technologies that are critical components for quantum computer, networks and sensor systems. This facility will lead to a significant improvement in research efficiency, allowing for rapid optimization of devices and components prior to integration into a larger quantum system. Expected outcomes include the creation of new intellectual property, enhanced engagement with industry, and will further boost Australia's efforts to build a commercially scalable quantum computer. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics The quantum industry is predicted to play a transformative role in Australia’s future prosperity through the development of quantum computers, quantum communication networks and quantum sensors. Advanced manufacturing of quantum components that enable these technologies is key to realizing this impact. For many quantum technologies, cryogenic characterization is an essential part of the manufacturing process, as they only begin to operate at temperatures close to absolute zero. This project will establish a multi-user, fast-turn-around cryogenic characterization facility for critical components in the quantum supply chain. The facility will lead to a significant improvement in research efficiency, allowing for rapid optimization of devices and components prior to integration into a larger quantum system, as well as enabling opportunities for new academic researchers and industry players to access key equipment required to participate in the quantum economy. Expected outcomes include the creation of new intellectual property, enhanced engagement with industry, and will further boost the Australian quantum ecosystem that is predicted to generate $6 billion in revenue in Australia and create 19,400 jobs nationally by 2045.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Ultra-fast structure-property characterisation of materials. The design of materials for functional and damage-tolerant applications requires detailed knowledge of their structure and the mechanisms that operate at length scales ranging from interatomic layers to micro, meso and macro scales. This project aims to establish ultra-fast processing capabilities that enable ion-damage free structural modifications and microstructure-mechanical properties characterisation across multiple length scales at unprecedented speed and accuracy. Expected outcomes include the ability to create new knowledge about multi-scale structure, composition and deformation mechanisms for the design of novel materials systems that enable manufacturing benefits throughout transportation, defence and clean energy sectors. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This ultra-fast laser will enable unique processing capabilities and provide the ability to combine structural modifications of novel materials with property characterisation techniques at unprecedented speed and accuracy. The system will build on existing investment in electron microscopy and will be among the most advanced micro-machining systems worldwide, open to researchers and industries across Australia. It will support cutting-edge research programs in advanced manufacturing and the design of next-generation materials for renewable energy and transportation, as well as for defence and health-related applications. The new research enabled by this equipment will enhance Australia’s position as a hub of world-leading scientific innovation while simultaneously enabling collaborations with commercial enterprises and industrial partners. Furthermore, this proposed equipment will provide opportunities to develop new technologies and train the highly skilled workforce needed by Australian industries to grow towards an economically prosperous future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Integrated Tip-Enabled Nanofabrication and Characterisation at Atomic Scale. This project aims to establish the most advanced all-in-one multifunctional system going beyond the best system in the world. This facility is expected to combine tip-enabled nanofabrication, imaging, photo-/electrochemical, and electromechanical measurement to realise atomically precisely controlled nanofabrication, in-situ imaging, and real-time measurement of single active sites in micro and nanoscale devices.The proposed facility features high-quality measurements in an unmatched spatial and temporal range, allowing studying physical and chemical phenomena that are difficult to detect using conventional methods. The proposed integrated system will be the first of its kind in Australia. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology The proposed facility will fill the gaps in integrated tip-enabled nanofabrication and characterisation research at the atomic scales, and benefits the broader research community, including catalysis science and technology, advanced materials science and engineering, nanoscience and nanotechnology, and biomedicine. The establishment of this facility is timely and will enable Australia to take a leading role in these areas. The proposed project is aligned with the Science and Research National research Priority, Energy and Advanced Manufacturing, and the supported research outcomes will impact in advanced catalysis, novel multifunctional materials, advanced energy storage system, optoelectronic devices, bio-systems and smart sensors. The proposed facility will support many industry-linked and development grants. The research supported by the facility is to explore fundamental phenomena and mechanisms in broader aeras, which will generate new knowledge, advancing science. The research areas supported by the facility also have highly potential in technological breakthroughs, creating disruptive technologies in critical sectors. This will cultivate the future industries, stimulate growth of the Australian economy, create jobs, and lift productivity and economic growth by maximising Australia’s competitive advantage. The facility also provides excellent training opportunities for the students, fostering international competitiveness of Australian graduates.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy Facility. The Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy Facility will provide a suite of techniques spanning the visible to mid-infrared spectral regions, on time scales corresponding to the emission of light, and energy conversion in low energy advanced functional materials. Research performed with this equipment will include photonic and thermal energy conversion; nanophotonics; quantum technologies and new infrared functional materials. This facility will enhance capacity in probing new materials and devices in the near and mid-infrared regions, and will increase institutional and cross-disciplinary research collaboration. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry This project aims to address the pressing need for measuring low energy, invisible light in diverse areas of research, including the development of new light-driven power sources, negative carbon solar fuels, and quantum communications for improved cybersecurity. The research gap that it addresses is the lack of equipment for measuring and generating infrared light, which is critical for these areas of research. The research outcomes of this project will benefit Australians in many ways. Economically, the development of new high-value technologies for export will create new jobs and drive economic growth. Environmentally the project will help Australia to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change, contributing to a more sustainable future. Additionally, the development of new quantum communication technologies will ensure the security and resilience of Australia's digital infrastructure. To promote the research outcomes beyond academia and maximize understanding, translation, use, and adoption of the research in the future, several strategies will be employed. These include: Engaging with industry stakeholders and policymakers to showcase the potential benefits of the research outcomes and encourage adoption and investment; Communicating research findings through various media channels, including social media, press releases, and public seminars; and Generating IP for local uptake and the foundation of local spin-off companies to commercialize outcomes.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Does emotion regulation flexibility improve functioning in refugees? This project aims identify the mechanisms by which low-intensity interventions improve functioning in refugees living in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Despite these interventions being implemented with thousands of refugees worldwide, many refugees fail to respond. This project will lead to significant advances in knowledge regarding how and for whom low intensity interventions work. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of NGOs to deliver effective interventions to refugees living in LMICs, and to tailor their services to those who are at greatest risk of not responding. Benefits include improved functioning of refugees living in LMICs, and enhanced capacity of Australia to meet its international refugee obligations. Field of research: 5203 - Clinical and Health Psychology Australia has made an international commitment to protect and support refugees, however the number of refugees worldwide far exceeds Australia’s resettlement capacity. This has led the Australian government to develop alternative strategies to meet these commitments by supporting partner countries in improving refugee functioning in displacement contexts. In this project, we propose to partner with Australian and Indonesian-based non-government organizations to investigate the psychological processes by which best-practice low-intensity interventions improve psychosocial functioning in refugees. By determining how and for whom these interventions are effective, this project will (1) improve Australia’s capacity to meet its international commitments to refugees, (2) provide NGOs with strategies to operate more effectively, (3) enhance strategic relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, and (4) enhance social cohesion amongst resettled refugees, thus improving regional stability.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

An explainability oriented approach to manage dependent supply chain risks. This project aims to help supply chain companies model the impact on their operations by capturing the uncertainties impacting their upstream suppliers. In the current uncertain business environment, the project's outcome will benefit service-based industries to have an enhanced understanding of their operating environment and take decisions accordingly to avoid failures. This will significantly increase the productivity of Australian service-based industries across different domains. The expected outcome is that it generates new knowledge by which risk managers of a focal company can conjointly consider risk identification/assessment with risk management analysis to develop explainable strategies for managing uncertainties. Field of research: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence Australian companies rely heavily on global service supply chains, meaning that any disruptions in the operations of upstream suppliers can be costly to the company and the Australian economy. If upstream suppliers are not diligent in managing the disruptions impacting their operations, this compromises the commercial viability of companies dependent on them. Therefore, tools by which Australian companies can comprehensively identify and manage their supply chain risks by considering the disruptions in their operations and those impacting their different upstream suppliers need to be developed. Existing methods do not do this, thus impacting Australian companies in their decision-making ability as they do not consider the environment in which they and their suppliers operate. This project addresses this gap, thereby improving their competitiveness and increasing economic and commercial benefits to Australia. The developed prototype from this project will be applied to the Australian Red Meat Industry, contributing to the Australian Government's food and transportation priority area. It will also address the supply chain resilience initiatives the Department of Industry, Science and Resources defines. This project will also train two postgraduate students at the PhD level, enabling them to become competent researchers and dynamic operations managers of tomorrow.