THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-11

CRE in Indigenous Australian oral health advancement through clinical... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-07

Consolidating intelligence data to identify victims of child sexual... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-07

Consolidating intelligence data to identify victims of child sexual... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-05

National Platform for Targeted mRNA Therapeutics Category: Health and Medical Research

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

Multifunctional Structural FRP Panels Incorporating Recycled Plastic... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A Self-Sufficient Ecosystem for Resilient Rural Communities. Many rural Australian communities lack reliable infrastructure to support modern technologies due to limited grid access and communication constraints. This project will develop a modular, AI-enabled cyber-physical system powered by solar microgrids to build self-sufficient ecosystems in off-grid rural areas. By integrating distributed sensing, communication networks, and smart analytics, the system will support essential services such as rural agriculture, water purification, and connectivity. The project will produce a scalable and adaptable solution tailored to off-grid and resource-constrained environments. It will benefit long-term sustainability, productivity, and quality of life in Australia’s rural and remote communities. Field of research: 4606 - Distributed Computing and Systems Software Rural and remote communities face persistent infrastructure challenges that limit access to clean energy, digital connectivity, and modern services. This project addresses a critical national need by developing a self-sufficient, AI-empowered cyber-physical ecosystem powered by modular solar microgrids. Designed for off-grid and under-resourced regions, the system provides scalable solutions for services such as water purification, local processing, and digital access, which are areas currently underserved in rural Australia. This research will significantly benefit Australians by reducing operational costs and improving productivity for rural businesses and households, fostering new economic opportunities, and improving life quality through reliable access to essential services. Environmentally, the project supports Australia's clean energy transition and climate adaptation. Socially, it will bridge the urban-rural divide and promote digital inclusion. Conducted in collaboration with Australian solar farm developer and innovator, GGP Energy, the project ensures strong commercial pathways. We will promote outcomes through real-world pilot deployments in collaboration with rural stakeholders, showcasing tangible benefits directly to end-users and potential adopters. We will also forge strategic partnerships with industry and government agencies, developing accessible communication materials to inform policy, guide investments, and encourage widespread adoption beyond academia.

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

Advancing the science of evidence synthesis: developing standards,... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Biodiversity accounting to promote woodland bird recovery. Australia’s temperate woodland bird populations are declining but current habitat restoration efforts are hampered by uncertainty about the value of different restoration approaches. Using the Mount Lofty Ranges as a model system, this project aims to understand how to locate, create, manage and monitor new woodland habitats to maximise bird recovery. Expected outcomes include quantifying the contribution of revegetation of different standards to woodland birds and marketable restoration accounting standards. This new knowledge will be integrated within spatial models to test the impact of proposed restoration strategies for the region. This should provide significant benefits by prioritising on-ground works for conservation organisations. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Australia’s temperate woodland bird populations are in decline and their recovery depends on large-scale revegetation. Current habitat restoration efforts are hampered by uncertainty about the value of different restoration approaches. This project will use the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia, a biodiversity hotspot with only 10% of native woodlands remaining, as a model system for developing a science-based habitat restoration and accounting system. The research will address key knowledge gaps identified by conservation partners: (1) identifying where and why woodland bird species are declining; (2) quantifying the benefits to woodland birds of different revegetation strategies; and (3) developing and testing suitable biodiversity accounting frameworks to drive investible restoration practice. This new knowledge will be integrated within spatial models to test the impact of proposed restoration strategies and the performance of different accounting methods including consistency with Nature Repair Market methods. The project will produce environmental benefits by prioritising on-ground works for conservation organisations, and significant economic and commercial benefits by establishing marketable restoration accounting standards. To encourage uptake of the new methods, the research team will provide open-access data and modelling tools to practitioners and government agencies, and foster existing and new collaborations across the sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Novel Fluorescence Sensor for Selective Mining of Rare-Earth Elements. This project aims to develop a new technique to detect rare-earth elements instantaneously in the field, in ways that unlock value in difficult-to-mine deposits, due to their grades, complexity, or environmental concerns. The expected outcomes of this project include the development and validation of the sensing technology on real-world samples, and increased knowledge of the mineralogy of Australian rare-earth reserves, particularly clays but including hard rock and mineral sands deposits, and rare-earth enriched tailings. Benefits are immediate for deposit assessment and mine planning, with subsequent commercialisation of the technology enabling sovereign uplift of a critical resource for the global need to transition to a green economy. Field of research: 5102 - Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Rare-earth elements (REEs) are critical minerals with an ever-increasing global demand driven by modern electronics, manufacturing, and the green economy transition. Current supply of REEs comes from dwindling deposits concentrated in very few countries, leaving the world vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Australia can turn these future global bottlenecks into major new industries, exploiting our significant untapped REE resources in clays, phosphate deposits, heavy mineral sands and mine tailings. However, REE ore deposits are diverse and often challenging to define, mine and process: we will develop “Novel Fluorescence” technology that gives on-site, real-time detection of REEs, with immediate feedback to operators and exploration teams on REE content and suitability for extraction. This technology will have significant economic benefits for mining in Australia, enabling rapid analysis of deposits and real-time mineral processing control currently not possible. Benefits include rejection of low-grade ore and valueless rock, giving increased economic viability and reduced environmental impact by minimising mine footprints, energy and water usage and tailings creation. Our results will be promoted to mining industry end-users through industry Expos, Trade Shows, newsletters and conferences, and to the public through social media and websites. To build investment momentum, our commercialisation partner Loughan Technology Group will showcase results on their website.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Durable and high-efficiency solar power modules for harsh environments. The reduction in energy efficiency when ruggedising solar cells hampers the use of solar power in harsh environments such as heavy vehicles. This project aims to overcome this barrier by developing advanced materials that enhance efficiency via quantum-cutting of ultraviolet solar light to the optimum of silicon photovoltaics, while these materials maintain compatibility with the solar cell ruggedisation technology. The expected outcomes are new knowledge and innovative technologies in light conversion materials. Benefits include accelerating Australia’s transition to renewable energy by expanding solar power to previously inaccessible harsh environments and uplifting Australia’s economy by domestic manufacture of durable solar modules. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Photovoltaic solar technology struggles to operate efficiently in harsh environments. While Australia has developed ruggedisation technologies for traditional solar cells, this process leads to a loss of efficiency in converting sunlight to electrical energy, hindering commercial adoption. To overcome this challenge, the project aims to develop advanced materials that convert ultraviolet sunlight to visible and infrared light that is best for traditional solar cells. These materials will be integrated with solar cells by a cost-efficient approach utilising commercially viable ruggedisation technology. This new generation of ruggedised solar cells will combine enhanced efficiency with high durability, allowing solar power to be used effectively in harsh environments where existing solutions fall short. This research will provide significant benefits to Australia by enabling use of renewable energy in challenging conditions, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, and promoting environmental sustainability. It will also create jobs in solar manufacturing and stimulate renewable adoption in Defence and Transport industries. The project will have a clear pathway to commercialisation of these solar modules through close collaboration with the Australian industry partner, Praxis Labs Pty Ltd. The new materials and technologies will be widely presented to researchers from other fields to facilitate the uptake of the intellectual property beyond the solar energy sector.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Building marine biodiversity and productivity through seascape restoration. Oyster reefs are critical for marine seascape biodiversity and productivity, vital to Australia's blue economy. This project aims to quantify how 4 large restorations, now approaching maturity, enhance seascape function. Accurate benchmarking will be possible for the first time using the recent discovery of 2 remnant flat oyster reefs, previously considered extinct. By developing models of real biodiversity gains from restoration and identifying priority sites for new reefs that target fishery productivity, expected outcomes will inform emerging markets to fund restoration. New knowledge will provide partners with strategic guidance to underpin a new phase of reef restoration to repair key fish nursery areas of immense socio-economic value. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Healthy coastal marine ecosystems are essential to the health and well-being of Australian society because they underpin our culture, food security and blue economy worth >$118 billion. Key to marine ecosystem health are seascapes comprised of many interacting marine habitats that co-create biodiverse and productive coastal seas. Of concern, many seascapes have lost entire habitats, including native oyster reefs that are a missing link for seascape connectivity and productivity. This loss compromises the ability of coastal systems to support the biodiversity and seafood production on which coastal communities and industries depend. This research partnership with the Department for Environment and Water and coastal tourism operators, will quantify how the restoration of lost oyster reefs can enhance the biodiversity, function, and productivity of seascapes of high socio-economic value. For the first time, the project will track the ecological development of restorations after a decade of growth to understand how these enhance seascape health and productivity and identify key fish nursery areas for restorations to target fisheries productivity. Results will be shared with coastal industries, the public, and will inform coastal managers with efficient restoration strategies for rebuilding the connectivity of seascapes, leading to more resilience and productive seas that support sustainable fisheries and tourism that are vital to a healthy Australian economy and way of life.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A universal companion molecule for breaking antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes one of the biggest threats to animal and human wellbeing, agriculture, food and the environment worldwide. This project aims to test the effectiveness of a safe, water-soluble and naturally-occurring small molecule as a universal resistance breaker to preserve the lifespan of registered antibiotics and significantly reduce AMR. The project will generate new knowledge in microbiology using an innovative approach of combining a unique small molecule with first-line antibiotics to restore their effectiveness in the most resistant bacteria. Expected outcomes include compelling. cost-effective proof-of-concept data to address critical knowledge gaps in bacterial energy homeostasis and resistance biology Field of research: 3107 - Microbiology Antimicrobial resistance (a scenario whereby antibiotics are no longer effective against microbes such as bacteria) poses one of the greatest threats to animal and human wellbeing, agriculture, food security, economy and the environment within Australia and globally. Given its wide-ranging impact, antimicrobial resistance is recognised as a wicked problem requiring solutions that benefit all these sectors. In partnership with Neolixir Ltd, we will test the benefit of a naturally-occurring small molecule when used concurrently with existing antibiotics against difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. This project will fulfil Neolixir’s strategic priority to develop a cost-effective, scalable solution to the antimicrobial resistance crisis affecting animal and human wellbeing. Results will translate into measurable benefits of significance to primary producers, petcare providers, and the Australian community, with the potential to save thousands of lives, improve overall community wellbeing and eliminate economic losses of nearly 0.5 billion dollars annually. Outcomes will build a quality preclinical new drug package for progression to further development, commercialisation and product registration. Results will be shared with veterinarians and stakeholders through the publication of peer reviewed open access papers and more widely disseminated to the public through University media releases, open days, workshops, social media posts, newsletters, website updates, and LinkedIn.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Edge-AI Drone Control for Low-Stress and Efficient Livestock Mustering. This project expects to create an autonomous drone system that calmly herds cattle with minimal human oversight. Australia moves over 10 million head yearly, yet mustering remains costly, labour-intensive and risky. By fusing real-time perception, herd-behaviour models and adaptive flight control, the drone will guide stock through low-stress handling practices. Expected outcomes: (1) robust perception-behaviour algorithms for open rangelands; (2) a validated prototype; and (3) evidence-based guidelines for integrating drone mustering into operations. These outcomes are expected to cut labour and fuel use, reduce stress-related weight loss, create exportable ag-tech IPR, and lift animal welfare and rural productivity across Australia. Field of research: 4603 - Computer Vision and Multimedia Computation Herding cattle across Australia’s expansive rangelands is costly, time-consuming, and dangerous, with helicopter wire-strike crashes posing a significant risk during mustering operations. Persistent labour shortages continue to strain livestock businesses and rural communities. Early adopters report drones can significantly reduce mustering time and save substantial costs on large stations, with some achieving high returns on investment. Trials indicate drones, when flown correctly, minimise cattle stress compared to traditional methods like dogs, bikes, or helicopters. This project will create the next leap: an edge-AI drone that interprets cattle behaviour and guides herds calmly without constant remote control, working even in mobile-black-spot regions thanks to onboard computing. Partner organisation Tantallon Livestock is co-investing to fast-track a product it can deploy and license, securing a first-mover advantage in a global ag-drone market forecast to exceed AUD23 billion by 2032. The outcomes boost farm productivity, regional safety, and animal welfare. It aligns with the National Agricultural Innovation Agenda’s focus on smart-farm solutions and commercialising research for economic gains. Success will deliver exportable ag-tech IP, high-skill regional jobs, and a safer, more sustainable livestock sector. The project’s impact will extend beyond academia through field demonstrations, expos, trade media, and rural outreach to drive adoption and national benefit.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Developing advanced biomonitoring technologies for subterranean fauna. Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water and supports diverse subterranean ecosystems. It also supports the mining industry, which is legally required to monitor the effects of its operations on these ecosystems. Monitoring biodiversity underground is time-consuming, costly and difficult. The cumulative effects of groundwater extraction on biodiversity across the landscape have never been measured. The project aims to develop tools for accurate monitoring groundwater biodiversity and evidence-based decision-making by regulators and stakeholders. Expected project outcomes include safeguarding Australia’s groundwater for human consumption, biodiversity protection and improving environmental sustainability in the mining industry. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water and supports diverse subterranean ecosystems. It is also essential to the mining industry, which is legally required to monitor the effects of its operations on these ecosystems. However, monitoring biodiversity underground is time-consuming, costly and difficult – particularly as most species are unknown to science. Also, the cumulative effects of groundwater extraction on biodiversity across the landscape have never been measured. With partners Rio Tinto, Cameco, Fortescue Metals Group, Mineral Resources and Water Corporation, we will develop new tools for accurately monitoring groundwater biodiversity. We will also gather the data needed for evidence-based decision-making by regulators and stakeholders including the Western Australian (WA) Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the WA Biodiversity Science Institute. Our work will help to safeguard Australia’s groundwater for human consumption, protect biodiversity, and enable the mining industry to continue contributing to the national economy. To ensure sector-wide translation and adoption, our tools and resources will be shared widely. We will also use public meetings to communicate our research to the people who are most affected by changes in groundwater, especially Traditional Owners for whom water and culture are interconnected.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Herbicides with new modes of action to sustain agricultural productivity. This project aims to mitigate the rise in herbicide-resistant weeds threatening Australian agricultural productivity and profitability. Building on preliminary work identifying a herbicidal compound with a novel mode of action that targets two plant enzymes, this project expects to develop new, highly weed-specific herbicides that minimise the emergence of resistance. Expected outcomes include advances in our understanding of key enzymes in weed growth and development, and new herbicidal compounds that can be used as single or combinatorial treatments. Benefits for partners, farmers, and consumers come from the predicted substantial improvements in agricultural yield, environmental sustainability, and food security. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology Weeds are one of the biggest threats to Australia’s $91B agricultural industry. They drastically reduce crop yield and quality, and require substantial and increasing cost investments to manage. Australia has the second largest number of unique herbicide-resistant weeds globally, yet very few new herbicide options have become available to our farmers in the past 40 years. This research will investigate novel strategies for developing highly specific and effective herbicides with new modes of action that hinder development of herbicide resistance. Such herbicides will bolster weed management by reducing input costs for farmers and minimising damage to ecosystems, thus improving farm profitability and long-term agricultural sustainability in line with objectives of the Ag2030 strategy, the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, and the National Agricultural Innovation Policy. Partnering with Globachem, this project will progress research into the first dual-target herbicides and explore a novel herbicide mode of action to tackle resistance. Commercial opportunities to develop new herbicide technologies with Globachem will fast-track the delivery of benefits to Australian farmers, communities, and land. Research outcomes will be disseminated through industry-oriented meetings, publications, and press releases to keep relevant industry groups and the public informed.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Capturing genetic diversity in barley to boost yield in future environments. Improving the yield and heat/drought tolerance of cereals is essential to safeguard Australia’s food security and agri-economy in the face of predicted population growth and climate stress. Current breeding strategies rely increasingly on gene pools with relatively low genetic diversity. Wild relatives contain the necessary diversity but effective strategies to identify and use it are lacking. This project aims to apply an innovative approach that rapidly domesticates wild barley to strategically introduce new genetic variation that will help improve future crop performance. Expected outcomes include new varieties, tools, and knowledge to create step-change advances to sustain and increase cereal yield for the future. Field of research: 3004 - Crop and Pasture Production Wheat and barley are Australia’s two most valuable cereal crops, worth >$17B annually. Their success is largely attributed to broad adaptability to Australia’s variable climates and nutrient-poor soils. Breeding well-adapted, high-yielding varieties depends on genetic variability, which has been eroded by modern breeding strategies and must be revitalised to access sufficient variation to allow adaptation to future environmental challenges while increasing yield to meet demand from a growing population. This project aims to expand the barley gene pool via an innovative approach that systematically introduces and evaluates the benefits of genetic variation from wild relatives, building on preliminary data in which 20% of new lines outperformed current elite parents. Partnering with 2 members of the Australian grains industry, our new lines will be trialled in glasshouse and field environments, with immediate paths to market through Australian Grain Technologies’ breeding pipeline. Outcomes will help breeders produce resilient, high-yielding varieties to boost farm productivity and food security. Findings will be shared with the grains industry via field days, industry conferences, global working groups, and more broadly through media, especially rural publications.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Advancing the science of evidence synthesis: developing standards,... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Transforming Paediatric Respiratory Care with X-ray Velocimetry... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Transforming Paediatric Respiratory Care with X-ray Velocimetry... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-10

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Seventh Assessment Cycle... Category: Climate Change

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-07

ARC Training Centre in Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-07

Multifunctional Structural FRP Panels Incorporating Recycled Plastic... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-07

Tactical taxonomy of cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae) hidden in wet... Category: Scientific Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-07

Describing the diversity of Pilbara paramelitid amphipods for... Category: Scientific Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-07

Quantum clock for assured global navigation: Global Positioning System... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research