THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Twisted K-theory, higher geometry and operator algebras. This project aims to develop new theory and techniques linking twisted K-theory, higher-geometry and operator algebras. These are all fundamental areas of mathematics with applications both within mathematics itself and to mathematical physics, particularly in string theory. Anticipated outcomes are fundamental advances in knowledge in mathematics and mathematical physics, enhancement of Australia's international mathematical reputation and collaborative linkages, and the training of the next generation of Australian mathematicians. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Bio-inspired molecular electronics: from nanoscience to nanotechnology. This project aims to investigate electron transport in naturally occurring peptides, while exploiting their electronic properties to promote the design and development of functional bio-inspired molecular electronic devices. Molecular electronics is at the forefront of international interdisciplinary research, with its significance and necessity stemming from the inevitable physical limitations of existing silicon-based electronics. This project aims to establish a foundation to advance fundamental knowledge in this area, which will lead to the design and development of functional bio-inspired molecular electronic devices. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

How are visual gene pathways lost and restored during reptile evolution? This project aims to investigate how complex traits are lost during evolution, and once lost if they can be regained. The project will use the diverse visual systems of snakes and lizards to shed light on the process of gene loss in degenerative lineages, and discover the mechanisms that compensate for gene losses in taxa with secondarily evolved visual capabilities- providing a case of evolutionary re-innovation in complex traits. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Understanding particle-laden flows for clean high temperature processes. This project aims to understand and provide computational design tools for the complex heat and mass transfer processes within the new technologies that needed for the high temperature processing of minerals with low net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, both with and without the use of concentrated solar thermal energy. These models are needed to achieve low-cost scale-up and development of the new technologies under development, because they operate in regimes of particle-laden flow for which present numerical design tools are unreliable. The project will underpin the development of new technologies that are needed for Australia to meet its greenhouse emissions targets and to capitalise on the anticipated global demand for low-carbon-intensive metals and other value-added products. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Optimising the search for the next discovery in particle physics. This project aims to uncover the new theory of particle physics that can simultaneously explain the Higgs mechanism, the presence of dark matter and the current abundance of matter over antimatter in our universe. This is not possible with current theories. This project aims to find viable theories using a wide range of data from particle astrophysics and collider experiments. With the resulting knowledge, this project aims to design, optimise and implement better searches for new physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The new LHC results will be used to either determine the correct explanation for any new discoveries or alternatively to provide definitive limits on new theories. The results will be used to make high impact statements on the design of future facilities. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Impact of spatially uniform and irregular rough surfaces on drag reduction. This project aims to understand the turbulent transport mechanism for fluid flow over spatially uniform and irregular rough walls. It will provide accurate modelling of irregular roughness and high fidelity simulations. The intended outcomes are physical understanding of the turbulence phenomenon in these flows, and novel flow control of irregular rough wall flows leading to significant drag reduction for transport industries in Australia. Benefits are relevant to both engineering applications involving rough walls and to environmental applications enabling better prediction of particulate matter dispersion Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Molecular complexity through multi-bond forming reactions. This project aims to develop techniques for the synthesis of many, highly valuable natural and designed molecules which are too complex to be synthesised on scale with current methodologies. The project aims to develop new strategies for the simultaneous construction of several chemical bonds, with a focus on molecular scaffolds that can be readily converted into pharmaceuticals, potential drug candidates, chiral ligands, and agrochemicals. This will ultimately lead to advancements in both the production and application of organic molecules in these fields. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Deep visual understanding: learning to see in an unruly world. Deep Learning has achieved incredible success at an astonishing variety of Computer Vision tasks recently. This project aims to convey this success into the challenging domain of high-level image-based reasoning. It will extend deep learning to achieve flexible semantic reasoning about the content of images based on information gleaned from the huge volumes of data available on the Internet. The project expects to overcome one of the primary limitations of deep learning and will greatly increase its practical application to a range of industrial, cultural or health settings. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Using genetics to reconstruct the peopling and diversification of Sahul. A recent landmark study has revealed that people who first arrived on Sahul (the landmass connecting Australia with New Guinea) remained largely genetically isolated from subsequent migrations. However, there is still little known about the route(s) taken into Sahul, or how adaptation has shaped the enormous diversity now observed across Indigenous Australians and Papuans. This project aims to look at these issues by applying phylogenetic and population genetic tools to the largest genetic dataset yet analysed from populations across Australia, New Guinea, and Island South East Asia. The outcomes of the project should reveal both the route(s) taken into Sahul and how adaptation has shaped the diversity now observed in descendants of the colonisation. Field of research: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Harnessing neural plasticity with brain stimulation. This project aims to investigate the links between the molecular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity and the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation. It will use a novel approach that integrates genetics, electrophysiology and biological modelling. Plasticity underpins all learning, memory and aging. Brain stimulation can drive plasticity in humans, but these effects are extremely difficult to harness and vary widely between people. Expected outcomes include a critical understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing plasticity. This will provide significant benefits such as the development of individually optimised brain stimulation protocols, enabling tailored, reliable approaches to address brain function and cognition. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Improving cereal grain quality using epigenetic regulators. The project aims to determine the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that control cereal grain quality and yield under water-deficit and heat stress. The project will use next-generation sequencing to identify key epigenetic regulators and their functional target genes, which confer superior grain quality to elite genotypes under adverse environments. Project outcomes will benefit cereal breeding by providing more-tailored screening strategies and superior parental germplasm with enhanced quality and yield. The development of nutritionally improved crops will benefit the Australian cereal industry and export opportunities. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Engineering high-efficiency all-dielectric antennas for terahertz channels. This project aims to create unconventional antenna platforms to support terahertz links. The project expects to deliver high-efficiency, high-gain dielectric resonator antennas and dielectric rod antenna arrays fed by dielectric wave-guides. The expected outcomes of this project will build critical components for future terahertz communication infrastructure. These antennas will support demands in point-to-point wireless transmission between mobile base stations, within data centres, and at information kiosks. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Palaeo-population genomics: studying adaptation using ancient human DNA. This project aims to apply state-of-the-art population and quantitative genetic techniques to a powerful new database of ancient human genomes - spanning from hunter gatherers and early farmers through to the Middle Ages. This will be used to build the first detailed portrait of human genetic adaptation through time. This record will capture the major socio-cultural transitions in human history, and reveal the genetic and environmental drivers that have shaped modern human genetic diversity and pathology. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Vector network analyser suite for advanced terahertz materials and devices. This project aims to establish terahertz measurement capabilities to further Australia's strength and momentum in terahertz research. This will comprise of two terahertz extension modules, working with a dedicated vector-network analyser, and high-precision probes and probe station. The project will enable point-feeding, monochromatic, coherent, and fine spectral-resolution measurement at an atmospheric window of 220-330 GHz. The capabilities are essential for development of two-dimensional materials, active components, waveguides, and antennas towards a common goal of efficient integrated terahertz devices and systems. The project will serve emerging terahertz applications including standoff imaging and short-range high-speed data transmission. This will have broad impact in the areas of surveillance, biomedicine, security, and public safety and well-being. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Adaptation to life in the dark: genomic analyses of blind beetles. This project aims to utilise a unique Australian model system based on multiple, independently-evolved subterranean water beetles to explore the adaptive and regressive changes in the genome that occur when surface species colonise subterranean habitats. This project focuses on the evolution of Heat Shock protein (Hsp) genes that play critical roles in adaptation to environmental stress and the process of de-canalisation, the release of cryptic genetic variation that can allow novel morphologies to evolve in new environments. The project expects to provide further understanding of how species may potentially adapt to environmental stresses in the future, including climate change. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How SEP-like genes determine cereal inflorescence architecture. This project aims to understand the morphological diversity of inflorescence architecture between cereal crop species. To do so, this project will identify functions and analyse the regulatory networks of conserved SEPALLATA genes (SEPs). This will enable them to determine cereal inflorescence morphogenesis of rice (branching) and barley (non-branching), representing the most important cereals. Identifying and understanding rice and barley SEPs, their direct targets and interactors, and how they regulate inflorescence branches and spikelets in both species is expected to provide evolutionary and developmental insights and targets to improve for crop yield. A molecular understanding of the regulatory network that underpins inflorescence shape and grain number will advance fundamental biology, and could form the basis for significant yield improvements by manipulating key points in the developmental pathway. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The top quark: a portal to new physics in particle colliders. This project aims to address fundamental questions of particle physics by studying the top quark, the most elementary particle known. The project will generate new knowledge about the top quark and the recently discovered Higgs boson, explore dark matter production in particle collisions, and potentially discover and study new phenomena. The project will develop data analysis techniques that could be used in big data contexts beyond fundamental research. The expected outcome of the project is to expand in a substantial way our understanding of the smallest components of matter and potentially, also of the largest structures of the Universe. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Solar-driven sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. This project aims to address the efficient and sustainable production of fuels and chemicals using abundant sources like water, carbon dioxide and sunlight by an integrated reaction system. Through understanding molecular design principles and material engineering, this project expects to develop a range of novel electrocatalysts featuring high activity, efficiency, selectivity and stability for carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions. These new catalysts will facilitate a hybrid reaction cell as artificial leaf mimics by associating photocatalysis and electrocatalysis processes. The expected outcome of this project is of great importance for solar fuel generation and carbon dioxide utilisation, which are the key energy and environmental challenges facing Australia and the world today. This will provide benefits such as an innovative system of solar energy transformation that will lead to the production of fuels and key chemicals in an efficient, selective and sustainable form, ultimately bringing environmental benefits through much smaller greenhouse gas emissions. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Using natural products to inspire discoveries in synthesis and biosynthesis. This project aims to understand the organic chemistry that occurs in the biosynthesis of unusual antibiotic natural products by marine microorganisms. In an interdisciplinary approach, proposed biosynthetic intermediates will be synthesised and screened against newly isolated enzymes from the microorganisms of interest. This will allow the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways, and aid the discovery of new chemoenzymatic reactivity that may be broadly useful in organic synthesis. Non-enzymatic, predisposed organic reactions will also be uncovered during the project. The benefit of this project will be an improvement in our ability to synthesise potential antibiotics using a combined synthetic organic and chemoenzymatic approach. This could lead to useful new antibiotics in the future. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

High energy density, long life, safe lithium Ion battery for electric cars. This project aims to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, safety, long cycle life, and fast charge capability, using a Ni-rich layered oxide cathode and silicon/carbon composite anode. This lithium-ion battery system is expected to meet 2020 targets for electric vehicles. The project will also investigate the reaction/electrode fading mechanism of the proposed anode/cathode materials for the deep understanding of these electrode materials, and provide guidance for future electrode materials design and battery research. This will provide significant benefits for automotive industries, smart grid, and business in storing renewable energy and better environment and sustainability. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How inhibition shapes human brain oscillations and working memory capacity. This project aims to investigate the link between inhibitory mechanisms, gamma oscillations and working memory in humans. Retaining information in short-term ‘working’ memory is crucial for cognition, influencing our personality and intelligence. However, the brain mechanisms underlying this process are unclear. Evidence from animal/computational research indicates that brain oscillations in high frequency ‘gamma’ bands, which depend on neural inhibition, are critical for working memory. Mapping a path from molecules to cognition will detail how neural mechanisms shape human behavioural performance and guide efforts to enhance memory and cognitive function. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Better predictions of spray flames. This project aims to predict spray flames using experimental and computational modelling of the combustion near burning droplets in spray flames. Spray flames are the dominant source of energy for the transportation sector, and are expected to remain so well into the future. Limited understanding of combustion processes surrounding the burning of the droplets restricts further technological development. This project is expected to enable progress in design tools for spray flame combustors operating on liquid fuels, including bio-fuels. The result will be lower pollutant emissions and lower the cost of design of new engines. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Parametrised gauge theory and positive scalar curvature. This project aims to study innovative extensions of Seiberg-Witten gauge theory with new applications to the topology of metrics of positive scalar curvature on four-dimensional manifolds. Since Atiyah-Bott, Donaldson, Hitchin, and Seiberg-Witten’s work on various equations in gauge theory, profound applications have changed the geometry and topology of low dimensional manifolds. Parametrised index theory has obtained deep results on the topology of metrics of positive scalar curvature in higher dimensions, but these methods do not work in the case of the fourth dimension. This project will develop (parametrised) Seiberg-Witten gauge theory as a new approach to the study of the topology of metrics of positive scalar curvature in four dimensions. Expected outcomes include new invariants related to positive scalar curvature in four dimensions. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The effect of native invasions on Australian fisheries species. This project aims to forecast climate-related changes in the diversity, distribution and abundance of fisheries species. In a changing world where many people depend on oceans for food and livelihood, predicting the future distribution of fisheries species is a challenge. Native invasions and ocean warming are stressing inshore fisheries species, but rigorous empirical data and models that can reliably forecast these effects are lacking. This project intends to reveal the drivers of successful native invasions, evaluate their effect on fish diversity and productivity, and develop holistic models that forecast their effects on inshore fisheries species’ near-future distribution and stocks. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Transnationalism and diaspora. This study aims to incorporate diaspora, circular migration and transnational linkages into demographic concepts of population and migration. Transnationalism’s replacement of permanent movements as the dominant paradigm in migration studies raises questions for demographic measurement and the study of migration. This project will use traditional demographic data with integrated quantitative and qualitative research to analyse the diaspora–migration–development nexus. It will study four countries to understand the characteristics of diasporas, their international linkages and their potential for enhancing development in origin countries. This is expected to generate policy advice on how to maximise the economic potential of diaspora. Field of research: 1603 - Demography