THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Using large scale modelling to understand reading development and dyslexia. This project aims to construct a computational model of reading that makes quantitative predictions about reading behaviour and dyslexia. It will test theories of reading development and dyslexia based on what they predict in terms of reading performance, predictions which many theories of dyslexia do not make. The model will be in English, French and Italian, which offer rich and constraining data to test the model. The project is expected to explain the link between reading performance and underlying influences and why dyslexia manifests differently in different languages. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Fuzzy modelling and design of complex networked systems. This project aims to develop analysis and synthesis approaches for non-linear networked control systems, including modelling, stability analysis and design problems. The non-linear effects and analysis of networked control systems have received considerable attention because of the universal existence of nonlinearities in practice. Network-based non-linear systems are widely used but face problems from non-linearities and networks. This project will establish a software-based nonlinear networked control system platform to test the presented algorithms and strengthen the scenarios in applications. This project is expected to increase Australian excellence in cyber-security and advanced manufacturing. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Metal-organic frameworks at the biointerface. This project aims to understand the chemistry that governs the crystallisation of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) around functional biomacromolecules and explore these bio-composites’ uses. Functional biomacromolecules, such as proteins, could be applied to biotechnology and Industrial biocatalysis. The project will develop MOF-encapsulated biocatalytic platform materials that allow inherently fragile biomacromolecules to remain active in conditions needed for industrial processes. This project could advance the widespread commercial application of biocatalysts and biosensors. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

High-resolution pipeline condition assessment using hydraulic transients. This project aims to develop urgently needed non-invasive methods to assess fine detail of a pipe’s condition and allow ‘just in time’ predictive repair. Water distribution networks are society's most important infrastructure asset. They consist of buried pipes that are often old and deteriorating, and annual maintenance overhead exceeds $1 billion per year in Australia alone. The project will develop cost-effective powerful tools to identify faults, such as pipe wall corrosion and blockages, while allowing operational continuity. The expected outcome is high-resolution images of wall condition of pipes using high-frequency pressure transients and sophisticated fibre optic sensor arrays. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Liquefaction of silty soils: Micromechanics, modelling and prediction. The project aims to develop a numerical approach to understand liquefaction in silty soils. Liquefaction of silty soils in submarine landslides, mine tailings dam failures and cargo liquefaction in vessels carrying iron/nickel ores can cause property loss and be fatal. This project will bridge the behaviours across the scales and deliver constitutive models that possess grain scale mechanisms for better prediction of liquefaction induced failure at the large scales. The expected outcomes are liquefaction criteria for silty soils with different silt contents and numerical tools to predict the onset of liquefaction and flow of liquefied soils. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

T-duality and K-theory: Unity of condensed matter and string theory. This project aims to uncover deep mathematical structures which underlie recent discoveries at the forefront of string theory and condensed matter physics, using K-theory and T-duality as guiding themes. Inspired by string theory, T-duality techniques and geometric Fourier-Mukai transforms will be developed to study topological phases of matter. Similarly, topological materials motivate the detailed study of real twisted K-theory and T-duality, which are then applicable to orientifold string theories. Anticipated outcomes include a deeper understanding of the theory of topological materials and its connection to string theory, and well-motivated mathematics widely applicable to the physical sciences. This understanding paves the way for novel technological applications. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Integrated photo and thermal catalysis for economic carbon dioxide conversion to fuels. The project aims to develop an integrated process for simultaneously photo- and thermal-catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and water vapour to hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals using solar light and waste heat from flue gas. This project will design and make multi-functional catalysts based on zirconium metal organic frameworks, incorporating quantum dots and metal nanoclusters. This project is expected to develop an advanced materials system, reduce carbon dioxide and use it to produce fuel, and harness solar energy. The project should advance Australia’s leading role in reducing carbon emission, and producing clean energy and nanotechnology. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Improving salt tolerance by optimising ion transport in chloroplasts. This project aims to discover the ion transport mechanisms and their molecular origins in chloroplasts that differentiate halophytes from glycophytes, allowing halophytes to optimise photosynthesis during salt stress. Yield losses in crop plants are linked to the effects of salt stress on their chloroplasts, but some plants maintain growth and yield irrespective of high soil salinity. This project will use biophysics to characterise mutants deficient in targeted chloroplast transporters, comparing a model glycophyte and closely related halophyte. The expected outcome of these fundamental molecular is salt-tolerant crop plants. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Bacterial glycan biosynthesis. This project aims to understand bacterial glycan biosynthesis. Bacteria produce complex polysaccharides, such as O antigens, critical to their interactions with their environment. Bacterial polysaccharides are used as vaccines, lubricants in oil drilling and food gelling agents. This project aims to find out how membrane proteins work together by using molecular genetic and biochemical approaches to identify amino acids in proteins that affect their interaction and O antigen polymerisation. This project will create fundamental knowledge on mechanisms in polysaccharide biosynthesis and improve processes that produce and use bacterial polysaccharides, building intellectual property that can be commercialised for the benefit of society. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A signalling pathway for future crop improvement. This project aims to decipher a mechanism that controls plant gas exchange – the process that emits oxygen, loses water, absorbs carbon dioxide and is essential for plant growth for food, fibre and fuel production. When plants encounter stressful conditions such as drought, high temperatures or flooding, they adapt their physiology to maintain viability and re-establish growth. This project will manipulate stress-induced gamma-aminobutyric acid’s capacity to control plant gas exchange to help secure future food production, through improving crop tolerance to stresses such as low water availability and high temperatures – conditions associated with a changing Australian climate. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Taming light and electrons in optical fibres. This project aims to add electrical conduction functionality to optical fibres to manipulate light with electrons and vice versa in a photonics platform, which could bridge the gap between photonics and electronics. It will achieve electrical conduction in optical fibres by creating conductive phases within and onto glass using fibre drawing and polymerisation. The project is expected to lead to breakthroughs in fundamental science at the interfaces between photonics, electronics and materials engineering, and develop optical fibres that change functionalities and applications of optical fibre devices. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Non-coding RNAs in mammalian reproduction. This project aims to investigate the role of non-coding RNAs in mammalian sex chromosome biology and reproduction. Non-protein coding RNAs are a major regulatory mechanism in eukaryotic genomes; they can bind other RNAs or chromatin modifying complexes. However, the evolutionary trajectory and function of non-coding RNAs in sex chromosome biology and sexual development is largely unknown. This project will study non-coding RNAs in Australian mammals to try to answer fundamental questions about how non-coding RNAs function in mammalian sexual development. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Design of the cardiovascular system of living and fossil vertebrates. This project aims to understand how the heart and blood vessels evolved in mammals, birds, reptiles and fish to achieve efficiency. The heart is the most important organ for life. The project will study the structure and function of vertebrate animals’ hollow and spongy hearts to show how energetics shaped their evolution. It will measure arterial holes in bone to gauge brain and bone metabolism, which opens up a new way to measure metabolism in extinct animals directly from fossils, rather than by inference from living relatives. The expected outcome is to correlate cardiovascular design and metabolic rates of organs. Field of research: 0606 - Physiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Advanced digital image correlation facility. This project aims to establish a facility that analyses three-dimensional and transient events for nearly any type of application, material and size scale. Digital Image correlation technologies are widely used to measure displacements and strains due to their accuracy, robustness, versatility and overall ease of use. This project will characterise materials from quasi-static to ballistic range of loading, crucial to develop and validate advanced analytical and numerical models. The proposed infrastructure is expected to enhance experimental capabilities, and foster collaborative research across mechanical, civil, mining, sports, aerospace, automotive, marine and materials engineering. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A regional optical dating facility in Australia. This project aims to establish an open access, end-user friendly optical dating facility in Australia. This will address shortcomings in the capacity and geographical coverage of the existing national geochronology infrastructure and enable Australian researchers to reconstruct past records of climate change, human evolution, ecological vulnerabilities, natural and man-made hazards and environmental disturbance over historical to near-million-year timeframes. This project is expected to increase commercial demand for geoscience services and lead to better understanding of Australia’s natural heritage and its long-term vulnerabilities. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Efficiency maps for electric machines in electric vehicles. This project aims to improve methods for calculating and predicting efficiency maps, which describe how the efficiency of electric machines varies depending on their operating point. It will interpret and model their features, and link the design parameters to the resultant efficiency map. This project will consider machines including synchronous (permanent magnet, reluctance and wound-field) and induction types. Electric machines are normally designed for a single operating point, usually at rated torque and speed. The results are expected to improve machine design to give the best performance in typical driving conditions. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

TREX-mediated nuclear mRNA export in neuronal differentiation and function. This project aims to study nucleus-to-cytoplasm information flow and the cellular toolbox required for this process. To ensure competitive growth and survival, plant and animal cells have sophisticated mechanisms of information transfer. One such process is efficient export of molecules from the cell nucleus (the coding space) to the cell cytoplasm (the protein synthesis space). This project will use a cell-based system that can precisely control different aspects of the toolbox performance to understand this process. The knowledge and resources generated can be used to develop products or services with tangible economic and health benefits. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How social relationships improve sheep productivity. This project aims to determine how the social network structure of a flock and different individuals’ experience and leadership abilities improve a population’s well-being and productivity (wool clip and lambing rates). This project will use social network theory and collective behaviour in animals to manage sheep in Australia’s arid rangelands, which are important for the pastoral industry, but where ecological challenges reduce livestock productivity. An expected outcome is management guidelines for the sheep industry to improve wool and meat production. Field of research: 0702 - Animal Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

An integrated molecular approach to human evolution. This project aims to use the power of High Throughput Sequencing to investigate a range of genetic mechanisms that facilitate rapid human adaptation to diverse environments. This project expects to create the first ultra-high-quality Aboriginal Australian reference genome using Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing, which will expand the known range of human genomic and non-genomic variation. The results should offer the first detailed, long-term reconstruction of the evolutionary history of human adaptability to specific environmental and cultural stressors. Importantly, the translation of the results to biomedical research will shed new light on the origins of modern diseases. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Adelaide Flow Cytometry Facility. This project aims to provide high-throughput fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and cytometric analysis with diverse applications in biological sciences. The project will expand an existing Gene Silencing and Expression (GSEx) Facility to sort and analyse cells, interfacing with genetic manipulation, genomics and pyrosequencing in an established service structure. This project is expected to advance eukaryotic cell biology, plant biology and microbiology, and lead to innovation in stem cell technologies, animal breeding, food production and nutrition, mitigating environment change, and health. These outcomes are expected to boost Australia’s industries in tertiary education, primary production and technologies in the food / health / economy nexus. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The Cherenkov Telescope Array - Production phase. This project aims to ensure Australia’s contribution to the five-year production phase of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a very high energy gamma-ray astronomy instrument that is expected to transform both high energy astrophysics and astro-particle physics. Gamma-ray astronomy probes extreme processes in the Universe such as exploding stars, black holes, and mysterious dark matter. The project will maintain Australian access to all data and key science programmes of the CTA. Australian astronomers will be able to directly influence the major astrophysics goals of CTA, and link in with Australia's flagship astronomical infrastructure. This is expected to benefit astrophysics, big data processing, electronics, atmospheric physics and optics. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Breaking bandwidth barriers: Non-volatile tuneable terahertz metamaterials. This project aims to investigate non-volatile tuneable terahertz (THz) metamaterials, based on the exploitation of phase change materials. Tuneable metamaterial-based THz devices, such as filters and modulators, could generate significant downstream intellectual property for wireless applications. This fills a critical need to meet the increasing demand for greater bandwidth between desktop devices. Expected outcomes include understanding the interaction between THz signals and phase change materials, tuneable metamaterials, and devices that can steer and modulate THz signals with unprecedented agility and compactness, enabling future high-bandwidth Bluetooth-like data transfer. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

High-throughput technology targeting antimicrobial resistance in animals. This project aims to establish reference laboratories as biobanks for resistant isolate collections from veterinary diagnostic laboratories / surveillance programmes and a national research network to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in animals. Antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic/foodborne pathogens and livestock commensals is a global issue. This project will use mass-spectroscopy biotypers, information management software, robotic liquid handling and a research dairy to develop high-throughput screening technologies to rapidly determine major animal species’ resistance status, and research anti-infectives and vaccines for livestock diseases. This will improve the health and production of Australian livestock, leading to greater market access for high quality products. Field of research: 0707 - Veterinary Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Zero-shot and few-shot learning with deep knowledge transfer. This project aims to develop few-shot and zero-shot learning, visual recognition techniques that can learn a visual concept with few or no visual examples. Visual recognition is a major component in Artificial Intelligence and used in cybernetic security, robotic vision and medical image analysis. This project will use deep learning to enable the zero/few-shot learning to use and model previously unexplored information, making zero/few-shot learning more practical, scalable and flexible. The project is expected to advance the applicability of visual recognition in many challenging scenarios and provide effective tools to analyse the online visual data for supporting Australia’s cybernetic security. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Fully-integrated fibre-based platform for a quantum information network. This project aims to combine Australia’s pioneering work developing specialised atom-filled optical fibres with world-leading quantum information storage protocols to probe the extreme limits of atom-light interactions. This will enable the creation of a compact, robust and modular node to efficiently store and process packets of optical quantum information. The node will integrate directly with current communications infrastructure, enabling the creation of a quantum Internet - the vital missing ingredient needed to overcome experimental hurdles that limit quantum technologies. This project is expected to enable the rapid uptake of quantum technology, boosting Australia’s capacity in this burgeoning field. Field of research: 0206 - Quantum Physics