THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Extreme soil acidification and metal release risks from increasing drought. The project aims to study the effects of drought on pH and metal speciation in soils, and develop tools to assess current and future risks. Social and economic well-being depends on good soil and water quality. Climate change makes droughts more frequent and severe, which could cause soil acidification (pH<4) and metal release in many regions. The project will integrate experimental data on the effects of drought on soil geochemistry with hydro-geochemical models, and apply these to national-scale predictions. The intended outcomes are improved management and preparedness for droughts and new research directions for geochemistry. Field of research: 0503 - Soil Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production. This project aims to develop photocatalysts with adjustable nano-structures and compositions to efficiently and stably catalyse water splitting for hydrogen production using sunlight. This project will include theoretical computations to predict the electronic band structure, adsorption energetics and active sites of photocatalysts, and to guide the design and synthesis of high-performance photocatalysts. These photocatalysts are important for clean and cost-effective solar hydrogen production with zero-emission of greenhouse gases. This project could help resolve Australia and the world’s energy and environmental challenges. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Diversity in large crop genomes via enhanced recombination. The project aims to understand genetic and environmental factors that limit how fast genomic combinations can be generated by modifying the recombination rates between chromosomes. Plant breeding is based around genetic diversity, but modern breeding programs have captured only a small proportion of the variation available in wild relatives and land races. Knowledge of diversity in this wild germplasm pool is increasing and the challenge is to quickly and efficiently introduce this variation into elite lines. This project’s findings are expected to transform wheat and barley breeding methods by unlocking the genetic diversity to produce new varieties. This will enhance and protect a critical and valuable rural industry. Field of research: 0703 - Crop and Pasture Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Developing group-based elicitation methods to improve decision making. This project aims to develop an elicitation methodology enabling multiple members of a team to contribute to the same technical problem - enabling expertise to be accurately combined while avoiding group and individual sources of bias. Good elicitation methods minimise bias in estimates and forecasts - which otherwise erode value and lead to sub-optimal decision making. Existing methods, however, ignore group structures; that is that decisions made by, or on, the advice of teams have different characteristics than individual decisions and often preclude the use of methods designed to limit individuals' biases. By encoding the method into a computerised tool the project will assist public and private sector enterprises to improve group decision making. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Naracoorte caves: a critical window on faunal extinctions and past climates. This project aims to establish an unprecedented record of biodiversity and environmental change at Australia’s richest Quaternary fossil site – Naracoorte Caves. The study will integrate all aspects of the preserved deposits, employing new approaches in geochronology, palaeontology and geochemistry to develop truly comprehensive palaeoecological and palaeoclimate histories. This project will establish a benchmark dataset on past ecological and environmental change, strengthening scientific innovation in key research priority areas. It will have significant implications for understanding megafauna extinctions and past biodiversity responses, and will inform future conservation and climate change adaptation strategies. The project will transform the scientific profile of Naracoorte Caves, ensuring socioeconomic benefits to regional communities through education, ecotourism and knowledge marketing. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Mass spectrometry to reveal the role of lipids in protein misfolding. This project aims to develop an integrated mass spectrometry-based approach to determine structures and dynamics of membrane associated proteins, and discover how lipids cause protein misfolding implicated in neurodegeneration. Lipid membranes may influence protein (mis)folding, aggregation and related toxicity. However, the complex and dynamic nature of the lipid-protein interactions involved means traditional methods cannot easily characterise them, and they are poorly understood at a molecular level. The project expects to develop tools to bridge a critical gap in structural biology, while understanding lipid-protein interactions could lead to new therapies. This will ultimately provide benefits such as reduced health costs and better health outcomes. Field of research: 0301 - Analytical Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production. The ARC Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production aims to tackle challenges to wine production through innovative, multi-disciplinary research. Australia’s grape and wine industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, yet in some areas profitability is low. Reasons include extreme weather events, soil salinity and diseases, inefficient practices, a low level of technological innovation and high input costs. New technologies and process efficiencies developed as part of this project will reduce environmental impact, drive production costs down and profits and employment up. The project will mount a suite of industry-led projects to deliver outcomes to boost Australia’s competitiveness as a supplier of sustainably-produced premium branded wine to the world. Field of research: 0706 - Horticultural Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Advances in index theory and applications. The project aims to develop novel techniques to investigate Geometric analysis on infinite dimensional bundles, as well as Geometric analysis of pathological spaces with Cantor set as fibre, that arise in models for the fractional quantum Hall effect and topological matter, areas recognised with the 1998 and 2016 Nobel Prizes. Building on the applicant’s expertise in the area, the project will involve postgraduate and postdoctoral training in order to enhance Australia’s position at the forefront of international research in Geometric Analysis. Ultimately, the project will enhance Australia's leading position in the area of Index Theory by developing novel techniques to solve challenging conjectures, and mentoring HDR students and ECRs. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Dynamic phased array antennas for terahertz detection and ranging. The project aims to create reciprocal electrically-tuneable phased array antennas for terahertz waves. The antennas will comprise varactor diodes, analogue phase shifters, and dielectric resonator arrays to rapidly transmit and receive beams with high directivity and performance. The intended outcome is an integrated platform for short-range terahertz detection and ranging. This platform could be used in personal radar and drone-based radar, and high-contrast standoff detection. The project could benefit public security and welfare. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Tectonic geography of the world's oldest petroleum play, the McArthur Basin. This projects aims to develop a 4D tectonic geography framework to support the effective exploration of the McArthur Basin. This project will construct this by a) investigating the evolving tectonic setting, b) examining intra-basin correlations and trace the source to sink sediment provenance, c) unraveling the depositional geography using novel isotopic proxies, and, d) constructing the subsequent thermal history of the basin. The techniques developed through this project will de-risk the exploration for petroleum in this basin, and be applicable in opening up Proterozoic petroleum elsewhere in Australia and internationally. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Predisposed organic synthesis inspired by the simplicty of nature. The aim of this project is to use the simplicity and efficiency of biosynthesis to inspire the development of new strategies for the synthesis of whole families of related natural products with known antibiotic activity. Natural products with potent antibiotic properties are produced by microorganisms as a means of chemical defence. These complex molecules are biosynthesised from a limited set of simple biosynthetic building blocks via predisposed, complexity generating cascade reactions. The project aims to generate new lead compounds for the advancement of next-generation antibiotics. The synthesis of proposed biosynthetic intermediates would also allow enzymatic studies to help confirm the novel biosynthetic proposals. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Occupational injury prevention in high temperature environments. This project aims to explore the contribution of heat as a risk factor in work-related illness and injury. Approximately 600 000 Australians experience a work-related illness or injury each year. Hot weather may directly or indirectly lead to accidents, but heat as a risk factor has not been systematically explored, and is particularly relevant in a warming climate. This project aims to improve safety and productivity in Australian industry by generating new evidence and predictive models to inform injury prevention policy and guidance, and facilitating the development of practical, targeted resources. This project expects to add to the body of knowledge regarding workers’ health and safety and to be of benefit to industry and subpopulations at risk. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Substrate-integrated wearable antennas for unobtrusive activity monitoring. This project aims to develop a novel class of wearable textile antennas that can form robust connections with miniature battery-less motion sensors for non-invasive activity monitoring of older people. In contrast to bulky body worn sensors that must be strapped on, it is anticipated that the garment-integrated textile antennas patterned through computerised embroidery will lead to low-cost, low-profile, and flexible antennas that are truly wearable with exceptional performance and scalable manufacturing techniques. The outcomes from the project are expected to underpin innovative applications, such as aged care, providing a means for caregivers to automatically monitor health and physical activity and intervene as required. Such applications would support ageing Australians to live with greater independence and safety. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Dynamic adaptive software configuration. The aim of this project is to use computational intelligence in software engineering processes to achieve self-optimising products. Many mobile device users bemoan inadequate battery life, and device size is largely determined by the battery. In addition, information and communications technology uses six per cent of the global electricity production. The expected outputs of this project will be packages of optimisation components that software engineers can incorporate into next generation products: the products analyse their collected usage data, perform what-if analyses, and optimise their configurations accordingly for the next usage period. Hence, the products may respond faster, be more reliable, and consume less energy. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Quantifying yeast cell mechanisms: filamentous growth and biofilm formation. This project aims to quantify the cellular mechanisms of yeast growth to advance our understanding of these organisms and support strategies to prevent and treat disease. Although yeasts are some of the most studied organisms in biology, their modes of filamentous growth and biofilm formation are not fully understood. Yeasts such as the Candida species cause potentially lethal infections through filamentous invasion of tissues. The project plans to develop methods to quantify the mechanisms driving these growth processes. These methods will be designed to permit classification and selection of strain-specific properties of yeasts, providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms controlling cellular and colonial morphology in the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the most important yeast in both biotechnology and bioscience. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Bio-inspired Computing for Problems with Dynamically Changing Constraints. The aim of this project is to design bio-inspired computing methods for dynamically changing environments. Dynamic problems arise frequently in the areas of engineering, logistics, and manufacturing. Such problems are usually subject to a large set of constraints that change over time due to changes in resources. Algorithms that can deal with such dynamic changes would benefit decision-makers. The project aims to provide a foundational theory as the basis for the design of bio-inspired algorithms dealing with dynamically changing constraints and provide approaches for dealing with important industrial problems. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Male to female sperm signalling – a new role for sperm in reproduction? Male seminal fluid is commonly thought simply to provide sperm for conception. This project aims to investigate a lesser known action of sperm: modifying the female immune response to increase the chances of reproductive success. The project aims to define the molecular pathway through which sperm interact with female cells, particularly how B-defensins on sperm bind to Toll-like receptors to stimulate female immune tolerance. The project plans to use embryo transfer and genetic mouse models to determine the physiological benefit of sperm signalling. Evidence that seminal fluid signalling operates in mammals to ensure optimal female reproductive investment would advance knowledge of the male contribution to the reproductive process. Field of research: 0702 - Animal Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Safeguarding Australia’s heritage masonry buildings from earthquake attack. The project aims to improve the guidance provided in Australian and New Zealand design codes for the seismic capacity assessment of heritage masonry buildings. The majority of culturally significant heritage buildings in Australia are constructed of unreinforced masonry, and all of these buildings were erected before seismic design guidelines or requirements existed. The risk posed by earthquakes to these important buildings is significant – as highlighted by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake where both major cathedrals in the city were heavily damaged. The project aims to develop an analysis and design method that accounts for the material properties and non-typical structural layouts used in heritage stone and clay brick masonry buildings that are most relevant to seismic response. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Synthetic biology tools for integration into bacterial chromosomes. The aim of the project is to develop a set of versatile chromosomal integration tools for bacteria, enabling rapid development of novel biological outputs. A major goal in the emerging discipline of synthetic biology is to apply engineering principles to the design and construction of new biological entities such as proteins, genetic circuits and cells. Custom-designed genetic circuits, integrated in an appropriate host genome, hold enormous economic potential for applications ranging from biomedicine to biofuel production. This project aims to help synthetic biologists to embed made-to-order circuits in appropriate host cells to act as living factories, potentially replacing industrial processes which are currently environmentally and economically costly. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Subsurface fluid flow through fractures in sedimentary basins. This project aims to improve understanding of subsurface fluid transport through fractures. Fractures in rock provide interconnected, hydraulically conductive networks enabling large-volume fluid transport through sedimentary basins. The ability of a fracture to transmit fluid is primarily controlled by the in situ stress field, but also by rock strength, fracture plane orientation and roughness and pore-fluid pressure. We have a good understanding of in situ stress within many sedimentary basins, but know very little about the nature and origin of natural fractures. This project aims to provide a detailed, quantitative understanding of the nature and origin of natural fractures in the subsurface, which is critical for predicting fluid migration within aquifers, carbon dioxide storage sites, and geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoirs. Field of research: 0403 - Geology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

A formal signal detection model of eyewitness identification. The project aims to aid in producing better procedures for the collection and assessment of eyewitness identification evidence. In a police line-up, a witness is asked to identify a perpetrator from a group of similar individuals. Applied research has focused on conditions that optimise witness performance but many of the conclusions from this research have been challenged on the basis that they use inappropriate measures of performance. Recent work has highlighted the usefulness of analyses based on the theory of signal detection. However, the line-up task does not fit easily within standard signal detection paradigms as it combines two tasks; detection and identification. The project aims to understand how these components work in order to measure witness performance. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Probabilistic Graphical Models For Interventional Queries. The project intends to develop methods to suggest how to optimally intervene so that the future state of the system will best suit our interests. The power of probabilistic graphical models to model complex relationships and interactions among a large number of variables facilitates many applications. However, such models only aim to understand the underlying environment. What is ultimately needed in many real-world applications is to suggest how we ought to intervene or act, so as to alter the environment to best suit our interests. The proposed project aims to achieve this using probabilistic graphical models on massive real-world data sets, thus facilitating a variety of applications from health care to commerce and the environment. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Skeletal endocrine signalling in the regulation of glucose metabolism. This project seeks to explore a highly novel and interesting recent development in bone biology: the fact that the skeleton is a central regulator of glucose metabolism. Currently, the mechanisms involved in this process remain unclear. mTORC1 has been identified as a signalling pathway in bone cells that modulates glucose metabolism. This project plans to selectively delete mTORC1 in the bone cells of mice to examine how skeletal mTORC1 signalling regulates glucose metabolism, and identify novel pathways and circulating factors involved in this process. These studies may provide greater understanding of the basic biology of glucose metabolism, and may have applications in animal husbandry and the future management of diabetes. Field of research: 0606 - Physiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Cell wall structure and dynamics in emerging fungal pathogens of crops. The project aims to understand the role of fungal cell wall biosynthetic enzymes in cell wall stability. The fungal cell wall is a dynamic structure whose composition constantly changes in response to biotic and abiotic stresses and at different developmental stages. The devastating fungal crop pathogen Fusarium graminearum is responsible for the head blight disease in cereals. The project aims to understand the molecular events that govern metabolism and dynamics of the cell wall of F. graminearum. The project also plans to characterise the molecular interactions involved in plant defence against fungal pathogens and fungal responses to plant immune factors called defensins. Expected long-term outcomes include the development of novel strategies for disease control and crop protection. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

A new history of law in post-revolutionary England (c.1689-1760). This project seeks to recover and reassess the general history of English law during the seven decades following the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89, when limited monarchy, parliamentary government and the rule of law became new constitutional norms for an emergent imperial British state (and, eventually, for Australia). It aims to chart the modes of law and governance variously experienced, created and used by lay men and women, husbands, wives and children, as well as by judges, lawyers, legislators and ministers. The results of this conceptual investigation, which aims to re-interpret the history of English law and government in the broadest possible way, is planned to appear as Volume IX in the Oxford History of the Laws of England series. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies