THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

428.004 - Defence research and policy Category: Defence

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

Sustainable recycling of critical metals from discarded mobile devices Category: Scientific Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

Sustainable recycling of critical metals from discarded mobile devices Category: Scientific Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

Australian Marine Parks Round 4 Category: Natural Resources - Conservation and Protection

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2024 · 2024-06

Australian Marine Parks Round 4 Category: Natural Resources - Conservation and Protection

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Open-world computer vision by detecting and tracking hierarchical objects. This project examines the problem of detecting and tracking objects using computer vision. A fundamental limitation of current algorithms is that they require labelled training data for every object class and therefore cannot be trusted to operate in unconstrained environments. This project aims to address this limitation using novel techniques that incorporate hierarchical relationships between object classes. Expected outcomes include new paradigms for algorithm design and evaluation, and establishing the problem as a focus of international research. The key practical benefit would be to accelerate the wider deployment of visual perception in applications such as autonomous vehicles, interactive robotics, and video analysis. Field of research: 4603 - Computer Vision and Multimedia Computation Computer vision systems based on machine learning enable computers to perceive the world through cameras. However, existing systems can only reliably see the objects which they were trained to recognise. This project will develop new computer vision systems that can detect and track any type of object. This will be achieved by considering the more general task of learning to decompose an image into a hierarchy of objects and sub-objects. Critically, the development of this technology will enable computer vision to operate in unconstrained environments. It will enhance Australia’s global standing in artificial intelligence and unleash its immense potential for applications to benefit various domains, such as waterways and biodiversity monitoring, cost reduction in autonomous vehicles and driver assistance, improved public safety at large events, and the implementation of robotics in agriculture and waste management. Results will be communicated through international conferences on computer vision and artificial intelligence as well as through public and industry presentations to the wider Australian public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Designing Multi-Metallic Compound Electrocatalysts for Chemicals Production. This project aims to design highly active, specifically selective, satisfactorily stable catalysts based on advanced ionic compound materials for carbon dioxide (CO2) electroreduction. Innovations are expected in the multi-metallic composition to ensure catalytic performance while maintain stability under electrochemical conditions. With assistance of artificial-intelligence approaches, numerous atomic-scale modelling, speed-up theoretical simulation and rational screening can be achieved. Expected outcomes include providing guidance in elemental composition ratio and suitable reaction conditions for experiments. Benefits include reduced CO2 to fight climate change and increased green-fuel production for sustainable growth of Australia. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Using electricity to transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemical compounds offers a promising approach to turning excess carbon into valuable chemicals and further mitigating the pressing carbon emission issues. The bottleneck challenge of this process is to identify efficient catalyst materials with suitable elemental compositions and ratios. Combining artificial intelligence (AI) and computational chemistry tools, we aim to develop a programming-based platform that can rapidly screen and intelligent design high-performance catalysts to boost CO2 conversion that is urgently needed in the energy conversion field and can be directly adopted by the energy industry. The findings including new knowledge generated in the fields of catalysis, advanced materials, and AI applications will be widely disseminated to the academic community, industry and the general public through publications, public talks and social media outlets to enable translation. Project outcomes will help address future challenges in CO2 reduction, sustainable development, environmental and economic benefits in Australia and beyond.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

An ion mobility-mass spectrometry based platform for structural proteomics. This project aims to establish a nationally unique facility dedicated to structural proteomics, combining high resolution ion mobility mass spectrometry with advanced separation, hydrogen/deuterium exchange and imaging platforms. Such technology is critical to characterise 3D biomacromolecular structures, dynamics, interactions and spatial location on a proteome-wide scale, and overcome current analytical limitations for structure determination from complex biological samples, particularly for closely related (isomeric) components. Servicing a diverse research community, this will enable new molecular insights to better understand the natural world, and accelerate cutting edge biotechnology advances intersecting life and chemical sciences. Field of research: 3401 - Analytical Chemistry Proteins regulate essentially all biochemical processes critical to cellular life. Our ability to understand and modulate biological function is therefore directly dependent on an ability to determine the structure and interactions of these molecules at an atomic level. This is an unsolved frontier challenge, particularly for closely related, difficult to resolve structures, and the many systems in complex biological samples not amenable to study by conventional methods. This project aims to develop new analytical capabilities to rapidly profile the 3D structures and dynamic interactions of proteins on an organism-wide scale, with a pipeline from discovery to functional understanding. It will address unmet national need for dedicated mass spectrometry-based structural proteomics infrastructure, to tackle interdisciplinary cutting-edge problems across chemistry, health/life sciences, food and agricultural sciences. Resulting molecular insights will accelerate translation of fundamental collaborative research to real benefits to Australian industries and communities, enabling growth in Australian biotechnology, agriculture and advanced manufacturing sectors through enhanced biomolecule analysis, and deliver research training to build a skilled national workforce. We will engage technology end-users through local workshops, open-source data/software and online protocol sharing, and disseminate results to the scientific and local community through varied print/electronic means.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

All-temperature aqueous zinc ion batteries for stationary energy storage. The aim of this project, which partners with IonDrive Technologies, is to design harsh-temperature-adaptable aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) for application in the booming stationary energy storage market. This will be achieved by novel electrolyte solvation structure design, advanced cathode preparation, and adjustable in-situ solid electrolyte interphase, followed by pilot-scale demonstration. Project success will provide an all-temperature AZIBs system for renewable and stationary energy storage, reinforcing Australia’s research strength in promoting clean and sustainable energy technology. It will bring both scientific and economic benefits to Australia, including promoting green energy pathways to mitigate climate change. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Widening the operational temperature range is an urgent requirement for grid-scale battery storage that is expected to experience significant growth in demand over the next decade with the expansion of renewable energy. The emerging safe and low-cost rechargeable aqueous zinc ion battery (AZIB) is one of the most competitive candidates to lithium ion for stationary deployment. However, its adoption is currently limited by performance degradation at extreme temperatures. This industry project will design AZIBs with a wide operational temperature range, long calendar life and high energy density. Working with Iondrive Technologies P/L these research outcomes will be disseminated through publications, patents, and large battery cells. The research will yield multifaceted benefits, including expanding Australia’s ability to develop practical AZIBs, developing new research frontiers and leading to the development of technology platforms for high-efficiency and scalable energy-storage devices. This will have the potential to drive long-term economic prosperity, create jobs and promote green energy uptake. Finally, Australia also has an enormous opportunity in the global energy transition to benefit from its natural zinc mineral resources, which are the largest in the world.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Probing Electrochemical Interface in CO2 reduction by Operando Computation. This project aims to explore the structure and dynamics of electrochemical interfaces using operando computational techniques, reveal the influence of catalyst structure and electrolyte environment on catalytic performance, and propose effective design strategies to facilitate the conversion of CO2 to high value-added fuels and chemicals. Innovations are expected in the new mechanism and rational design of electrocatalysts. Expected outcomes include the discovery of new mechanisms at the electrochemical interface, the effect of local environmental changes on catalytic performance, and effective strategies for C2+ product. Benefits include a sustainable future for Australia with decreased CO2 emissions and increased green-fuel production. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Global concerns about depleting fossil fuels and rising carbon emissions have created an urgent need for technologies that can convert carbon dioxide (CO2) efficiently using renewable energy sources, however, there is a significant knowledge gap about the optimal catalyst to facilitate this conversion process. Using advanced computational techniques, this project aims to study the catalyst structure and dynamic behaviour, investigate how the structure and the surrounding environment impact its performance, and provide catalyst design strategies to facilitate the conversion of CO2 to valuable fuels and chemicals. To enable its translation and adoption, we will share the findings with academics and the broader public via publications, conferences, and workshops, and explore real-life applications with industries that will further advance the development of cutting-edge sustainable technologies. This project will not only provide cutting-edge strategies for achieving highly efficient CO2 conversion technology but also place Australia at the forefront in combating carbon emissions and addressing climate change.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Cobalt-free nickel-based lithium-ion battery cathodes for electric vehicles. Current electric vehicles encounter challenges related to range anxiety and price premiums, primarily stemming from the limitations of lithium-ion batteries. Working with the key industry partner, this project aims to develop low-cost, high-energy, and durable lithium-ion batteries to advance electric vehicle technology through the creation of competitive cobalt-free, ultrahigh-nickel battery cathode materials. This project expects to elevate the technology readiness level of this promising candidate from 3 to 6 and expedite its integration into electric vehicle models. This project offers substantial opportunities for Australia to establish global leadership in battery manufacturing and to add high values to Australia’s mining products. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Attaining carbon neutrality is an urgent imperative for Australia, with a substantial shift to electric transportation at its core. The development of electric vehicles (EVs) currently depends on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), while LIBs face issues of high fabrication cost and unsatisfactory battery performance, resulting from the reliance on costly cobalt and limited battery energy density, respectively. This project aims to develop cobalt-free and ultrahigh-nickel battery cathode materials that feature cost effectiveness and high battery performance by novel structural and surface modifications to promote the advancement of EV technologies. This project will build a comprehensive and clear roadmap of cathode material productions and unveil their working mechanism during battery functioning. Through intellectual property licensing and close industry collaboration, these competitive materials will replace existing cathodes in EVs, ushering in sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance electric transportation. In addition to enhancing Australia’s capabilities in the EV industry and integrating Australia into the global LIB supply chain, this project holds the potential to create numerous job opportunities and contribute to the long-term economic prosperity. Furthermore, it offers a significant opportunity for Australia to harness its abundant natural resources, including lithium, nickel, and manganese, to further enrich industry from its mineral wealth.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

Decoding airborne volatiles in environmental smoke that taint wine. Smoke-taint in grapes is recognised as the most important agricultural production risk to national, and international, winemakers. This project aims to minimise risk to the wine sector by focussing not on grapes, but on the smoke itself. This Fellowship seeks to generate new data and capability to detect and measure volatiles in smoke at the time of exposure, to inform evidence-based strategies for assessing real-time smoke-taint risk to support Partner service offerings and industry decision-making. Further, it expects to co-develop commercial vineyard sensors through Partner collaborations, while also providing new information to enhance smoke forecasting by Partners, and burn management strategies to benefit grape-growers. Field of research: 3008 - Horticultural Production Bushfires, stubble burns, and controlled burns all pose major risks to the international winemaking industry. Smelly volatile chemicals in the smoke are absorbed by grapes, making them unfit for winemaking. Australia’s vignerons have suffered $1.4B in losses in winegrape quality from smoke damage over the last 20 years and the problem is only expected to get worse with climate change. Currently, grapes need to be ripe before testing, so growers need to maintain crops for several months only to find that they are worthless at harvest. This project aims to develop new capabilities to detect and measure volatile agents directly in smoke, allowing growers to make more cost-effective vineyard management decisions and mitigate risk. This will result in tangible benefits to the wine industry, such as, the preservation of wine quality, reduced waste and reduced costs. I will work with the Australian Wine Research Institute to develop state-of-the-art analytical protocols to identify and measure trace levels of smoke volatiles known to damage winegrapes. I will work with wine industry partners to translate this new technology into commercial sensors that can be installed in vineyards. Further opportunities with the National Smoke Forecasting system being developed by CSIRO will involve me integrating the research data into the Air Quality Forecasting System.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

ARC Training Centre in Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (CE-QuTech). This Training Centre aims to provide technical and leadership skills to our next generation of quantum technology leaders, advancing Australia’s presence in current quantum technologies, and innovating and implementing new ones. In close collaboration with universities and industry members, and with strategic guidance, the Centre will address the Defence and Enabling Technologies needed in Australia as these technologies grow world-wide at an accelerated pace. The outcomes of training future quantum technology leaders in areas touching engineering, physics and biology are the broad shaping of the high-technology landscape in Australia as the quantum economy expands, and provide protection for our economic and political future. Field of research: 5108 - Quantum Physics Quantum technologies are ground-breaking due to their harnessing of quantum mechanics, enabling unprecedented computational power, ultra-secure communication, and transformative advancements in sensing, materials, and industry applications. They are an area of national research excellence in Australia and of critical strategic importance for key areas such as defence, commerce, health, and the environment. There is an immediate need within Australian industries for highly skilled staff in quantum technologies. The Training Centre for Current and Emerging Quantum Technologies will be focused on developing novel quantum technologies by combining semiconductors, photonics, and quantum materials to drive the development of quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing. The Centre will train future leaders in partnership with key industry players. Working together with our 6 industry partners, we will solve their biggest quantum challenges. These partners will commercialise the Centre’s research outcomes and bring new products to market that will benefit all Australians and position Australia “to generate over $4 billion and 16,000 jobs by 2040“ from quantum technologies. Centre outcomes will also be disseminated through public engagement and outreach via public and high-school lectures, explaining the ideas and benefits of quantum technologies and the nature of quantum light.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

New approaches to combat the misuse of blacklists as tools of repression. This project aims to define the extent of malicious blacklisting used by authoritarian states and their alliances to justify persecution of dissenters/minorities. The problem is growing, as full democracies become less prevalent and as global non-government organisations are increasingly targeted. Using innovative machine learning tools to decipher hidden blacklisting regimes, this research will deliver the first comprehensive, publicly available and searchable dataset of global blacklists; strong political analysis of norms for current blacklisting modalities; and, critically, policies to challenge or avoid malicious blacklisting. Outputs are likely to benefit international governance and support Australia’s commitments to human rights. Field of research: 4408 - Political Science Blacklisting is the mechanism endorsed by the United Nations (UN) to designate ‘enemies of the state’ and legitimise subsequent punishment. However, blacklisting is being increasingly misused by authoritarian regimes to constrain civil freedoms and commit human rights abuses against dissenters/minority groups, not just within their borders but globally. Increasingly, non-government organisations (NGOs) that operate within these states are also being targeted, compromising their continued operation and the personal safety of their members. This project tackles this issue by analysing and laying bare the full extent of blacklisting abuses. It will develop new policies and norms to combat or avoid malicious blacklisting by authoritarian states and their allies. A new international network of NGOs and academic scholars will be convened to test the resulting policy recommendations, prior to their publication in a Handbook to be launched at the UN along with a searchable database of global blacklists. These outputs will be paired with user-guides to maximise uptake and utility, ensuring this research can be effectively integrated into global policy. Social and traditional media will be used to share key research findings with the public. This project thus contributes towards Australia’s commitments to the UN to promote good governance and stronger democratic institutions as well as to protect freedom of expression and advance the human rights of indigenous peoples and human rights

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2024 · 2024-01

A new wave for growing viable oocytes in vitro. This project aims to transform how ovarian follicles are grown in the laboratory using an innovative method: suspension using sound. The project expects to generate new knowledge on crucial steps in mammalian development and how to provide optimal conditions for follicle culture using newly developed acoustic technology. Expected outcomes include the development of new platforms to monitor and optimise growth of the developing follicle, ultimately increasing how many viable eggs can be grown from stored ovarian tissue. This should provide significant benefits across disciplines with potential application to threatened species protection and economic benefit through development of novel, next-generation reproductive biotechnologies. Field of research: 3109 - Zoology The ovarian follicle is vital for the growth of healthy eggs, and thus important in the cycle of life. Current methods for growing follicles in the lab have a low success rate for producing eggs that can lead to a live birth. This project will address this issue with a novel approach: using sound to suspend follicles within liquid. This removes the weaknesses of current methods by maintaining the natural structure of the follicle and permitting free exchange of nutrients and waste. Optimising follicle culture conditions is expected to lead to an increased number of healthy eggs. The storage of ovarian tissue and subsequent growth of follicles in the laboratory can be used to produce healthy eggs for transfer to recipients. Improving this process is expected to have many benefits: for endangered species it may increase numbers and improve genetic diversity. This method may also be used to produce more offspring with desirable traits in livestock, presenting opportunities to enhance economic growth in Australia. New scientific knowledge from this project will be commercialised, creating new jobs. Awareness of this research will be raised through articles in national and international newspapers, on various social media outlets and by TV/radio interviews. These will showcase the work and emphasise the importance of reproductive technologies to enhance agricultural output and protect endangered species.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Heterogeneous Molecular Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Conversion. This project aims to develop a series of structure-tailored, activity-enhanced and selectivity-oriented heterogeneous molecular catalysts for efficiently converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into value-added fuels and chemicals. Innovations are expected in the rational design and engineering of materials, new mechanistic findings from computation and in-situ characterisation, and breakthroughs in CO2 conversion. Expected outcomes include new synthesis methods, innovative multi-structural engineering strategies, thorough reaction mechanism understanding, and high-performance commercially-relevant CO2 reduction electrolysis. Benefits include a sustainable future for Australia with decreased CO2 emissions and increased green-fuel production. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology Conventional use of fossil fuels and industrial production of chemicals consume significant energy and generate huge carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This project will develop a new CO2 conversion technology called electroreduction. It will use advanced materials to efficiently convert CO2 into green fuels via renewable electricity, providing an attractive solution for the manufacturing industry to reduce use of fossil fuels and production of CO2. The benefits of this research are a more sustainable future for Australia’s manufacturing industries, with decreased CO2 emissions. There will also be commercial opportunities for the renewable energy sector to use this technology to produce green chemicals and fuels such as carbon monoxide, ethanol and ethylene, opening avenues for energy storage and utilization in the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Developing CRISPR Prime Editing for highly efficient precise gene editing. This project will further develop a recent breakthrough in gene editing technology named CRISPR prime editing to improve its performance in generating specific genome modifications in cells and organisms. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding optimal strategies for its deployment as well as create novel enhanced versions of the technology. This would significantly enhance our ability to perform precise genome modification of organisms and lead to substantial benefits for a vast array of applications in fundamental and applied biology. Future applications will include generating mutations in cells and model organisms for basic research and creating genetically enhanced agricultural animals or plants. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Genome editing technology is very powerful because it can dictate the phenotypic outcomes of organisms through its ability to modify the genetic code, the genomic DNA. For example, animals can be made bigger or plants can be made resistant to drought by modifying their genome. This project aims to develop novel genome editing technology that could help us to effectively and efficiently create specific genomic DNA modifications. This technology could widely and significantly benefit Australia in many areas through its biological applications. For example, it could help us create better crops or farm animals through genome modification which would potentially generate economic, commercial and environmental benefits for Australia. The resulting technology could also help basic research by providing tools for gene modification to understand the impacts of specific genetic changes in organisms. The technologies will also help scientists generate genetically modified cell, animal, or plant models. The successful invention of the novel technology from this project could translate into patentable products.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Gravitational wave detectors for observing the Cosmic Dawn. This project aims to build upon Australia’s already pioneering research into the workings of the universe by addressing challenges facing future gravitational wave detectors. It will develop and utilise advanced new numerical models to generate new knowledge on large-scale precision interferometry and contribute towards the design of future detectors that are essential for gravitational wave astronomy to thrive. Expected outcomes are new optimised designs for detectors and an array of innovative new open-source numerical models for exploring new designs of quantum optics experiments. This will benefit both Australian and international research teams in the global effort to realise the third generation of gravitational wave detectors. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences Gravitational waves (GWs) are 'ripples' in space-time caused by extreme processes in the Universe - colliding black holes, merging neutron stars, and supernovae. Their detection led to the 2017 Nobel Prize, which was only made possible by a global effort to construct a network of special GW detectors called LIGO, Virgo, and Kagra. This project aims to develop the next generation of international and Australian detectors to dramatically improve the rate and quality of astrophysical detections, such as observing colliding black holes in the early ages of the universe. This research will not only expand Australia’s ability to make iconic astrophysical discoveries, it will also provide commercialisation opportunities for cutting-edge sensing technologies and measurement systems that can benefit the space, defence, and biomedical industries. Examples include the development of new materials for high-speed internet and improved high-power lasers for measuring atmospheric pollution.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Developing advanced potassium-sulfur batteries for scalable energy storage. Potassium-sulfur (K-S) batteries are recognised as a promising energy storage technology for large-scale applications, due to their high theoretical capacity, low toxicity and the low cost of both potassium and sulfur. However, their grid-scale development is plagued by safety hazards and fast capacity fade. This project aims to address these challenges by developing atomic-level engineering of host materials for sulfur, K metal anode and solid electrolyte. The outcomes of this project will provide increased understanding of the mechanism for K-S batteries and novel strategies for their development, placing Australia at the forefront of K-S batteries for scalable battery research and supporting our cutting-edge energy storage technology. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering An integral part of the large-scale use of renewable energy sources is the development of cost-effective energy storage technologies. Widely used lithium-ion batteries (in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles) have many downsides – they contain flammable electrolytes, are expensive to manufacture, and lithium mining damages the environment. This project aims to develop safe and stable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. It will use two chemicals called potassium and sulfur (K-S) in batteries and design new inexpensive, stable and non-flammable materials (including carbon-based electrode materials and polymer-based electrolyte materials) that will enhance K-S battery lifespan and energy storage capacity. These batteries will provide an energy storage solution for the Australian renewable energy sector (driven by renewable electricity generated from solar energy and wind power) and reduce the impact of battery manufacturing on the environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Precision Rulers for the Visible - Chip Scale Optical Frequency Combs. This project aims to create a photonic chip technology that generates hundreds of coherent laser lines in the visible spectrum from a single chip for accurate sensing, imaging unknown objects and measuring gas emissions. The project expects to introduce this new capability in the current photonic chip technology, which currently only operates with infrared light. The expected outcomes are inexpensive, stable and energy-efficient devices the size of a fingernail that will enable measurements with unprecedented accuracies. This should allow these devices to be mounted on drones, satellites, and robots, making them attractive for defence, information security, imaging, autonomous vehicle, and sensing applications. Field of research: 4009 - Electronics, Sensors and Digital Hardware Electronic microchips have transformed our lives, with applications in mobile phones, computers and many other technologies. We are now on the cusp of the next technological revolution, that uses light instead of electricity in microchips to process data much faster and more energy efficiently, enabling, for example, instantaneous imaging and identification of hazards for autonomously driving cars, improved monitoring of air quality in cities and precision navigation of drones. However, currently there is a lack of high-quality light sources on such microchips. This project will explore new materials and advanced manufacturing processes to create high-quality, inexpensive and energy efficient microchips that use light. Such microchips have high potential for commercialisation and the intellectual property will be protected, creating opportunities for licensing and start-up ventures. Another outcome of the project will be a new service to rapidly produce prototype chips for Australian companies to develop. The expected benefits will be a greater and quicker adoption of this technology in Australian products.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Designing advanced Zn-ion batteries towards practical applications. Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are much safer and cheaper than current Li-ion batteries due to the water-based electrolyte and abundant Zn reserves. However, the state-of-the-art ZIB technique faces huge challenges for practical applications due to the low cathode capacity and poor Zn anode reversibility. This project aims to design novel cathodes with a new-type mechanism and highly reversible Zn anodes. Accordingly, on-demand large-size ZIBs and flexible devices under industrial parameters will also be developed. The success of this project will place Australia at the forefront of implementing safe and low-cost batteries in largescale smart grid systems, household markets, and wearable medical devices. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Safe and affordable Zinc ion batteries with water-based electrolytes are regarded as an alternative to flammable and costly Lithium ion batteries; however, their development is still in the infant stage because we don’t yet have all the components (electrodes) that can perform highly enough. This project will address the need for better electrodes and design advanced Zinc ion batteries for practical applications. Outcomes of this project will allow us to commercialise non-flammable Zinc ion batteries in “smart grids” or domestic solar systems where safe, low-cost and long-lasting batteries that desperately needed. The success of this project will significantly contribute to reducing the cost of energy in Australia and will also bring environmental benefits by reducing underground water pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and climatic deterioration.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Facilitating control of Queensland fruit fly and other insect pests. This project aims to address the need for a Queensland fruit fly male-only sterile release strain for the national Sterile Insect Technique program to control this devastating Australian horticulture pest. By combining two molecular technologies in a new strain that responds to temperature cues to trigger development of only male flies, this project expects to produce twice as many sterile males for release to mate with wild females in fruit fly outbreak areas, preventing production of the next generation. Expected outcomes include significant reduction in production costs and increased efficiency of the national sterile release program, facilitating control of this damaging pest to protect Australia's billion dollar horticultural industry. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Queensland fruit flies are among the most damaging pests to Australian horticulture, costing an estimated $300 million annually in damage, and threatening billion-dollar industries in fruit fly–free states. Outbreaks have a huge impact on farmers’ likelihoods and consumer access to affordable fresh produce. A national Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program is currently in place to manage and eradicate fruit flies from various regions in Australia, which involves releasing sterile flies. Sterile males will mate with wild females, preventing production of the next generation. The current program releases both sterile males and females, however only the males are useful for SIT. The goal of this project is to develop an effective male-only SIT strain with twice as many males produced. This will increase production capabilities, significantly reduce overall cost of the program and improve eradication efficiency, facilitating protection of Australia’s horticultural industry, with a potential application for other insect pests.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. This Centre aims to create on-demand, zero-waste, high-efficiency plants and plant products to address grand challenges in sustainability for Space and on Earth. Significant advances in plant, food, and sensory science; process and systems engineering; law and policy; and psychology are expected to deliver transformative solutions for Space habitation – and create enhanced plant-derived food and bioresources to capitalise upon emergent and rapidly expanding domestic and global markets. Anticipated outcomes include industry uptake of innovative plant forms, foods, technologies, and commodities; and an ambitious education and international co-ordination agenda to position Australia as a global leader in research supporting Space habitation. Field of research: 3108 - Plant Biology By 2030, the Government aims to triple the size of the Australian Space industry to $12B and double the agricultural growth rate to exceed $100B. This Centre aligns with these goals and rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar international markets by establishing Australia as a world-leader in plant-based technologies aimed at enabling a new human frontier - crewed Space exploration. Translation of Centre research would revolutionise plant-based biomanufacturing (e.g. pharmaceuticals, plastics) and food production on Earth to boost human nutrition, and increase sustainability by lowering inputs and waste to target greater food and bioresource security. Training of >400 STEM researchers will help realise the national targets of doubling graduates in agriculture, and creating up to 20,000 new jobs in the Space industry. Co-creation of the Centre with industry partners from space, horticulture, research, and education, and integration of multidisciplinary skillsets in biology, engineering, food science, nutrition, and law enable rapid pathways to technology adoption and commercialisation by future-facing industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Integrated facility for underground hydrogen storage research. The aim is to establish a state-of-the-art national research facility for hydrogen flow in porous media. Large amounts of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) capacity is available in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers. Hydrogen injection into geological formations can trigger geochemical and geomechanical processes that damage reservoirs and breach their integrity and seal capacity. UHS modelling is necessary to understand the governing mechanisms throughout storage–withdrawal cycles. The LIEF facility will enable site-specific experiments on hydrogen flow in porous media. This will enable Australia to make technological breakthroughs in critical areas of the economy, such as clean energy. Field of research: 4019 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy Australia has excellent potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy, which requires mid- to long-term storage to balance seasonal supply and demand. Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in geological formations is a proven option for safe, readily available, and cost-effective large-scale storage. Australia has a natural competitive advantage for UHS with a capacity that exceeds the requirements of a developed hydrogen industry. This project aims to overcome our capability gap in UHS by establishing a leading Australian hub for integrated research on hydrogen flow in geological formations. Leveraging contribution of pioneers from universities, government and industry, this unique facility will enable researchers to investigate and model the complex flow of pressurised hydrogen in rocks. Site- specific and long-term performance assessment of UHS will facilitate faster adoption by government and the Australian Hydrogen Industry. The anticipated benefits also include opportunities to train the future workforce that supports establishing Australia as a leader in the hydrogen economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Adaptive Optics for Advanced Gravitational Wave Detectors . This project will create a full scale facility for testing optical aberration correction schemes for the world's gravitational wave detectors. The optical surfaces in gravitational wave detectors must be controlled to the atomic level to limit the impact of quantum noise and maximize the sensitivity of these extraordinary instruments. The fine tuning of optical surfaces is done using the so-called thermal compensation systems and currently the performance of these systems can only be evaluated once they are installed on a gravitational wave detector. This is severely limiting the optimization of this critical sub-system and hence there is an urgent need for this facility because it will be the only one of its type anywhere on the globe. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences Gravitational waves (GWs) are 'ripples' in space-time produced by extreme events in the Universe such as colliding black holes, neutron stars, and supernovae. The 2017 Nobel Prize was awarded for the first direct detection of GW waves by a network of detectors built by a global collaboration. This project aims to maximise the capabilities of current global infrastructure to dramatically improve the quality and rate of astrophysical detections from the early universe. This will be achieved by building the world’s full-scale facility for developing new laser technology for precision control optical surfaces needed to prevent surface errors from limiting the sensitivity of GW detectors. This research will not only expand Australia’s ability to make ground-breaking astrophysical discoveries it will also provide commercialisation opportunities for cutting-edge sensing technologies and measurement systems that can benefit the wider industry, such as improved lasers for measuring atmospheric pollution and thermal management of high-power laser systems.