THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Pioneering seed solutions for the industrial hemp industry. This project aims to develop the next generation of elite industrial hemp cultivars, grown for their seed with high protein and oil contents, that are drought resistant and make minimal THC, teamed with research into their feminisation to provide a safer and better method of producing premium female seed to supply to growers. Project outcomes will include increased fundamental knowledge of drought tolerance, cannabinoid biosynthesis and the feminisation process, converted to practical ways to manipulate these important agronomic traits. This will derisk the industrial hemp industry, encouraging increased cultivation of a nutritionally and economically valuable crop in Australia and create valuable intellectual property applicable globally. Field of research: 0706 - Horticultural Production Industrial hemp (IH) is a versatile plant with a broad range of uses, in particular providing nutritious seeds high in protein and oil and superior fibres for textiles and construction. It is gaining ground as a valuable crop in Australia but is dogged by unclear information about its agronomy plus lack of stable cultivars that perform consistently in the Australian climate. Legislated levels of THC are low and crops that exceed these have to be destroyed, posing an uncomfortable economic risk to growers. Through this project we will provide clear information about drought tolerance and how hemp plants respond to such stresses, enabling the introduction of strategies to reduce the ability of IH plants to make THC. This will be combined with the development of a safer and more effective way to produce high quality female seed stocks, ensuring the supply of elite lines to domestic and international growers. These advances will support and derisk growth of the hemp industry, allowing access to a global market predicted to reach US$41 billion by 2027.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Reconstructing the Beetaloo/Greater McArthur Basin System . This project aims to build a stratigraphic and water chemistry framework for the greater McArthur Basin—a rock system that covers northern Australia from WA to Queensland. This will be a vital resource for researchers and energy/mineral explorers. This project expects to develop novel sediment dating and isotopic proxies for salinity, redox and bioproductivity and use them to build a sequence stratigraphic framework of the basin. The expected outcome is a unique 3D lithological, geochronological and geochemical framework for the basin. Expected benefits include de-risked information for the petroleum and minerals industry, assisting northern Australia's resources economy, as well as insights into the development of our planet in deep time. Field of research: 0403 - Geology The project has the potential to generate large economic benefits for Australia by developing knowledge that could transform our understanding of gas resources in the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the vast greater McArthur Basin, in which it sits. Reserve estimates of gas in the Beetaloo alone make it a critical national asset. Yet, it is >1 billion years old, making it the most unconventional petroleum resource known. This project will develop new methods to understand the resource framework, including new ways to date sedimentary rocks and understand the basin’s ancient water chemistry. These methods are equally applicable to exploring for sedimentary-hosted metal deposits (e.g. zinc, rare earth elements, copper), and in basins of this age elsewhere in Australia or overseas. Social and cultural benefits will come from building a nuanced understanding of how the planet developed towards habitability through this critical period as complex cells evolved and the Earth’s surface was progressively oxygenated. The results will be widely disseminated to inspire the next generation of earth scientists.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Breaking Gondwana: interplay between tectonics, climate and resources. The project aims to reconstruct 250 million years of landscape evolution in response to rifting and break-up of the Gondwana supercontinent, using the innovative approach of combining regional thermochronology with global plate tectonic models. From these reconstructions, the time-integrated record of exhumation and erosion at the continental margins will be revealed at an unprecedented scale. The main expected outcome will be a deep time archive of the relationships between tectonic forcing, continental erosion and the global climate, which may assist predictions and debate on future climate change. The outcomes will also provide economic benefits as they will inform on the exhumation and preservation of (critical) mineral resources. Field of research: 0403 - Geology The approach of integrating regional thermochronological data with numerical models to reconstruct landscapes and erosion rates is novel and the scientific outcomes that will be generated from this project will contribute to Australia`s standing as a leader in this field of research. The expected outcomes will allow an assessment on the role of plate-tectonic processes to continental erosion and climate variability through deep time to inform predictions and debate on long-term climate change. The project also has direct economic benefits to Australia as the outcomes will assist with the targeting of mineral resources, such as critical mineral commodities, along the highly prospective southern Australian margin. The project outcomes will constrain the exhumation level of the crust, which is a vital component for de-risking exploration in this frontier mineral exploration region. It is further anticipated that the unprecedented landscape evolution models will captivate the attention of the Australian public and provide lasting educational benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Deciphering the genetic regulation of inflorescence development in wheat. The project aims to identify genes and molecular processes that regulate inflorescence architecture in wheat, using state-of-the-art genetic resources to identify novel biological mechanisms that regulate the development of spikelets – reproductive branches that contain grain-producing florets. The research is highly significant as little is known about how spikelet and floret numbers are determined genetically in wheat, and new traits need to be identified to increase yields for the world’s growing population. Project outcomes will include new insights into the biology that underpins grain production of wheat, with expected benefits enabling sustainable increases of yields by breeders and growers to help bolster global food security. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology The yield of wheat is largely determined by the shape and structure of the ear, or ‘inflorescence’ – a cluster of flowers that can be modified to increase grain production. The Fellowship will focus on identifying the genes and molecular processes that regulate wheat inflorescence development. The knowledge and resources gained will help Australian and global breeders generate higher-yielding cultivars to benefit growers and consumers, as well as researchers of other major crops including barley, oats and rice. Outputs will have broad social and economic impacts: wheat is Australia’s premier crop, worth $6.2 billion in 2018-19, and accounts for 20% of the calories and protein consumed globally. The outcomes will contribute to the global research effort to increase yield and maintain food security for the world’s growing population, while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. The project provides excellent training opportunities for students, who will acquire multi-disciplinary skills that will enhance their future employability and help strengthen Australia’s leading capacity in wheat science.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Pathways for Indigenous and Western knowledge into Environmental Policy. The aim of this project is to identify the ways in which all knowledge, particularly Western and Indigenous knowledges can work together to inform environmental policy, with a focus on climate change adaptation. Using participatory methodologies and supported by an Indigenous led advisory group, the project will partner with Indigenous Ranger groups to interrogate three key knowledge management concepts: integration, co-production and co-existence. Based on communities of practice, in the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Basin, Australia, the Fellowship seeks to produce mechanisms of knowledge co-existence and maintenance that will contribute to stronger environmental policies and create spaces for Indigenous voices to be represented within them. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography Australian society continues to face impacts from wicked problems such as biodiversity loss and climate change: adapting to change will be crucial. Indigenous peoples have millennia old knowledge systems of the ancient continent that can play a significant role in building adaptive capacity and resilience to the challenges the whole of the Australian society will increasingly face this century. The project will provide a critical historical analysis of knowledge system integration in the past, and create a framework for co-production and co-existence of Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge systems. We will contribute ideas about how to appropriately integrate knowledge systems for sustainable futures and we will build Indigenous capacity to be part of policy making. Significant social, cultural and environmental benefits for Australian society are expected through increased capacity to use multiple knowledge systems to respond to severe risks, in a socially just way.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Linking Stress Tolerance to Molecular Evolution of Grass Stomata. Salinity and drought are two detrimental environmental stresses, affecting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health in Australia and around the world. This project will focus on the evolutionary, physiological and molecular aspects of stomatal regulation between wheat, barley and their wild relatives for salinity and drought tolerance. This project will advance the scientific knowledge in the evolution of stomatal regulation in two staple crops wheat and barley. The project will also assist plant breeders with increasing crop salinity and drought tolerance for global food security. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology Salinity and drought tolerance of major cereal crops such as wheat and barley are important crop productivity at marginal land and beneficial to the agri-ecosystem in Australia. Significant impact in the short-term will be supported by outputs including a novel framework for predicting stomatal response to salinity and drought. The project will also develop innovative analytical tools, open data-sharing and knowledge-sharing with researchers, farmers and stakeholders. Outcomes in the medium-term may include development of screening tools for salinity and drought tolerant cultivars and crop management recommendations tailored to Australian farmers. Widespread economic and environmental benefits may be realised in the longer-term, including more productive and sustainable management of agricultural land affected by salinity and drought and crops based on a innovative foundation of tools for decision-making.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Painting Country: the life and legacy of western Arnhem Land rock painters. This project aims to generate new understandings of Australia’s past by exploring the lives and legacies of known Aboriginal rock art artists. It addresses key questions in global archaeology relating to when, where and why rock art was created. Using innovative methodologies, this project intends to create a unique archive of 20th century rock art and oral history recordings from western Arnhem Land. The anticipated outcomes will include new internationally significant knowledge concerning the impacts of colonisation on artistic practices in Australia. Furthermore, the project aims to contribute new information and data that can be used to inform cultural heritage management and education programs both locally and across Australia. Field of research: 2101 - Archaeology This research will raise awareness of rock art as a rare visual record of human history and experience and contribute to improved conservation and management outcomes. Importantly, this research aims to help build pride in Aboriginal history, heritage and culture both within local Aboriginal communities and across Australia by highlighting the lives and achievements of known artists. This project will also generate benefits for cultural heritage management programs, the Northern Territory tourism industry, school programs and to provide new insights into the relationship between cultural heritage and Indigenous health and well-being. By generating and promoting this unique archive of Australia’s history, this research will speak to an international audience eager to learn from the Australian experience in order to better understand, interpret and protect their own rock art heritage.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Maximising the beneficial impacts of mycorrhizal fungi on grain nutrition. This project aims to determine the effects of beneficial soil fungi on wheat and rice grain quality for human nutrition using an innovative combination of physiological, molecular and agronomic techniques. The project expects to generate fundamental knowledge in sustainable agriculture, to improve grain quality and value. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying improved grain quality, and the capacity to use soil fungi to increase grain micronutrient concentrations and bioavailability. This should provide significant environmental and societal benefits, such as promotion of the sustainable use of agricultural soils and more nutritious grain products for human consumption. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology This project will provide benefits to the Australian environment through improved knowledge and promotion of sustainable agricultural management practices that lead to improved grain quality, including sustainable soil use. This research will also aid in future-proofing Australia by protecting soil, crop, and human health in a changing climate. The outcomes of the project will make a contribution to the Australian economy by generating knowledge that will lead to the improvement of the value of Australia’s grain through increased grain quality and also promotion of cost-effective practices. The resulting improvement in food quality as increased zinc and iron bioavailability from the outcomes of this project will also contribute societal benefits by reducing the prevalence of deficiencies of these important nutrients in the human diet, especially in plant-based diets. This project will also put Australia at the forefront of knowledge in tackling the serious issue of human micronutrient deficiencies (“hidden hunger”) that affects a large proportion of humans in developing countries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Functional carbon hybrids for green catalysis and clean water. This project aims to develop a family of structure-tailored, robust and metal-free carbon hybrids and environmental-benign processes for catalytic degradation of emerging microcontaminants in water. Innovations are expected in the design of reaction-oriented nanocarbons, new concept in atomic level carbocatalysis from computation and in-situ characterisation, advanced purification technology, and breakthroughs in material engineering. The anticipated outcomes will be the scientific basis for functional nanomaterials, nanotechnology, and green remediation technologies. Success will provide significant benefits in securing a sustainable future for Australia, with clean water and strategies for advanced manufacturing in related areas. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering The project will address the severe, chronic pollution of emerging microscopic organic contaminants in Australia’s soil and its freshwater and salt-water systems. The novel remediation system will be the basis of breakthroughs in the practical viability of functional nanomaterials for rapid decontamination of aquatic systems, using advanced and green nanotechnology. The outcomes will promote Australia’s leading role in designing and developing engineered nanomaterials not only for environmental sustainability, but beyond it, with potential spinoffs in advanced manufacturing. The results will also have great significance for food and water security in a period of climate uncertainty that will require new approaches to maintaining or relocating some of our most lucrative agricultural production. A number of young scientists will receive interdisciplinary training that will position them for valuable roles in Australia’s future workforce, whether in university or corporate research, development, agricultural consulting, or government.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Mathematical modelling of information flow in social networks. This proposal aims to develop new mathematical and statistical methods to understand information flow in social networks. By using novel information theoretic techniques, it will create new methods to characterise social information flow in social networks. These tools will allow derivation of fundamental limits of predictability for AI methods applied to digital data. New mathematics of information flow will produce insights into social influence in online social networks. Benefits include: better understanding of how echo chambers may form in social networks, predictive models for how misinformation can spread online such as during an emergency, and a framework for intercomparison of AI methods applied to digital data on individuals. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics Modelling how social networks drive population-level change is a major challenge for understanding critically important phenomena such as viral information spread and political discourse. A critical contemporary example is the spread of misinformation in online social networks, such as during emergencies (e.g., the 2019-20 Australian bushfire season). This project will build mathematical models to enhance understanding of the connection between individual interactions and global change within social networks, including understanding how "echo chambers" might form. It will support the predictions made by these mathematical models by quantitative studies of actual information flow in the Australian online social media space. This project will improve Australia's capacity for research and ability to create impact in the emerging international field of computational social science, and develop expertise in big data analysis.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Collective Engagement towards Social Purpose. This project aims to develop knowledge on how to engender collective engagement for a social purpose, such that the collective actions of the group facilitate well-being of the broader community. The project expects to generate new knowledge of how to drive the emergence of engagement from an individual to a collective level, and understand the benefits that can be gained by focusing this engagement on social purpose. Expected outcomes include measurement tools, an intervention framework for facilitating collective engagement, and mechanisms for leveraging this engagement for community well-being. This should provide significant benefits within organisations, by enhancing their social impact and facilitating economic growth and job creation Field of research: 1505 - Marketing This research will generate economic, commercial and social impacts to Australia by developing academic knowledge and practical pathways to move private corporations’ purposes away from pure profit maximisation to a more holistic purpose; where firms can provide greater social benefit while still optimising shareholder return. While the significant potential for facilitating economic growth and job creation in Australia by enhancing social purpose within organisations and markets has been recognised, we lack knowledge on how to generate the collective action that is required to drive a purpose economy. This research is the first to not only develop tools to measure collective engagement and facilitate its emergence within and across organisations, it will also demonstrate the process through which collectively engaged actors will drive a highly robust economy; that is one that achieves the highest level of social, cultural, environmental and economic impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Ultra-tough coatings via materials engineering . This project aims to develop new generation coatings that combine highly controlled compositions and bio-inspired microstructural characteristics for safety-critical applications. This is made possible through smart materials design, multi-scale modelling and novel fabrication technique. The new coatings are expected to offer exceptionally high toughness underlain by a unique combination of various strengthening modes at multiple length scales. The application of the coatings will enhance the performance and safety of mechanical components in engineering applications, reduce associated costs. In doing so, this project will bring substantial benefits to advanced manufacturing, mining and aerospace sectors. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering Currently, industrial coatings used are principally ceramic-based compounds, which are susceptible to catastrophic failure and thus unsuitable for safety-critical applications. In this project, highly durable alloy coatings that combine highly controlled compositions and bio-inspired microstructural characteristics will be created to address this tough issue. Empowered by smart materials design, multi-scale modelling and novel fabrication technique, the new coatings allow for a unique combination of various strengthening modes at multiple length scales, thereby offering exceptionally high strength and toughness. The application of these coatings will deliver competitive advantages to a wide range of industrial sectors, where coatings are indispensable for improving the service life, performance and safety of critical components, and reducing associated costs. The new knowledge created in this project will also provide guidance in the quest of new generation alloys with excellent strength-ductility combination.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Novel cell wall genes ripe for the picking. This project aims to investigate the role of recently discovered plant cellulose synthase-like CslM genes and to define the polysaccharide product associated with them. Successful identification of the polysaccharide is highly likely to increase our fundamental understanding of how cell walls are made, how cells stick together or fall apart as well as facilitating the training of the next generation of cell wall biologists in challenging molecular and biochemical techniques. This new knowledge could increase our understanding of fruit ripening, and how it might be manipulated. This could have significant downstream commercial benefits if applied to breeding programs of economically important fruit such as grapes, tomatoes and strawberries. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Australian agriculture is a major sector of the economy and the production of fruit for domestic consumption and export is worth over $10 billion a year. Fruit is a highly perishable commodity and getting it to market at the perfect stage of ripeness is difficult. It is estimated that half the fruit and vegetables produced in Australia every year are wasted – at a $20 billion cost to the economy. This research aims to provide a better understanding of a major component of the cell wall in fruit, a polysaccharide called pectin, which undergoes extensive changes as fruit ripens. A better understanding of how pectin is made and broken down will provide new targets for manipulation, influencing fruit ripening and benefiting growers and processors to make Australia more globally competitive and ultimately reducing waste. This knowledge can be applied to a range of fruit including grapes, tomatoes, citrus and strawberries. But pectins are important in all plant tissues so new knowledge could also enhance plant productivity in a changing Australian climate and increase use of plant biomass as a renewable resource.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Smart Pipe Condition Assessment in Water Distribution Systems. The project aims to develop an urgently needed smart pipe fault diagnosis, characterisation and prognosis system. Analysis techniques will be used for the detailed mapping of buried pipe condition between access points using micro-sized transient pressure waves. Water assets are critical infrastructure and they consist of a network of pipes that are often old and deteriorating. The annual maintenance cost exceeds $1b per year in Australia. The outcome will be a next-generation tool that allows water utilities to move from reactive emergency repairs to proactive repair and predictive replacement. This will enable performance-driven asset management, extending asset life and replacing deteriorated high-risk pipe sections in a timely manner. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering Australia’s public health and economic prosperity rely on over 162,000 km water mains. Current water asset management is reactive and buried pipe renewal programs are not adequately guided by actual detailed pipe health information. This unsustainable practice brings a major challenge: almost half of the assets, with a total value over $80b, need to be replaced in the coming three decades. The next-generation smart pipe fault diagnosis system will enable rapid assessment of the actual health of complex water networks. The proposed machine learning based pipe failure predictor will use the unprecedented pipe condition information to achieve accurate and reliable risk assessment. This will allow risk-based asset management and “just-in-time” pipe replacement. Enabling extended asset life, delayed capital investment and deliver economic benefits to water utilities and customers. Cities will see less pipe breaks, which means less interruptions to service and traffic, less property damage and less water loss. Australia will become a leader in this transferable technology, which has commercial potential globally.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Evolution and function of mammalian sex chromosomes. Research on iconic Australian mammals has profoundly reshaped our understanding of reproductive biology and sex chromosome evolution. In this project we combine unique expertise, international collaboration and novel genetic information about Australia's unique egg-laying mammals (echidna and platypus) to investigate major aspects of reproduction. This work will address fundamental aspects of sex chromosome biology and advance our understanding of mammalian reproduction. The knowledge gained will have application in captive breeding and conservation of these extraordinary Australian mammals. The project also provides opportunity to train research students in cutting edge molecular biology and informatics. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics The echidna and platypus are iconic Australian species, even featured on our coins. They are the only egg-laying mammals on our planet and have captivated scientists, artists and the general public worldwide for more than 200 years. As the oldest surviving mammal they provide unique insight into mammalian biology and evolution. In this project, we utilise resources and new genetic data that we have generated to address fundamental questions about the genetics of these extraordinary Australian species. This research will provide a better understanding of platypus and echidna biology and reproduction, which is important for conservation of these species. Both platypus and echidna are vulnerable to environmental change, including weather extremes such as drought and floods, and have been identified as priority species in the context of the recovery from this season’s devastating bushfires. New knowledge gained from this work will benefit conservation efforts and assist captive breeding programs, ensuring that these much-loved Australian mammals survive into the future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Decoding tissue-specific components of cereal grain development. This project aims to investigate how barley flowers produce cells that deliver nutrients into developing seeds. This project expects to generate new knowledge through international collaboration and technical improvements in cell biology and genetics, overcoming current methodological limitations to precisely influence seed size, shape and quality, which are traits of agricultural relevance to the Australian cereal industry. Expected outcomes include strengthened international partnerships, leveraged funding and increased knowledge of plant reproduction. This should provide significant benefits, including upskilled researchers, improved research capacity and genetic targets to optimise seed production in challenging climatic conditions. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology Cereal crops are one of the pillars upon which Australia is built. Seed development in these crops is dependent upon coordinated inputs from multiple plant organs, tissues and the surrounding environment. This project will decode the complexity of these inputs by capitalising on unique methods and tissue-specific datasets from species such as barley, to determine how plants feed their seeds and translate resources into improved grain characters. The ability to customise grain quality impacts the food, feed and fibre sectors, and aligns with the Australian science and research priority area of “Enhanced food production”. Understanding how different inputs are translated into seeds of different sizes, shapes and quality will provide avenues to sustain and grow the $10 billion Australian seed industry, support regional communities and secure lucrative export markets, particularly in the face of variable climatic conditions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Next generation nondestructive inspection using guided-wave mixing. This project aims to develop a novel approach for early damage detection. It relies on a systematic experimental investigation of nonlinear ultrasonic interaction between different input wave modes in the presence of damage, so as to identify optimal mode selections and operating parameters that will maximise the sensitivity to particular forms of structural damage. The effects of in-service loading on wave-mixing response, and non-contact detection suitable for hard-to-inspect surface conditions, will also be investigated. The new developments will help transform existing schedule-based maintenance practice to a condition-based maintenance paradigm, to achieve significant cost savings in maintenance. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering The successful demonstration of early damage detection and diagnosis achieved in this project will provide the scientific basis for a quantum leap forward in structural integrity management of high-value assets and ageing infrastructure. The new technology will enable engineers to transition from the current practice of costly scheduled inspections to the more cost-effective approach of condition-based maintenance, thereby resulting in cost savings for Australian operators of high-value assets such as power plants and rail transport infrastructure, as well as increased competitiveness for Australian manufacturing industry. The outcomes will contribute directly to the Science and Research Priorities of Environmental Change, through “resilient urban, rural and regional infrastructure” and Advanced Manufacturing through “specialised high value-add areas such as high-performance materials, composites, alloys and polymers.”

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Mechanical modulation of particle-cell interactions. Mechanical forces play critical roles in many biological processes, but how particle mechanical properties modulate particle-cell interactions remains elusive. This project aims to develop new design principles for engineering nano/micromaterials with tunable mechanical properties for improved cell activation and expansion, and to advance knowledge of the role of particle stiffness in modulating receptor-mediated particle-cell interactions. Expected outcomes and benefits include new fundamental understanding of the effect of particle mechanical properties on cell function, new insights into T cell activation and expansion, and new classes of stiffness-tunable fit-for-purpose materials for various applications in cell manufacturing. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering Nano/microtechnology and material engineering hold enormous promise for Australia’s multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry. The convergence of nano/microtechnology, material engineering and cell manufacturing offers unique opportunities to develop novel particle-based artificial cell systems for activating immune cells (T cells) for cell production. Building on a recent breakthrough in engineering core-shell materials using designed biomolecules, the project aims to develop novel nano/micro particles with tunable stiffness, contribute new knowledge to the optimum design of artificial cells for various biological applications, and provide new design rules for engineering materials for cell production, shifting the paradigm of cell engineering. The new class of stiffness- tunable particle system will provide technologically advanced materials for future applications in cell engineering and manufacturing. Project outcomes will expand Australia’s knowledge base in the area of bioengineering and biotechnology, and position Australia at the forefront of bionanotechnology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Drivers of the live pet trade in Australian reptiles. This project aims to understand the complex trade in live Australian reptiles. The global pet trade is a major threat to biodiversity. This project expects to generate critical new knowledge for combatting the current and future illegal trade in Australian wildlife. Using surveillance of domestic and overseas online markets, and innovative statistical and simulation-based approaches to inform conservation decision-making, the expected outcomes of this project include an enhanced capacity to conserve native species and to monitor and disrupt the complex illegal wildlife trade. This should provide significant benefits in terms of biodiversity conservation and safeguarding Australia’s unique and ecologically important native reptile species. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management This project will generate new knowledge about the conservation threats to Australian reptiles from wildlife trade. The project will benefit the Australian community, who are invested in the long-term protection of Australia’s unique native wildlife. Specifically, the project will inform conservation decision-makers charged with protecting at-risk species, and aid Government wildlife agencies to prioritise surveillance and enforcement actions. The project will provide critical scientific support to on-ground conservation activities for tackling illegal wildlife trade and driving behaviour change. The research will directly address Australia’s ‘Environmental Change’ Science and Research priority, and the practical challenges of ‘improved accuracy and precision in predicting and measuring the impact of environmental changes’. Key project outcomes will include: (i) sharing unique data on the conservation risk of Australian reptiles; (ii) developing innovative statistical approaches to analyse the role of wildlife trade in biodiversity decline; and (iii) improving precision in conservation action planning.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Investigating a novel signalling pathway for crop improvement. This project will dissect a newly identified signalling pathway in plants that regulates plant water use and carbon gain. It will deploy multiple techniques, including novel biosensors, to understand the links between the metabolism of plants and their environmental responses. The project will build partnerships with scientists at leading international institutions for enhanced outcomes, including access to specialised equipment and upskilling of our scientists. The generation of barley with the latest gene editing techniques aims to produce a non-GM crop with the potential for enhanced root C sequestration, lower water use and improved yield, three key goals for agricultural sustainability in the face of a drying Australian climate. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology Australian agriculture constitutes ~1/5 of our GDP and contributes up to 60% of our nation’s exports. In Australia, water is a major agricultural limitation, it is estimated to decrease the yield of ~30% of our crops by ~50%, with major economic ramifications. Reducing plant water use while maximising carbon gain has been proven to improve cereal yields in water-limited environments. This project will build new international linkages, train new students and create new intellectual capital in order to understand how a recently discovered signalling pathway in plants functions to alter plant water use and carbon gain. By exploiting this pathway, and the latest gene editing techniques, this project aims to create non-GM barley that uses less water and sequesters more carbon via the roots as a test of concept. Barley is Australia’s second largest cereal crop by area and underpins the Australian beer industry worth $16.5bn, nearly 1% of GDP. If successful, this technology will be transferred to our other major crops, providing a new tool for improving Australian agricultural sustainability in a drying climate.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Predicting concentration-gradient-driven liquid transport in 2D membranes. This project aims to achieve a predictive understanding of liquid transport through two-dimensional (2D) membranes driven by concentration gradients by using a combination of novel theory and computation. Membranes made from 2D nanomaterials hold great promise for many applications from desalination to power generation to chemical sensing, but the concentration-gradient-driven transport processes that underlie these applications are not well understood. The expected outcome of this project is an unprecedented quantitative understanding of the parameters that control these transport processes. This will enable predictive optimisation of 2D membranes, which will reduce the time and cost of membrane development for diverse applications. Field of research: 0307 - Theoretical and Computational Chemistry The movement of liquid mixtures through porous membranes is fundamental to many processes with key roles in the Australian economy and society, including energy generation, energy storage, and water desalination, and to novel devices with significant medical and environmental applications, such as chemical and biological sensors. Current membranes suffer from deficiencies that new so-called 2D membranes made from atom-thick sheets of materials promise to tackle. But the performance of 2D membranes for many applications is hard to predict from their physical properties. This project aims to develop new methods to predict flows of liquid mixtures through 2D membranes, which also has important general implications for fluid flow at the surface of thicker membranes. This will benefit society and the economy by accelerating and reducing the cost of development of more effective membranes, which could lead to considerable financial and energy savings given the ubiquity of membrane applications.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Visualising molecular level detail in single cells and intact tissues. The goal of this project is to deliver a new toolkit for imaging cells at an unprecedented resolution and level of chemical detail. We will expand the capabilities of two existing, but complementary, methods: optical fluorescence microscopy with responsive probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Expected outcomes include improved techniques and benchmarks for visualising bacterial and mammalian cells; development of new molecules for elucidating cellular chemistry; better utilisation of valuable synchrotron resources; and greater understanding of the strengths and limitations of current microscopy workflows. Results should benefit the biotechnology sector, and may lead to improved medical, diagnostic, and bioremediation capacity. Field of research: 0302 - Inorganic Chemistry Microscopic imaging is a cornerstone of biological research. However current methods for providing chemical data from cells are not as advanced as those providing structural information. This project will concurrently develop new tools, methods and benchmarks to provide a step-change improvement in the depth and fidelity of chemical information that can be derived from within cells and tissues. These cutting edge developments will enable Australian and international researchers to develop new understandings of biochemical processes that differ in normal vs disease physiology. The research will strengthen and expand multi-disciplinary collaborations in Adelaide, Sydney and internationally to provide an exceptional environment in which to train the next generation of researchers, and to pioneer new methods for examining complex biochemical questions. In the long term, these improved techniques may lead to patentable imaging agents, and more broadly, better diagnostic and therapeutic agents for medical and environmental problems that have a significant impact in our society.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Hydrosocial Adapatations to Water Risk in Australian Agriculture. This project aims to understand how Australian farmers adapt to water resource limitations and governance constraints. We will address this significant challenge by identifying how social and cultural perceptions of water risk inspire farmers to create resilient management solutions in line with policy guidelines. Through ethnographic fieldwork and the analysis of historical patterns of water use, the research seeks identify the hydrosocial adaptations that enable farmers to effectively respond to change. The new knowledge will foster water risk management via the culturally appropriate tailoring of interventions. Outcomes will support the long-term viability of Australian agriculture, with relevant lessons for managing drought globally. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology The mitigation of water stress is one of Australia’s greatest challenges. Our research contributes to the national interest by identifying how farmers can work proactively within water governance constraints. By generating culturally appropriate strategies for water risk management to guide policy in Australia and internationally, we aim to inform long-lasting solutions that support the nation’s water resilience. This project employs an innovative framework for understanding how farmers respond to water risks, with case studies drawn from viticulture and horticulture. Without the tailoring of water use to specific socio-cultural understandings and practices, policy interventions remain unacceptable for users, leading to governance risks. We will research socio-cultural water management practices and innovations—which we conceptualise as hydrosocial adaptations—to illuminate how farmers respond to water limitations and water use policies in the nation's driest state. The project provides significant benefit because failing hydrological systems cost Australia environmentally, economically and socially.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Batteries of the future-a new strategy for CO2 fixation and energy storage. This project aims to develop metal-carbon dioxide batteries with high specific energy densities for carbon dioxide capture as well as energy conversion and storage. Metal-carbon dioxide batteries are promising not only for conversion of waste carbon dioxide to value-added chemicals, but also for storage of electricity from renewable power and balancing of the carbon cycle. By combining experimental work and theoretical modelling, this study will explore novel electrode materials via catalyst design and understanding of the underlying reaction mechanisms. The outcomes will revolutionize battery technology and position Australia as a global leader in the critical transition to a decarbonized economy. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering Australia will benefit enormously from this project through its economic, commercial, and environmental impact, especially in carbon dioxide emission reduction and utilization. The proposed metal-carbon dioxide battery system will advance energy storage technology whilst simultaneously assisting the implementation of clean energy in a smart grid in an efficient, safe, and sustainable way. This project addresses a critical bottleneck in carbon dioxide conversion and utilization technology that has constrained the practical uptake of high performance materials. The principal benefits include new fundamental knowledge and the development of an innovative energy storage system with long cycle life and high safety. Industries that rely on carbon based chemicals will benefit in the long-term from outcomes of the project, and most importantly, the environment will benefit through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Learning how people read: Models, brains, big data and maths. Aims: This project aims to understand how people read. We will use novel mathematical methods, experimentation, brain imaging and computational modelling to adjudicate between model predictions. Significance: This project expects to develop methods to understand and test important aspects of reading. Expected outcomes: Expected outcomes are the development of novel methods for understanding complex models and the collection of data that can extend and falsify current models of reading. Benefits: These developments will significantly increase our understanding of how people read and what causes dyslexia. This work will also provide new ways to evaluate complex computational psychological models. Field of research: 1702 - Cognitive Sciences People who have difficulty reading tend to have poor social and economic outcomes. This is not only a problem for them, but represents a significant risk for Australia’s economic development, especially because the level of literacy in Australia has declined compared to other countries in the last 10 years. A key problem in helping people with poor literacy is understanding the heterogeneity of possible problems they have and how the underlying mechanisms involved in reading could cause them. We will examine this problem using computational models, big data, informational geometry, brain imaging, behavioural experimentation and other novel methods. Using a cross-disciplinary approach will provide exceptional insights into this process that no single method could. The outcomes of this research will enable new methods that target the specific reading difficulties people have to be developed.