THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Characterisation of the beneficial vs toxic forms of selenium in the diet. This project aims to examine how dietary selenium is converted into essential proteins and beneficial compounds that mitigate against a broad range of human diseases; or alternatively, into toxic molecules. Cutting-edge methodologies should resolve significant unknowns in selenium metabolism, to provide definitive dietary guidelines and to explore how selenium can treat and protect against disease. Expected outcomes from this national and international collaboration include expert training for young biochemical researchers and refinements to novel analytical techniques. Results should benefit the food and agricultural sectors to provide tailored products locally and for export, as well as enhanced health opportunities for all Australians. Field of research: 0304 - Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry Selenium is essential for human health, yet it is unclear how different dietary forms are metabolised in the body. Too little selenium, common in Queensland and Tasmania, contributes to cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and other diseases; while too much has been implicated in increased mortality rates. This project will examine how various selenium sources behave in cell and animal models under pathological and oxidative stress, to inform dietary guidelines for enhanced human health. More broadly, these results will impact food and agricultural practices in Australia and worldwide where selenium intake is sub-optimal. Cutting edge methodologies will deliver a new understanding of selenium physiology, connecting experts in biochemistry and oxidative stress biology with key infrastructure at the Australian Synchrotron. This 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.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Empowering next-generation sea-ice models with wave–ice mathematics. Sea ice is a crucial part of the Australian and global climate systems, and the most sensitive indicator of the alarming climate changes in motion. This project aims to deliver a vital component in next-generation sea-ice models, by modelling ocean waves in the ice-covered ocean, and implementing it in the leading large-scale sea-ice model. The waves-in-ice model will be accurate for the range of possible wave–ice conditions, using understanding derived from state-of-the-art experimental measurements. Powerful mathematical approximation methods will be developed to generate model efficiency. The outcomes will create a new standard in sea-ice modelling, with significant benefits for sea-ice forecasting and climate studies. Field of research: 0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience Australia is experiencing increasingly frequent, extreme weather, with significant environmental, economic, and social costs. This trend will continue throughout the 21st century, and it is essential to prepare for future impacts. Earth-system models are the most powerful tools for projecting future climate scenarios; advancing models increases resilience to climate change through better-informed mitigation and adaptation policies. Australia has a particularly urgent need to improve models of the Southern Ocean and Antarctic, as these regions exert an enormous influence over the Australian climate. But there is low confidence in model projections of Antarctic sea ice, which is a crucial component of the Southern Ocean/Antarctic climate system. The project will tackle a key knowledge gap in sea-ice modelling, by generating a new model of ocean waves in the ice-covered ocean, motivated by recent findings that waves regulate Antarctic sea ice over 100s kilometres. This will result in more accurate representations of sea ice in models, leading to improved understanding of observed changes and projections.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Modeling, Mathematical Analysis, and Computation of Multiscale Systems. This project develops and implements a systematic approach, both analytic and computational, to extract compact, accurate, system level models of complex physical and engineering systems. Our wide ranging methodology is to construct computationally efficient "wrappers" around fine scale, microscopic, detailed descriptions of dynamical systems (particle or molecular simulation, or PDE or lattice equations). Comprehensively accounting for multiscale interactions between subgrid processes among macroscale variations ensures stability and accuracy. Based on dynamical systems theory and analysis, our approach will empower systematic analysis and understanding for optimal macroscopic simulation for forthcoming exascale computing. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics In current modelling the underlying microscopic mechanisms are known, but the closures to translate microscale knowledge to a system level macroscopic description are rarely available. Our computational methodologies underpinned by mathematical analysis will circumvent this stumbling block to radically improve the modelling, exploration and understanding of complex systems in engineering and sciences. This in turn will improve the prediction and management of complicated systems in industry, commerce and the environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Catalytic Degardation of Emerging Microplastic Pollutants. This project aims to develop robust and low-cost nanocarbon hybrids and advanced remediation technology to address globally emerging microplastic contaminations. The project expects to boost innovations in development of novel magnetic nanomaterials, process of microplastic purification, and green catalysis. Expected outcomes of this project will include efficient strategies in materials fabrication and a cutting-edge nanotechnology. The success of the project will underpin the scientific bases of carbocatalysis, provide significant benefits to the Australian industry and society for a sustainable future with clean water, and increase the leading capacity of Australia in fundamental research and frontier technology. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering This project is designed, based on the status quo, to address the severe pollution by microscopic plastics which have been long widespread in Australian coastal areas and sewage wastewaters. The developed technology in this project will lead to breakthroughs in the practical viability of microplastic remediation with low-cost, green, and advanced nanotechnology. The outcomes of this project intend to advance Australia’s world-leading roles in utilisation of functional nanocarbon materials for green environmental remediation. The completion of this project will help address national water and soil contamination and ensure Australia's sustainable economics, environmental wellbeing, food and water safety, as well as provide scientific innovations with cutting-edge technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Microarchitectural attacks and JavaScript: threats and defences. This project aims to improve cybersecurity by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in Internet-connected computers. Expected outcomes of this project include novel techniques for protecting web browsers and cloud server, to prevent them from inadvertent leaks of private or sensitive information. This should provide significant benefits, such as reduced risk of cyberattacks and improved privacy for web users. Field of research: 0803 - Computer Software

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

An advanced framework for multi-agent strategic interactions. Communication security protocols and computer algorithms are expressible in terms of strategic interactions between competing agents, which can be analyzed in a game theory setting. This project will exploit the recent advances in extending this game theory framework to multidimensional spaces, thereby strengthening the theoretical foundations. This will provide new insights into the working of algorithms, potentially improving future secure key distribution. Multi-agent interactions in higher dimensional spaces are considered intractable using traditional matrix methods and this project will build on our exciting new breakthrough showing that such interactions are tractable using geometric multivectors. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems The project will analyze the optimization of competitive strategic interactions in order to open up a pathway for the discovery of new types of computer algorithms and security protocols. This will support Australia’s leading position in information technology and cybersecurity. It will provide rigorous foundations for downstream digital technologies of strategic importance. Cybersecurity is of vital importance for computer networks that serve the e-commerce, banking, energy, and health sectors. Also emerging game changing cryptocurrencies such as 'bitcoin' create an urgent imperative to investigate means for increased levels of digital security.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Deep Learning that Scales. Deep learning has dramatically improved the accuracy of a breathtaking variety of tasks in AI such as image understanding and natural language processing. This project addresses fundamental bottlenecks when attempting to develop deep learning applications at scale. First, this project proposes efficient neural architecture search that is orders of magnitude faster than previously reported, abstracting away the most complex part of deep learning. Second, we will design very efficient binary networks, enabling large-scale deployment of deep learning to mobile devices. Thus this project will overcome two primary limitations of deep learning generally, however, and will greatly increase its already impressive domain of practical application. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing Machine Learning is in the process of revolutionising the way we live our lives, and a strong Australian capacity in the area is critical if we are to keep up. The approach that we propose here will enable training of deep learning as well as deployment at a much larger scale than that has currently been possible, a capacity which will drive the next generation of Machine Learning-based business and social opportunities. These opportunities will not arise purely as a result of this project, as deep learning at large scale is a trend in AI, and Computer Vision specifically, with companies like Google, Facebook, and Qualcomm investing heavily in the area as a result. If Australia is to benefit from this next generation of Machine Learning technology then we need to participate in its development. The tangible short-term benefit for Australia in developing the technologies proposed, and the associated expertise, is that they might be applied to problems of interest to Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Adapting Deep Learning for Real-world Medical Image Datasets. The project aims to investigate new deep learning modelling approaches to leverage real-world large-scale image data sets that contain noisy and incomplete labels and imbalanced class prevalence – to enable the use of these data sets for modelling deep learning classifiers. Expected outcomes include an innovative method for modelling deep learning classifiers. The research will involve new inter-disciplinary and international collaborations with machine learning and medical image analysis research institutions. This should provide significant benefits, such as better understanding of deep learning theory, new deep learning applications that can use previously unexplored data sets, and training for the future Australian workforce. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Unique parental epitranscriptome states regulate seed development. This project aims to investigate how developing central cell epitranscriptomes are linked to seed growth, how the cell regulates the unique epigenetic states, and the role of the system in driving phenotypic diversity. Maternal and paternal effects determine growth and development of multicellular angiosperm plants. Previous work has discovered unique ribonucleic acid (RNA) epitranscriptome states dependent on the parent-of-origin in developing central cell that gives rise to the endosperm tissue of the seed that impacts on growth of the seed. This project expects to provide economic benefits by increasing yield of agricultural crops during increasingly challenging conditions. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Examining small molecule activation in metal-organic framework pores. This project aims to uncover important chemical knowledge regarding small molecule activation by reactive metal species that are site-isolated and stabilised within the pores of metal-organic frameworks. These insights will lead to the development of new materials that are able to activate small molecules, such as carbon dioxide and methane, and facilitate their conversion to commodity chemicals and fuels. Uncovering energy-efficient strategies for valorising abundant small molecules is a key challenge for future energy sustainability. The outcomes of this project will inform the design of the next-generation catalysts for conversion of methane to methanol, a potential fuel, and facilitate the transition to a clean energy future. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Connecting Quantum Chromodynamics to experiment via non-perturbative effective field theory. This project aims to disclose the composition of proton excited states by advancing the theoretical formalism governing the underlying dynamics. At present, the structure of even the first excited state of the proton, the Roper, remains unknown for more than 50 years following its discovery. While the fundamental theory of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) describes the interactions between the quarks and gluons composing these states, the phenomena that emerge from QCD are complex and require dedicated analyses to understand them. The intended outcome is the creation of the effective field theory required to decipher QCD calculations. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Novel link between bacterial sugar metabolism and cell-to-cell signalling. This project aims to understand the role and function of the bacterial communication system that enables bacteria to form complex communities and alter phenotypic traits, essential for survival in their environment. Bacteria survive in their environmental niches by developing complex multicellular communities. Cell to cell communication, termed quorum sensing (QS), is critical for this process and is linked to their capacity to detect and secrete small signalling molecules, autoinducers. This project will provide a new paradigm in bacterial adaptation through comprehensive characterisation of the Autoinducer-2 QS system. This knowledge will provide future opportunities for intervention in microbial infestation with broad potential benefits. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Multiscale physics theory to understand secondary migration of hydrocarbons. This project aims to derive mathematical models to reveal the geological history of how petroleum accumulates at laboratory, reservoir, and basin scales. The project will identify secondary migration trajectories of hydrocarbons from source rocks to stratigraphic traps, to optimise exploration for energy resources. By enabling multiscale analytical modelling, the new model will improve the reliability of reservoir characterisation at the crucial initial exploitation stage, and prediction of oil-gas distribution in petroleum basin. The novel multiscale approach is expected to significantly improve exploration and exploitation and create highly skilled jobs to incorporate such modelling into the energy sector. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Catalysts for hydrogen-free ammonia production by electrochemical method. This project aims to realise the next generation of ammonia production under ambient conditions without hydrogen feedstock. Through a combination of theoretical molecular-level understanding and experimental materials engineering, a range of catalysts will be developed under a materials discovery scheme for electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia. These new catalysts, featuring high activity, efficiency, selectivity, and stability, will facilitate an alternative artificial nitrogen fixation technology powered by renewable energies. This technology will enable the production of green fertilisers and provide renewable energy storage, which are key environmental and energy challenges that Australia and the world currently face. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Seminal fluid interferon-gamma: a potential inhibitor of reproductive success. This project aims to investigate mechanisms by which infection, heat stress and psycho-social stress interfere with fertility by inducing a signalling factor in seminal fluid that suppresses female immune adaptation for pregnancy. Factors in seminal fluid in addition to sperm parameters are known to affect male reproductive success, but these are not well defined. The cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNG) is variably present in seminal plasma of several mammalian species. It was recently discovered that IFNG interferes with the female immune response required for reproductive success. This project will investigate how seminal fluid IFNG alters female immune adaptation for pregnancy. This will define how environmental factors induce seminal fluid IFNG and determine whether inhibitory effects of IFNG can be overcome with pharmacological inhibitors to boost reproductive success. Field of research: 0702 - Animal Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Australian Heritage: constructing the first Aboriginal reference genome. This project aims to use DNA sequencing technologies to generate the first complete and accurate Aboriginal genomes, along with maps of genomic variation around Australia. It will combine a range of advanced analytical methods to integrate past and present indigenous genetic diversity from human populations around the world into a new pan-human reference genome. This project will lead to a step change in our understanding of global human genomic variants and provide a range of new targets relevant to medical biology, while significantly improving our knowledge of human genetic history and its consequences in the modern day. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Detecting developing cracks before pipe bursts using smart sensor systems. This project aims to significantly reduce the number of pipe bursts in cities by detecting the leaks from developing cracks on water supply pipes just in time. New techniques will be developed for reliable and timely detection using the existing sensor network in the Adelaide CBD. Specialised monitoring stations will be developed with adaptive noise-cancellation algorithms to detect small leak signals in noisy city environments. Expected outcomes include an effective pipe burst early warning system and the implementation of an active burst prevention and targeted pipe replacement strategy. This should significantly reduce the burst rates and associated interruptions in Adelaide and save millions of dollars every year in pipe relay programs. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Towards conversational vision-based Artificial Intelligence. This project aims to develop a novel learning framework, Vision-Ask-Answer-Act (V3A). This framework will allow a machine to perform a sequence of actions via a conversation with human users, based on intricate processing of not just visual input, but human-computer verbal exchanges. Artificial intelligence has great potential as a tool for economic productivity and daily tasks. Applications in cars and assistant robots, still in their early days, typically require significant expertise to use effectively. The outcomes of this project will push the boundary of vision-language research to produce a conversational intelligent agent that can be easily used in common situations across industry, transport, the medical sector, and at home. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

3D glass printing: the next step in advanced manufacturing. This project aims to establish the first 3D glass printing capability in Australia for academic and industrial research and development. This capability provides an opportunity to advance the field of 3D glass printing from modern art to the fabrication of glass components, with both high transparency and involving new structures not possible with any other technology. These 3D printed glass materials and structures are expected to revolutionise photonics and microfluidics devices by enabling new ways to harness light and fluidics control. The new glass materials generated with this infrastructure are envisioned to improve energy efficiency in buildings, develop biomedical probes for health science and novel sensing technology for national security, agriculture and environmental monitoring. This will keep Australia at the forefront of scientific research and development, specifically in biomedical devices, fibre optics, and analytical instrumentation. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Develop Catalyst Materials for Future Fuels by Operando Computation. This project aims to design catalyst materials for the production of future fuels (green ammonia, hydrocarbon and alcohol). Using carbon and nitrogen as energy carriers, these fuels are generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar; they are safe, reliable, and possess high energy density. The outcomes include advance in computational electrochemistry to the Opeando level, electrocatalysts design principles with clearly articulated reaction mechanisms, and candidate materials for experimental validation. Facilitated by advanced computation techniques and reliable catalyst materials design procedure, this project will address the biggest challenge in future fuel generation, which is the lack of efficient catalyst materials. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Light driven degradation of persistent organic pollutants. This project aims to address the accumulation of pollutants in our environment by developing and optimising materials that utilise light energy to breakdown these persistent chemicals. Combining novel techniques and approaches, this project expects to generate new knowledge in the field of materials science and photochemistry. The anticipated outcomes of this project include an advancement of environmental remediation methods and the capture of pollutants at their source. This should provide significant benefits to both humans and the environment through preventing the adverse impacts of pollutant exposure. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Multiscale physics for enhanced oil recovery. The project aims to develop a multiscale mathematical and laboratory modelling methodology for combined enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and CO2 storage, and synthesise the technology for Santos’s Mulberry oilfield as a test case. The multidisciplinary team will develop advanced reservoir- and laboratory-scale mathematical models and novel laboratory methods to enhance the reliability of modern EOR and CO2 storage and increase its uptake by companies in Australia and globally. The expected outcomes are a pioneering methodology with environmental benefits without additional drilling and reduction of greenhouse effect, and economic benefit to the Australian oil industry through increases in productivity. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Superior Australian psyllium for functional foods. This project aims to establish a breeding program for Plantago ovata in Australia to provide a reliable supply of high quality, superior psyllium as a key ingredient in the gluten-free food industry, providing benefits to the industrial partner, growers in Australia and consumers. Target traits include better harvest index, reduced seed shattering and identification of lines carrying psyllium with novel properties or whole seeds that can be ground and used as flour that imparts less intense colour changes or effects on loaf structure, and which may be highly suitable for other baked gluten-free products. The fundamental knowledge gained from the genetic and biochemical anlayses of these lines will also broadly benefit seed biology research. Field of research: 1001 - Agricultural Biotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Critical conversations: An ethnographic study of Australian organ donation. There is an urgent need for new culturally sensitive ways of improving organ donation rates in Australia, which are lower in culturally and linguistically diverse groups. The project aims to reorient the research focus from decisions made prior to death to the actual times and clinical spaces in which these decisions occur. Through a comparative cross-cultural analysis this research will provide essential knowledge that will inform innovative approaches to understanding organ donation. The outcomes will have a strong bearing on how organ donation communication, professional protocols, and ultimately, organ donation practice evolve in Australia. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Adaptive Morphology and Evolution of Invasive Rabbits and Hares. This project aims to uncover the morphological variation that allows rapid adaptive evolution in two invasive species, the rabbit and hare. This project expects to generate new knowledge at the interface between invasion biology and evolutionary biology, using cutting-edge methods to phenotype widespread populations. This project will address key inter-related hypotheses of rapid adaptive evolution at temporal, spatial and phylogenetic scales, particularly about changing morphologies involved role in locomotion and dispersal ability. Expected outcomes of this project include a comprehensive phenotypic database of these two species and identifying how these invasive species are adapting to the Australian landscape. Field of research: 0608 - Zoology