Deakin University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. This project aims to examine how Australian infant formula companies are marketing breast-milk substitutes through digital media to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian women and women living in Vietnam, where Australian formula companies' increasingly market and sell their products. This project expects to generate new insights into how formula companies are contravening national and international regulations and how novel Artificial Intelligence methods can be leveraged for ongoing accountability. Expected outcomes include new knowledge and infrastructure to support timely government decisions related to the digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes. Key benefits include better protection of breast-feeding in Australia and in Asia. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration The proposed research addresses a critical public health issue: the unregulated digital marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS), which undermines breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity, and duration. This has long-term social and economic costs, including higher healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and health inequities. Additionally, reliance on infant formula has environmental costs due to its production and packaging, which contribute to carbon emissions and waste. While the Australian Government is committed to regulating BMS marketing, there is a lack of data on how BMS companies target women online. This research will fill that gap by examining how Australian companies market their products both domestically and in offshore markets like Vietnam. In the short term, the project will develop novel methods to measure digital marketing practices and assess women’s exposure and perceptions of BMS digital marketing. In the medium term, the findings will inform stronger, evidence-based policies that protect women and infants from deceptive marketing tactics. Long-term benefits healthcare and environmental benefits through reduced reliance on infant formula and improved maternal and child health outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Findings will be shared with policymakers, public health bodies, advocacy groups, and the public to promote stronger regulations and real-world change.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Sustainable and Recyclable Carbon Fibre Composites . Plastic waste poses a major environmental challenge but also represents an untapped resource for sustainable materials development. This project focuses on converting Polypropylene (PP) waste into recyclable crosslinked polymers for carbon fibrre composites (CFRPs), offering a sustainable alternative to traditional non-recyclable thermosets. By advancing vitrimer chemistry, the research will upcycle commodity plastic waste into high-performance CFRPs, enhancing the sustainability of CFRPs production. Anticipated outcomes include novel polymer chemistries, scalable manufacturing techniques, and efficient recycling strategies, contributing to a sustainable manufacturing sector and accelerating Australia's shift towards a circular economy. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project aims to help Australia move toward a circular economy by developing new ways to turn plastics and plastic wastes into high-performance, recyclable carbon fibre composites. Traditional carbon fibre composites, used in planes, cars, and wind turbines, rely on polymers that can’t be recycled, leading to large amounts of waste. This project will use innovative chemistry approaches to modify polymers and polymer waste, making them strong like conventional composites but also recyclable. By using advanced carbon fibre processing facilities at Deakin University, this project creates a system where both the carbon fibre and polymer can be recovered and reused without loss of performance. This research will advance sustainable materials and position Australia as a leader in environmentally friendly composite technology. The outcomes of this research will be promoted through industry partnerships and collaborations, fostering further advancements in sustainable materials.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Stimuli-responsive nanofibrous composites for antibacterial applications. This project aims to develop peptide-based hydrogel composites that can be triggered by multiple stimuli to have antibacterial properties. It will reveal how stimuli-responsive peptides can be designed and how their self-assembly and disassembly can be engineered by tuning their amino acid sequence through molecular dynamics simulation and experimental investigations. The outcomes will provide in-depth knowledge to guide design of functional antibacterial materials that are effective to both individual bacteria and biofilms, providing a solution to recalcitrant bacterial infection, benefiting the manufacturing of advanced healthcare materials, and bringing job opportunities and economic benefits to Australia. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project develops a platform technology for design of a hydrogel that releases antimicrobials in response to the local environmental changes that happen in infected wounds. It will provide design criteria for a hydrogel dressing or device that is not only effective against individual bacteria but also recalcitrant biofilms, thereby considerably reducing hospitalisation, mortality, and enhancing patients’ life quality, while also reducing costs to Australia’s health system. The environmentally responsive mechanisms will enable well-controlled release of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance that have led to emergence of bacterial superbugs. The outcomes of this research will be communicated to medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and providers of healthcare for commercialisation and adoption in the medical sector. The commercialisation of the hydrogel, as a competitive wound dressing material, will help Australia maintain its global leading position in biotech and healthcare. It will bring about significant economic benefits to Australia by taking a bigger share of the global hydrogel dressing market that is projected to grow from USD 791.3 million in 2024 to USD 1,209.7 million by 2032 and creating numerous new jobs. This multidisciplinary project will also provide excellent training opportunities to higher degree by research students and early career researchers.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

‘Nothing about us without us’– boosting diversity in the health and... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Evaluating social media impacts on wellbeing to inform solutions . This project aims to advance our understanding of social media’s impact on wellbeing in young people. Using a novel, comprehensive framework, it will generate new knowledge on who is affected, as well as when and how social media influences wellbeing, identifying key factors at multiple levels. These insights will help connect research, policy, and industry, guiding evidence-based strategies for individuals, families, and decision-makers. Ultimately, this work will create a clear roadmap for safer, healthier social media use, benefiting young people, policymakers, tech companies, and consumers worldwide. Field of research: 5203 - Clinical and Health Psychology Social media is central to young people’s lives, yet its effects on wellbeing are complex. While it can foster connection and self-expression, it also poses risks to wellbeing such as poor body image, affect, and life satisfaction. Governments globally are starting to propose and pass legislation, yet little is known about the complex harms and benefits of social media, nor the potential effectiveness of the strategies being implemented -demonstrating a misalignment between policy and research. This project will address this gap by exploring the impacts of social media on wellbeing to inform evidence-based solutions to keep people safe online. These findings will support the development of targeted policies, regulatory measures, and public health strategies. By engaging various stakeholders and disseminating results through policy briefs, media, and public outreach, this research will support Australians to make informed choices about social media use. The project will provide critical insights to guide future legislation, benefiting young Australians, families, educators, and industry. Given the urgent global focus on social media regulation, this world-first research will position Australia as a leader in digital wellbeing, shaping national and international approaches to reducing online harm and promoting wellbeing.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Streets for people: Design for active travel among children and youth. This project aims to determine what street characteristics are critical for child-friendly urban environments that encourage children and adolescents to walk or bike places, and parents to allow their child to do so. This project expects to generate new knowledge about how streets can be improved to better encourage and support walking and biking among young people. Expected outcomes include practical, actionable evidence for planners about optimal street design to best support sustainable travel among a vulnerable population group. This should provide significant benefits to the community via provision of safer, more inviting streets that support shifts to active travel, contributing to physical activity and environmental gains. Field of research: 4207 - Sports Science and Exercise Australia is highly car dependent, contributing to high greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, congestion, and physical inactivity. Walking and biking benefit health and wellbeing at all ages, and when replacing regular car trips, may contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. However, few children and youth regularly walk or bike places in Australia, in part due to traffic safety concerns and streets that don’t support them to do so. This project addresses the issue by identifying the most important characteristics of streets that contribute to the decision to walk or bike among this vulnerable group of road users. It actively engages street designers, young people and parents in co-designing and testing realistic simulations of changes to streets that could better support walking and biking and improve perceptions of safety. This will generate feasible solutions that could be implemented in practice. By giving voice to young people and parents, this project expects to provide environmental and social benefits through safer and more accessible street designs that address their concerns and promote active and environmentally sustainable forms of travel. This could lead to less reliance on cars and more health-enhancing physical activity. Findings and recommendations will be actively promoted to local government and industry through forums and professional associations to inform best practice principles for street design.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Race, Gender, and Violence in Western Militaries in the War on Terror. This project aims to investigate the experiences of women and racial minorities who served in Western militaries in the War on Terror. After 9/11, Western militaries deployed diverse soldier-forces to fight the War on Terror. Yet these militaries waged a deeply racialised and gendered war, while soldiers faced institutional racism and sexual violence. Drawing on oral history methods, intersectional analysis, and an innovative mapping technology, the project will create new knowledge about the interplay of race, gender, and violence in military contexts. This should provide significant benefits, including recommendations for military reform, recognition of marginalised veterans, and new ways of thinking about the anti-terror project. Field of research: 4303 - Historical Studies After 9/11, Western militaries deployed their most diverse soldier-force in history, claiming diversity as a strategic strength. Yet these soldiers fought a war that was deeply racialised and gendered, and within militaries, marginalised soldiers faced widespread racism and sexual violence. Examining the experiences of women and minority groups in the Australian military, and those of our closest allies, the project will provide new insights into dynamics of race, gender, and violence in militaries and warfare. Through oral history interviews and a veteran workshop, the project will provide recognition for marginalised Australian veterans, and has the potential to improve veteran wellbeing by fostering a sense of community among them. Project outcomes will be shared with policymakers, veteran networks, and the Australian public through media articles in The Conversation and Australian Policy and History. An interactive digital map of the project, exhibited online, will encourage the public to reflect on the purpose and value of war, promoting informed debate on a key aspect of Australian foreign policy. Finally, by understanding how cultures of violence arise in and transfer between militaries, this research has the potential to improve Australia’s military effectiveness and strengthen interoperability with key military allies. Recommendations for reform will be delivered in a report and seminar presented to the Australian War College, to inform Australia’s military leaders.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Ionic liquids for safe, long-lasting sodium metal batteries. This project aims to develop high-energy sodium batteries designed for reliable performance in extreme Australian conditions, such as high temperatures. By combining high voltage electrodes, new separators, and customised ionic electrolyte materials, while carefully controlling their chemical and physical interactions, the project aims to develop sodium batteries with improved power and durability. The anticipated outcome will be safer, high-performance devices suited for defence, agriculture, and remote applications. This research supports Australia’s goals in energy resilience, regional development, and sustainable technology, while advancing local capability in next-generation battery innovation. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering There is an urgent global demand for next-generation battery technologies that are not only more cost-effective and powerful but also safer and more sustainable than the lithium-ion batteries that currently dominate the market. In Australia, this need is even more acute, with unique challenges such as high summer temperatures and demanding power requirements in sectors like defence and agriculture. Sodium batteries present a promising alternative due to their use of abundant materials and improved safety. However, their practical use is currently limited by challenges in developing effective electrode, electrolyte and separator materials, as well as an incomplete understanding of the best materials combinations for reliable performance. This project seeks to overcome these barriers by developing innovative combinations of advanced, non-flammable ionic electrolytes and high-voltage electrode materials tailored for high-performance sodium batteries. Outcomes will be communicated to materials and device manufacturers, thereby enabling Australia’s capability to manufacture and deploy safer, high-power energy storage systems suited to its distinctive environmental and industrial needs. Beyond technical advancement, the project will build national expertise in battery materials optimization, stimulate local industry, and promote the adoption of cleaner, more resilient energy technologies.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

The role of philanthropy in strengthening civic discourse and news deserts. This project will explore how community philanthropy networks can strengthen civic discourse and help replenish news deserts in Australia. It will provide the nation's first critical, comprehensive analysis of philanthropic models, partnerships and strategies that aim to bolster the diversity and integrity of local information ecologies, facilitate civic conversation and counter the spread of misinformation on local issues. We will engage a global network of community foundations, co-create and test innovative approaches and generate an evidence-based framework to guide transparent philanthropic leadership and investment. This should provide significant benefits for local democratic engagement and the social fabric of communities. Field of research: 4701 - Communication and Media Studies Communities worldwide are lamenting the decline of local news provisions during a dramatic period of digital disruption. This has resulted in ‘news deserts’ – that is, towns, cities or suburbs with no reliable sources of information or journalism to report on or facilitate conversation about local issues. Information gaps can exacerbate social isolation, political disengagement, and vulnerability to misinformation and as such, finding sustainable models to support quality local news and information provisions is considered an issue of national importance. This project will provide Australia’s first critical, scholarly examination of community philanthropy and its role in enhancing civic conversation and access to quality, relevant local information, especially in areas susceptible to becoming news deserts. By working collaboratively with philanthropic networks, the project will assess and develop new models, partnerships and communication practices for the benefit of rural, regional and suburban communities. The project will establish a global network of place-based philanthropy dedicated to strengthening local information ecologies and produce a framework to guide transparent philanthropic leadership and investment. Our findings will inform the public, media industry, broader philanthropic sector and policymakers on evidence-based approaches to enhance information quality and civic conversation in the interests of building thriving communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing seagrass restoration to ecological relevant scales in Australia. The project aims to generate new knowledge to support seagrass restoration at ecologically relevant scales. Directed towards practical application, it provides a framework to overcome key constraints that limit our capacity to achieve national and international targets for scaled seagrass restoration. It will provide new insights into optimising propagule supply for restoration, identify best-practice for site selection, and generate empirical evidence on the recovery of ecosystem services following restoration. Expected outcomes are new knowledge to advance seagrass restoration that sees the return of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Seagrasses are critical to Australia’s marine ecosystems, providing ecological, economic and cultural services worth over AU$11 billion annually. These habitats support fisheries, improve water quality, protect shorelines, and store carbon. However, over 1,600 km² of seagrass has been lost since the 1950s, threatening biodiversity and undermining the health and resilience of coastal communities and industries. Large-scale, evidence-based restoration is urgently needed to reverse these declines. Australia is a global leader in marine restoration science, and this project will build on that expertise through a holistic assessment of current seagrass restoration efforts. It will identify best practices, address knowledge gaps, and incorporate the cultural values of seagrass to Traditional Owners. The outcomes will inform the design of large-scale restoration trials aimed at restoring critical ecosystem services and supporting national climate and biodiversity targets, including Reef 2050. In the long term, this work will benefit Australians by enhancing fisheries, capturing carbon, reducing erosion, and sustaining tourism and recreation. Outputs will be shared via a multi-platform engagement strategy including policy briefings, co-designed materials with Indigenous partners, public outreach, and practitioner toolkits. This ensures benefits are realised beyond academia, supporting coastal resilience and informed environmental decision-making nationally.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Nutritional Psychiatry: supporting healthy eating in pregnancy to... Category: Medical Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Addressing gender-based violence in volatile and polarising times Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Stimuli-responsive nanofibrous composites for antibacterial applications Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Streets for people: Design for active travel among children and youth Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advanced ionic materials for sustainable refrigeration. . This project aims to develop a range of high-performance materials to achieve efficiency and longevity in sustainable refrigeration and cooling applications. This is critical to enabling wider use of cooling devices without incurring a massive environmental impact. Advanced analytical techniques will be used to build a deep understanding of the structure-property relationships in the materials that underpin their performance. Expected outcomes include a suite of materials with properties tailored to achieve high performance, in addition to training in the important area of energy materials, thereby benefiting the advancement of materials and know-how urgently required to support Australia’s transition to clean energy. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Australia is very vulnerable to the effects of a warming climate, making it essential to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for refrigeration and air conditioning (A/C). Cooling technologies such as A/C are very environmentally damaging because they are energy intensive and currently rely on high global warming potential refrigerant gases that often leak into the atmosphere. This project aims to create new solid-state materials for sustainable A/C and refrigeration, reducing the environmental impact of cooling technologies that use environmentally harmful refrigerant gases while positioning Australian businesses as leaders in this emerging market. Expected outcomes include insights into how the structures of the ions in the solid affect material properties and performance, and development of durable, high-efficiency materials for clean thermal energy management systems. Predicted economic and social benefits to Australia include advancements in low-impact cooling technologies and workforce training in materials development and sustainable energy sectors. Materials and understanding produced in this project will be of value to the development of other energy devices, particularly emerging safer battery technologies being pioneered by the project team and collaborators. The outcomes of this project will be widely communicated to academics, industry and the public through papers, conferences, news articles, websites, and local outreach initiatives.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Addressing gender-based violence in volatile and polarising times. This project explores how young people (aged 18-34) interpret and respond to public and media discourse on gender-based violence (GBV), with a focus on the identity, relational, and contextual factors that shape their engagement with prevention initiatives. It tackles the critical challenge of volatile and polarising GBV narratives, which can alienate certain groups and overlook diverse perspectives. The project seeks to generate actionable insights to enhance the effectiveness of GBV prevention strategies, public campaigns, and educational programs. By fostering inclusion and amplifying marginalised voices, it aims to promote equity, reduce GBV prevalence, and drive long-term cultural change towards a more equitable society. Field of research: 4405 - Gender Studies This project addresses a critical gap in Australia’s efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) by investigating how young people interpret and respond to public discourse and initiatives aimed at addressing this violence. While there has been increased investment in prevention post the MeToo movement, the current gender landscape is marked by polarisation, backlash, and emotionally charged messaging. Existing GBV initiatives often fail to connect with the lived realities of young people, particularly young men and gender/culturally diverse youth. This research centres young people’s voices and explores the factors shaping their engagement and disengagement, with the aim of generating more inclusive and effective GBV strategies. Socially and culturally, the research will contribute to more responsive and equitable GBV prevention initiatives, helping to reduce violence and its associated social and economic costs. It will support the development of youth-informed, evidence-based policy and education strategies that engage rather than alienate young people, fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across communities and institutions. The findings will be promoted beyond academia through a dedicated project website, youth-led social media campaign, policy briefs, educator resources, and partnerships with violence prevention organisations. This integrated knowledge translation strategy will ensure wide uptake and impact across policy, education, and community sectors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Intelligent Personalized Simulators for Enhanced Training and Prototyping. This research aims to solve the fundamental problems of driving and flight simulators by developing new motion cueing algorithms (MCAs) to realise personalised motion simulators. The research will leverage users’ physiological data and artificial intelligence (AI) models to generate realistic and comfortable ride experiences that current simulators cannot provide. The expected outcomes include ground-breaking advances in AI-based MCAs for improving usability and utility of simulators. Building better motion simulators will improve road and air safety through effective training and lower manufacturing costs through virtual prototyping of new vehicle designs, propelling Australia as a world leader in the emerging field of motion simulation. Field of research: 4607 - Graphics, Augmented Reality and Games Road trauma costs Australia AU$27 billion annually, along with the profound emotional and social cost. Young drivers aged 17–25 are overrepresented in crashes, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all Australian road fatalities. Road and air accidents can be reduced through the personalised driving and flight simulators, offering a safe, controlled, and effective platform for training and performance evaluation. The current motion simulators lack realism and often induce motion sickness, limiting their effectiveness. This project will revolutionise simulator technology by developing Artificial Intelligence-driven motion cueing algorithms to create highly personalised simulators that adapt to individual users, enhance motion realism, and minimise individual’s motion sickness. These simulators will enhance training, support virtual prototyping and testing of new vehicle designs, and reduce costs, development time, and risks for test drivers and pilots. The research will deliver cutting-edge simulation technology to Australia’s automotive, aviation and marine industries, enhancing national capabilities in training, transportation safety, manufacturing, and innovation. Through strategic partnerships with industry, institutes, and transport authorities, and by sharing outcomes via workshops, demonstrations, and pilot studies, this technology will be translated into real-world applications, fostering economic growth, innovation, and a safer, more skilled workforce across Australia.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Unravelling chiral recognition to improve sensing and separation... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Where, when and how do birds sleep in the city? Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Unravelling chiral recognition to improve sensing and separation... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Enhancing Credibility Assessment using Artificial Intelligence and... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Enhancing Credibility Assessment using Artificial Intelligence and... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Embedding Net Zero Carbon Emissions in Northern Australia Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-12

Embedding Net Zero Carbon Emissions in Northern Australia Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research