Deakin University

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

A high-payload, high-fidelity haptically-enabled motion simulation facility. An Australian-first motion simulation facility consisting of a high-payload, high-fidelity Stewart platform mounted on a dual-axis linear track is proposed. The facility will allow high acceleration and high vibration manoeuvres, and large displacements through an eight-degrees-of-freedom range of motion. It can carry the entire control compartment of a heavy vehicle, a truck, an ambulance, a train, or a multi-operator cockpit of a mining vehicle for simulation. The outcome will provide significant benefits for virtual vehicle prototyping and testing, driver training and behaviour modelling, motion perception and motion sickness research; therefore advancing Australia as the global leader in motion simulation and vehicular technologies. Field of research: 0999 - Other Engineering The proposed motion simulation facility will be the first in Australia for conducting advanced research in driver-based and driver-less vehicular technologies in a safe, cost-effective, and high-fidelity environment. The proposed motion simulator allows virtual prototyping and testing of vehicles for the automotive industry. It facilitates design and testing of autonomous vehicles, ensuring user acceptance in terms of comfort analysis and motion sickness mitigation. The simulator is ideal for driver training and driving behaviour and performance evaluation, in order to improve road safety. Researchers, practitioners, and students will be able to gain cutting-edge expertise in vehicular technologies by using the simulator. It will be made available for use by industry, government, and research organisations; therefore disseminating benefits to the wider community. It is envisaged that the facility will act as a key catalyst for fostering research initiatives among all stakeholders nationally and internationally, propelling Australia to be at the forefront of motion simulation and vehicular technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Privacy-Preserving Fog Info System in Infrastructure-Deficient Environments. Due to Australia’s unique geographical distribution and population density, many regional or remote areas lack infrastructural support and development, including telecommunications and electricity supply. It is important to provide information and communication services in such infrastructure-deficient environments. In this project, we will develop a first-ever commercially ready Fog information system, or FogIS in short, to enable localised information and communication services, while preserving users' privacy, in infrastructure-deficient environments. The deployment of this system will bring great benefits to Australia’s economic growth, the quality of life, cybersecurity, and environment control in rural and regional Australia. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems Many of Australia's regional or remote areas lack infrastructural support and development, including telecommunications and electricity supply. The proposed privacy-preserving Fog information system in this project is an important step towards building practical, sustainable and scalable information and communications technology infrastructure in regional and rural areas, such as rural farms, remote national parks and regional towns. This will benefit various end-users including farmers, tourists, local residents, industries and governments, bringing tremendous benefits to Australia’s economic growth, the quality of life, cybersecurity, and environment control in regional and rural areas. In addition, the outcomes of the project will advance the theory of Fog computing and enhance Australia's international competitiveness in this field. Furthermore, the project's platform will provide an excellent opportunity for the training of world class researchers to meet the future needs of the broader Australian innovation system. All of these greatly contribute to Australia’s national interest.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Mapping Social Services Provision for Diverse Communities. Although the provision of social services in multicultural societies is one of the major factors that affect immigrants’ integration experiences, it surprisingly remains under-researched. This project will systematically map the provision and impact of different service-delivery modes in three areas of interest to migrant groups - health, social and employment services. By using mixed-methods design, the project will assess the experiences and impact of the mainstreaming of social services on social inclusion, citizenship and human rights among migrant communities. Outcomes will include robust empirical evidence to plan policies and improve social inclusion of migrant communities through the effective provision of social services. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology By producing the first mapping and assessment of different service provision modes on multicultural Australia, the project will contribute to the improvement of social inclusion through the effective programming of targeted and effective services, which is likely to induce economic and social benefits for society at large. The project will particularly benefit the end-users of social services in diverse communities by identifying the service-provision mode that has the most positive impact. Additionally, the project will benefit all stakeholders of service provision in Australia, to strengthen the ability of partner organisations, and all public and private service providers in Australia, to monitor and measure the provision of services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals and communities. Finally, the project will benefit the public debate by providing the first evidence to assess the impact of social service provision on social cohesion, citizenship and human rights of migrant communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Building resilient alpine environments with less snow. In this project, we aim to build resilience into alpine National Parks and Alpine Resorts to counter the effects of ongoing declines in snow. Alpine environments depend on snow to regulate water flows, insulate vegetation, control soil erosion and promote proper ecosystem functioning. How these processes will operate in a snow-free future is unknown. We will determine how and where snow characteristics drive soil water availability for plants and which plant species have the best adaptation and regeneration potential under extreme conditions such as heat, frost and drought. Benefits of the project include innovative land management and rehabilitation solutions, to safeguard Australia's alpine areas under changing environmental conditions. Field of research: 0607 - Plant Biology The catchments of the Australian Alps provide enormous economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits to the Australian community and industry. The Alps provide over half of the river flows to the Murray-Darling Basin and snowmelt water for Australia's largest energy store, hydroelectricity, and downstream irrigators. The region also hosts >5M visitors annually for various recreation, cultural and social activities. These services all depend on reliable snowcover which protects and insulates alpine soils and vegetation, prevents soil erosion and provides the basis for ecological processes. This project will build resilience into alpine environments through underpinning rehabilitation works with ecological understanding: how changes in snowpack and soil water availability will affect alpine vegetation; how plants will tolerate climate extremes and which plants can adapt and regenerate to maintain properly functioning alpine environments. Benefits of the project include innovative land management and rehabilitation solutions, to safeguard Australia's alpine areas under changing environmental conditions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

ARC Research Hub in New Safe and Reliable Energy Storage and Conversion Technologies. This Research Hub addresses safety and reliability issues, and environmental impact of current energy storage and conversion technologies. The research will deliver a new generation of technologies for storage from small scale portable devices to large scale industrial applications, using recycled and natural materials, and eliminating the serious fire risk in current technologies. Outcomes include innovative integrated energy conversion and storage technologies and new energy materials and devices designed for different scale applications, leading to creation of start up companies and commercialisation opportunities for existing partners, benefiting both the Australian economy and potentially transforming the energy industry landscape. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering This Research Hub brings together Australian and international research organisations with a broad range of industry partners to develop together innovative solutions to challenges facing current energy storage and conversion technologies. By addressing current known issues using innovative and diverse approaches, this Hub will strategically position Australia as a leader in the emerging energy storage and conversion space, ensuring Australian industry can maintain a competitive advantage and leverage a unique mineral wealth position in this critically important sector. The development of all solid-state batteries will make Australia the world's battery leader in terms of renewable energy storage. The project success will deliver high-energy density and high safety energy storage for electrical vehicles, enable efficient utilisation of renewable energies, address global environmental concerns. and accelerate the development and commercialisation of renewable energy technologies in Australia, which is of great significance to Australia’s energy and environmental security, as well as its economic growth.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Decolonisation and photography in Southeast Asia: Histories and legacies. This project aims to investigate the untold history of decolonisation in Southeast Asia through amateur soldier photographs taken on the front line of conflicts. Such photographs constitute a vast yet neglected archive that promises unique insights into encounters between combatants on all sides, and with civilians whose experiences have rarely been accessible, particularly women, children and unfree workers. The expected outcomes of this project are to produce new understandings of violence in decolonisation and the long-term legacies of colonialism in Southeast Asia. This project also intends to provide a critical historical framework for understanding the meaning and impact of photographs taken in war. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies This project will generate benefit through a new understanding of conflict and decolonisation in Southeast Asia. Australian forces played a crucial role both as trainers and combatants in colonial conflict in the region and this project will draw on the large holdings of the Australian War Memorial, together with records in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to open debate about truth, justice, rights and trauma in this historical context. Opening up access to archival, amateur photography from colonial conflicts will also enliven the experience of the history in our region. It will connect Australia’s past with that of our neighbours, as well as with former colonial powers. The project will integrate Australian collections with international archival holdings to support social connections and enrich our multicultural society. In the context of Australia's strategic partnerships, including the recently-concluded Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the project will also generate benefit through historically-informed engagement with our region.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Cultural values, birth and parenting: Reproductive health and Lao socialism. This project aims to provide an anthropology of procreation and parenting through ethnography of the Government of Laos’ Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health rollout as well as everyday reproduction in rural and remote Laos. It expects to generate new knowledge of core values in Laos, including those underpinning official treatment of children as human capital, difference as deprivation, and mother-and-child biomedical care as universal, as well as the (counter-)values lived in rural and remote practices, knowledge and sentiments. Anticipated benefits include advanced understandings of Lao culture and society, socialism as it articulates with international health and economic agendas, and the anthropology of human flourishing. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology Contextualising the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) strategy within an ethnography of everyday lives in rural and remote Laos; Lao history, politics and economy; and local values, will advance knowledge of Lao cultural dynamics, which is important given Laos' role in Australia’s region. It will also contribute to the Australian Science and Research Priority on health, particularly the Practical Research Challenges of improving models of health care and understanding regional health threats. One of the greatest challenges to RMNCH in Laos, to international initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals, and to Australia’s efforts towards this sector in Laos, is the translation from policy to practice. This project will observe and analyse RMNCH strategies at the point of implementation, and from the perspective of rural and remote intended beneficiaries. This is essential for understanding national, bilateral and global initiatives holistically. It is also relevant for Australia’s biosecurity interests, in that infectious disease is a key target in RMNCH strategies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Massive Data Reading with Mobile Data Collectors for the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things (IoT) supports the connectivity of almost everything including powerless simple devices (such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags), making it an indispensable technology for future industry and business. This project is to develop systematic and cost-effective approaches by leveraging existing cellular networks for the connectivity of simple sensors/devices using mobile data collectors (such as smart phones) so that their information becomes available to IoT applications via cellular systems. For example, products’ information stored in RFID tags or power-limited sensors' data can be provided to logistic or IoT applications, respectively, without building dedicated systems via existing cellular systems. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies Direct application of outcomes: The outcomes of this research can help extend the range of Internet of Things (IoT) support to power-limited or powerless devices and sensors. This has significant implications for IoT applications as the connectivity (of cellular IoT) can be extended to simple and cheap devices with passive radio frequency identification tags. These developments will promote Australia’s in-depth expertise and intellectual property in the new area of extended IoT connectivity, bring Australia's IoT technology to the world-class level, and improve Australia's life and make business efficient by enabling smart cities and smart farms. Training of highly skilled personnel: This mobile data collector based backscatter communication system project will provide research training to prepare high-calibre postgraduates and honours project students. There will be a number of research graduate engineers in the areas of communications and IoT systems, both areas of existing and worsening skills shortages that are constraining the growth of the IoT and defence industry sector in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Reading in the Mallee: The Literary Past and Future of an Australian Region. This project addresses key challenges in regional Australia relating to literary activity and the infrastructure that supports it, including access to inclusive reading practices and spaces. Partnering with literary industry stakeholders in the Victorian Mallee region, the research will generate a series of reader-centred events that enhance and diversify the literary infrastructure of the region and produce translatable knowledge for industry stakeholders in regional Australia more broadly. Through innovative methodologies, Mallee readers, both past and present, will contribute knowledge to the first significant account of Mallee literary history, and to industry recommendations for future activities that support community diversity. Field of research: 2005 - Literary Studies This project brings benefits to the Mallee region of Victoria specifically, and is translatable to non-metropolitan communities more broadly, through its focus on enhancing regional reading cultures and literary infrastructure. It engages Mallee readers both past and present to understand the richness of Mallee literature and culture, and explore and reshape the literary and cultural identity of their region. The Mallee is a place of immense cultural diversity, but this is rarely represented in accounts of the region. The project will undertake a new literary history of the Mallee focusing on diverse reading communities to create the first significant account of Mallee literature and generate recommendations for future community engagement, collections policies, and literary programming for industry stakeholders. The project will raise the profile of Australian literary studies as a collaborative discipline with strong applied social value, while making a significant contribution to the scholarship of reading and regional literary studies in Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Appropriate Development Interventions to Violent and Hateful Extremism. This project investigates how the international development/humanitarian activities of Plan International should best address violent and hateful extremism (VHE). VHE impacts about 70% of Plan’s $1bn global activity, and around USD80bn foreign aid globally. This project thoroughly examines VHE impacts on their work in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Philippines and Indonesia, to develop new situation assessment tools and indicators, in order to facilitate mainstreaming VHE into project planning and design and offer recommendations for primary (population), secondary (at-risk) and tertiary (those involved) interventions. Reduced VHE will benefit not only individuals participating in programs, but societies in those countries plus regional stability. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science This project will help strengthen security and strategy with respect to Australia’s $4bn per annum foreign aid program, by facilitating the mainstreaming of Violent and Hateful Extremism (VHE) analysis and consideration in aid project planning and design. It will develop new tools for assessing risk and make concrete recommendations to development/humanitarian agencies, about appropriate project interventions at primary (whole population), secondary (at-risk population) and tertiary (those already involved) levels. By doing so, it will help maximise the appropriateness and effectiveness of all aid programmes implemented by Plan International Australia in VHE-affected contexts, and through dissemination, will improve effectiveness across the whole aid sector. This is increasingly important for Australia's regional security, as DFAT instructs international development organisations such as Plan to integrate VHE considerations into aid programs. At the same time, these insights will also benefit community development programs within Australia through developing more effective responses to hateful extremism.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Metal folding fundamentals to shape new corrugated building products . FormFlow has developed a ground-breaking forming process enabling the use of corrugated iron as a structural element. This is a step change for Australia`s steel and building industry and will provide a direct benefit to fireproofing homes. Up scaling of this new technology poses significant challenges due to the lack of understanding in the new forming process and the effect of pre-processing on the incoming material. Fundamental knowledge of material behaviour will be developed with advanced models that account for the unique process deformation conditions. The intended outcome includes computer software for process design and new concepts for part shape control to improve product quality, repeatability and enable high volume manufacture. Field of research: 0910 - Manufacturing Engineering The FormFlow technology draws together Australia`s steel, building and metal manufacturing industries to take a technical leadership position in supplying innovative and leading-edge low-cost housing solutions. This project will facilitate industrial implementation and will provide the fundamental platform for the development of new forming concepts and FormFlow products. This will: 1) Stimulate economic activity and job creation while capitalising on existing manufacturing capability and expertise in the Geelong region; 2) Enable the development of innovative new building solutions, delivering a sustainable competitive advantage to Australian companies that can be leveraged internationally (commercial); 3) Facilitate more efficient methods of construction leading to more affordable low-cost housing (social); 4) Eliminate gaps in the external envelope of buildings to improve thermal efficiency, decrease environmental impact and reduce the threat of ember attack during bush fires (environmental); 5) Add a new dimension to the image of corrugated sheet as an Australian building material "icon" (cultural).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Collecting at the Crossroads: Anthropology, Art & Cultural Change (1939-85). This project will apply current scholarship on museum collecting practices, art and anthropology to produce a better understanding of one of Australia’s most significant, yet little known, collections of Aboriginal art and culture —the Berndt Museum collection. The project will explore the legacy of this collection and generate new ways of appreciating its depth in partnership with the descendants of the Aboriginal people who made it. Focusing on materials collected in inland Australia, we will develop a collaborative means of interrogating the collection. The project will benefit Aboriginal communities and the wider Australian public via the production of on-line resources and public exhibitions celebrating this unique cultural collection. Field of research: 2102 - Curatorial and Related Studies The Berndt collection is a nationally significant collection of Aboriginal art and material culture, with aspects recognised under the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. By undertaking research on this collection we will contribute to Australia’s national interest by (1) recognising and celebrating of the rich diversity of Australian Indigenous cultural heritage, (2) achieving a better understanding of the complex historical and social dimensions of museum collecting in Australia, and (3) developing an appreciation of the complicated history of the relationships between the Berndts and the Aboriginal people they worked with. Our collaborative research into the rich collections of early desert art will also cause a rethinking of the history and development of Aboriginal art production, a sector which today provides important economic and health outcomes across remote Aboriginal communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Adaptive context caching for fast concurrent access in Internet of Things. Context-awareness in Internet of Things (IoT) applications has profound impact on smartness, relevance, adaptability, dependability, performance and flexibility of such applications. This project will address the significant knowledge gap by investigating, proposing and validating a novel adaptive context caching scheme for fast near real-time access in multiple concurrent context queries coming from multiple and diverse IoT applications. The outcome will be a critical component of the IoT context management platform called Context-as-a-Service which is currently under development. The expected benefits will be far ranging and applicable to many domains including intelligent transportation, industrial internet and smart cities.. Field of research: 0805 - Distributed Computing Internet-of-Things is a disruptive technology which will impact the way data is sensed, collected, stored, processed, reasoned about and delivered to decision support systems. Context information plays a critical role in making Internet-of-Things applications agile, intelligent, relevant, dependable and accurate. The research outcomes will benefit Australian institutions and businesses involved in developing context-aware Internet-of-Things applications and systems, making Internet-of-Things applications more effective and efficient. This research will enable better intelligent transportation systems and smarter cities, where the outcomes of the project will be validated. This project will build world-leading Australian capability in an important technology area, and place Australia on the map of international research in Internet-of-Things knowledge field.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

The Promise of Justice. Justice is often framed as a human problem. How other species shape just or unjust futures is rarely considered. Biodiversity loss and modernisation programs can result in unequal suffering for Indigenous communities. Health inequalities, produced by microbial diseases, also disproportionately impact marginalsed peoples in developing countries. Collaborative ethnographic research in Indonesia will enable participants to reconceptualise justice and make policy reccomendations in three arenas: 1) the environment, 2) human rights, and 3) health. New knowledge in cultural theory and multispecies studies will be generated through collaborations with distinguished international scholars and indigenous intellectuals. Field of research: 2002 - Cultural Studies Australia’s regional security is dependent on mutually beneficial relationships with nearby countries. This project will fill a gap in knowledge about public health and environmental issues in Indonesia, one of our closest neighbors and key partner nations. Indonesia has one of the world's fastest growing economies and the environmental and health impacts of this growth is poorly understood. Some of Indonesia's most vulnerable, namely Indigenous peoples, face human rights abuses and exclusion from the benefits of development projects. By working with Indonesian scholars, and by fostering relationships with Australian and Indonesian officials, this project will identify specific legislative and administrative measures that could ameliorate injustices experienced by these groups. Australians will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to achieving justice, allowing the Commonwealth to better target its foreign policies and aid programs to resolve social, medical, and environmental problems on Australia's doorstep.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Testing an Integrative Model of Interpersonal Partner Aggression. The project aims to conduct: 1) a developmental test (i.e., from childhood to adulthood), and 2) a dyadic longitudinal test of an integrative model of intimate partner violence (IPV). The project is significant as it addresses 4 key IPV research limitations. These are the lack of: 1) focus on relationship dynamics; 2) longitudinal research on couples; 3) developmental tests of IPV; 4) research on same-sex couples. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive suite of assessments to effectively detect and support couples at risk of IPV and self-help resources to combat IPV. Benefits include the development of an integrative framework to identify couples most at risk of IPV and guide the development of interventions and policy to reduce IPV. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Two million Australians experience intimate partner violence (IPV). The social and health impacts of IPV in Australia are estimated at $22 billion. The potential outcomes of this project are estimated to reduce the social and economic costs of IPV by over $10 billion over a life time. The project aims to achieve this through developing and testing a much-needed integrative framework for researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to understand the factors that incite as well as inhibit IPV. This in turn, can help to assist with the screening and the effective identification of couples who are most likely to be at risk of IPV. This information can then assist counsellors, caseworkers and policy-makers within the relationships and violence sectors on how to tailor their counselling and intervention programs as well as policy to help reduce cycles of IPV.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Information Embodiment Framework for Education using Immersive Technologies. The project aims to develop a framework to apply mixed reality technologies in education, by fusing the information with human physical, physiological, cognitive and emotional perceptions. The current approach translates existing contents into 3D which does not scale and causes cognitive overload. The project conceptually advances the design and development of mixed reality applications. The expected outcome is a mixed reality integration framework for effective communication, applicable to manufacturing, health, tourism and arts. The benefits are enhanced learning with engaging resources, with positive impact on student learning outcomes and motivation, in both formal and informal education settings such as schools, galleries, and museums. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

After Islamic State: Local-State-Global Heritage Dynamics in Syria and Iraq. This project aims to investigate the complexities of local-state-global dynamics in the destruction and reconstruction of Syrian and Iraqi heritage. This project expects to generate conceptual and methodological innovation via an interdisciplinary approach that involves conducting and analysing surveys, interviews and archival research. Expected outcomes include unprecedented empirical insights into how the people of Syria and Iraq perceive their heritage, and the extent to which it aligns with the attitudes of key state and global actors. This should provide significant benefits, including shaping further intellectual inquiry, as well as the policies and responses of key state and global actors to heritage issues in the Middle East. Field of research: 2102 - Curatorial and Related Studies This project will have a range of benefits for Australia. Firstly, Australia has made a considerable investment in Syria and Iraq, from the Iraq war of 2003, through the fight against the Islamic State, to various ongoing military, humanitarian and peace-building initiatives. This project has the potential to further the goal of a peaceful Syria and Iraq, thereby stemming the global flow of refugees, advancing the fight against terrorism and mitigating attacks on Australia and its interests. Secondly, this project will enhance Australia’s relationship with its foremost ally, the US, via collaboration with its leading institutions, as well as with key Middle East states and global actors such as UNESCO. Thirdly, this project will see Australia become a world leader in the protection of heritage sites in conflict, advancing Australia’s foreign policy goals of promoting democracy, human rights and nonviolence. Finally, by demonstrating a commitment to Syrian and Iraqi heritage, Australia can enhance relations with Middle Eastern minorities at home, furthering its status as a peaceful multicultural nation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Real-time imaging of crystal strengthening mechanisms in metals. The strength limit of a metal is marked by rapid motion of crystalline defects. The associated speeds can locally approach that of sound. To probe the associated mechanisms clearly requires both spatial and temporal resolution. We propose to create a new bulk x-ray technique with an unprecedented combination of temporal and spatial resolution. We plan to exploit the technique to mediate a step change in modelling strength based on twinning. The formation of crystalline twins is known to dictate the strength of the light metal magnesium. A fuller understanding of the effect of twinning on strength in this metal will provide much needed confidence to implement it more widely in energy saving applications. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering The new insight into crystal strengthening of metals developed in this study will open up new ways to explore the mechanisms governing material behaviour under load via computation simulation and x-ray imaging. New models describing the strength of metals in terms of their microstructure and chemistry will be developed to facilitate digital design of alloys, manufacturing processes and metal components. This will bolster Australia's expertise in automobile design and advanced manufacturing. This will enhance Australia's ability to carry out leading material science.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Intergenerational determinants of child development on school entry. There is widespread interest in preconception determinants of child development but progress relies on multigenerational longitudinal datasets, which are rare internationally. This project takes advantage of a unique opportunity to follow third-generation offspring from one of Australia's oldest longitudinal studies of psychosocial development. The Australian Temperament Project has followed 2000+ young Australians (and their families) since 1983, and over 1000 offspring from pregnancy to 4 years since 2012. This project will expand offspring assessments to 6-years, marking the transition to school. Findings have the potential to reshape approaches promoting intergenerational wellbeing and breaking intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Findings from the Australian Temperament Project (ATP) have been informing national policy around prevention of mental disorder and promoting a healthy start to life for close to 40 years. Results have been published in over 180 peer-review articles, and have played a central role in raising awareness not only of the importance of early intervention, but also the maintenance of investment at every age and stage of development from infancy to young adulthood and parenthood. ATP Generation 3 data are now mapping transitions into parenthood, highlighting the importance of the preconception period for next generation outcomes, shaping training for Vic. Maternal Child Health Nurses and establishing new Comprehensive Monitoring Systems. Findings have been consistently translated for government in collaboration with key organisations such as ARACY and the Australian Institute for Family Studies, such as reports on early risks for dangerous driving (learner driver training); pathways from antisocial behaviour (juvenile justice); links between early alcohol consumption and risky drinking patterns (drug legislation).

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Reforming evidence synthesis and translation for food and nutrition policy. This project aims to develop and evaluate a ‘Fit-for-Purpose’ framework to strategically guide evidence synthesis and translation for food and nutrition policies in order to effectively and safely tackle contemporary nutrition and food security problems. The project intends to use interdisciplinary approaches that integrate nutrition science, health promotion and policy science. The project would also examine policy-maker acceptance of the framework. Expected project outcomes include an enhanced capacity to critically analyse existing policies and guide future food and nutrition policy formulation and evaluation. This project would provide significant benefits by helping to promote public health, wellbeing and food system sustainability. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Thermally conductive materials from boron nitride nanosheets. This project aims to produce novel two-dimensional nanomaterials, in the form of functionalised boron nitride nanosheets and investigate their chemical, thermal and mechanical properties. The project expects to design and develop unique boron nitride nanosheets with targeted thermally conductive and electrically insulating properties, to address the critical technological problem of heat management in electronic devices. The resulting new nanoscience and ground breaking design and processing techniques will have the capacity to address the current technical obstacles which are preventing further development of fast and smaller electronic devices. Field of research: 1007 - Nanotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Demographic and social dimensions of migrant ageing and wellbeing in Australia. This project aims to examine the deterioration of health and wellbeing in migrant communities in Australia over time. Some migrant groups suffer higher mortality and morbidity in older age, despite having better health than non-migrants upon arrival in the host country. By consolidating and analysing a wide range of quantitative data and conducting qualitative fieldwork among ten migrant groups in Australia, the project aims to produce new estimates of healthy life expectancy and investigate how social capital sustains health throughout the ageing process. The project will inform government policymakers, migrant aged care service providers, and migrant communities in supporting quality of life outcomes. Field of research: 1603 - Demography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Tibet's rivers in the Anthropocene: history and present trajectories. This project aims to produce a multifaceted history of the eastern Tibetan Plateau's rivers, focusing on the increasing human impacts during the Anthropocene. It will combine data from archival, cultural and oral sources in multiple languages with the results of scientific studies of river flow, water quality, and sediment, ice, and tree-rings analysis. The project will produce both historical narratives and graphic representations that model past land and water usage. The results of the project will underpin environmental policy for this hydrologically and ecologically crucial region, including the development of a paradigm of care based on the region's indigenous cultural resources. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Impacts of Banned Drinkers Register Re-introduction in Northern Territory. This project aims to investigate the impact of the re-introduction of the Banned Drinker Register in the Northern Territory, where rates of alcohol-related harm are more than twenty times that seen in other Australian states. This interdisciplinary team will use qualitative and quantitative methods across urban and remote locations to answer complex questions about policy impact. This Project expects to provide evidence to inform future policy introduction and refinement. It aims to enhance Aboriginal research capacity for investigating alcohol policy. Benefits should include world’s best evidence on the impact of supply restriction policies on treatment needs and the massive levels of harm seen in the Northern Territory. Field of research: 1117 - Public Health and Health Services

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Next-generation solid-state batteries to drive an automotive revolution. This project seeks to design and fabricate new solid-state silicon electrodes for advanced high energy, high stability lithium batteries. It is anticipated that this project will generate new knowledge in the area of battery electrode materials through an innovative combination of a soft plastic crystal electrolyte with a highly conductive glass ceramic electrolyte. Expected outcomes of this project include a greater understanding of electrolyte properties and an increase in the electrode cycle stability. This should provide significant benefits, such as the development of a new high capacity battery to promote the uptake of electric vehicles and lower Australia's carbon footprint. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry