University of Wollongong

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Non-intrusive Monitoring Using WiFi and AI. Fall prevention, rather than response, is key to improving care outcomes in the aged care sector. Using only WiFi signals, this project will develop a non-intrusive human movement and pose characterisation system. The initial focus is aged care in managed or home settings. A large AI model based on the WiFi channel will be developed. It will rely on a combination of human data and a smart robot to generate a large training dataset. The outcome of the project will be a secure, non-intrusive monitoring system of human activity for aged care. The outcomes will benefit healthcare, aged care, and home safety in a non-intrusive and privacy-friendly monitoring of people’s actions indoors, allowing older residents to stay in their homes longer. Field of research: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence Australia’s aging population is a growing national priority, with increasing demand for safe, effective, and respectful aged care solutions. This project will deliver a privacy-preserving, non-intrusive system for monitoring human activity using standard WiFi signals without relying on cameras or wearable devices. By enabling accurate 3D pose estimation from wireless signals, this technology can detect falls and abnormal movements in real time that helps to reduce accidents and improve response times in aged care and home environments. The project supports national health and safety goals while addressing social concerns around surveillance and privacy. It offers an affordable and scalable solution suitable for residential settings, hospitals, and care facilities across both urban and remote areas. Using a robot to generate training data also reduces ethical challenges and improves the scalability and reproducibility of the system. This research will help position Australia as a global leader in next-generation ambient intelligence and WiFi-based sensing. It will also build national capacity in machine learning, robotics, and human-centered technology to support future jobs and industry growth. Outcomes will be shared with industry and healthcare partners to ensure real-world adoption and impact. Ultimately, this work will contribute to safer, smarter, and more dignified care for vulnerable Australians.

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

Advancing synthetic photochemistry: online photoreactor mass... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Energy-Centric Vibration and Comfort Solutions for Sustainable Railways. This project aims to develop novel suspension systems to revolutionise railway transport. These innovations are anticipated to enhance ride comfort, minimise vibrational energy losses, and significantly reduce energy consumption, paving the way for more sustainable railways. By addressing the dual challenges of energy efficiency and passenger experience, the research seeks to introduce an integrated, energy-centric framework that redefines traditional approaches. The intended outcomes include cost-effective and efficient railway operations, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced service quality, positioning rail transport as a competitive and eco-friendly choice and contributing to Australia’s leadership in sustainable transportation. Field of research: 4017 - Mechanical Engineering This research project will transform Australia’s rail transport by developing advanced suspension technologies that dramatically reduce energy consumption and enhance ride comfort. By linking vibrational energy losses to rolling resistance, the proposed innovative system will significantly lower operational and maintenance costs for both freight and passenger rail, making transport more competitive, lower fares, and efficient to benefit businesses and everyday commuters. Moreover, optimised energy usage and the integration of energy harvesting of this project will cut greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to Australia’s net zero 2050 goals. Enhanced comfort and reliability will encourage a shift from car travel to rail, easing road congestion and environmental pollution. Beyond academic impact, outcomes will be promoted through partnerships with industry, government, and transport operators to research translation and real-world applications, hence boosting local manufacturing and jobs and positioning Australia as a leader in sustainable transport technology. The benefits extend to improving the longevity of rail infrastructure, thereby reducing the need for costly repairs and minimising resource use. Ultimately, this research not only advances scientific understanding but also delivers tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits to all Australians, ensuring that public investment drives long-term prosperity and a cleaner, more connected future.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unravelling Molecular Mechanisms of SSA DNA Homologous Recombination. The repair of double-stranded DNA breaks is critical to the survival of all living organisms. One key process performing DNA repair is Single-Strand Annealing (SSA), which is a homologous DNA recombination pathway found in all life forms from viruses to humans. Despite its fundamental importance, the detailed molecular mechanisms of SSA and the structures of the protein complexes involved remain poorly understood. Our project aims to fill this critical gap by investigating the structural and functional mechanisms of the protein complexes carrying out SSA. Our project has far-reaching implications from enhancing the precision and efficiency of gene editing technologies to development of future anti-cancer and anti-bacterial therapies. Field of research: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology DNA has instructions essential for formation, survival and propagation of most life forms, including humans. Any damage to DNA must be repaired to prevent serious harm like genetic disorders, or death (e.g., cancer). One of the worst kinds of DNA damage is double-stranded DNA breaks, which must be repaired for genetic integrity and survival. A key pathway for repairing this damage is called Single-Strand Annealing (SSA), which is found in all life forms from viruses to humans. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms of SSA and the structures of the proteins involved remain poorly understood, preventing progress on important future discoveries. Our project will fill this critical gap in knowledge by determining the atomic structures of the bio-nano-machines carrying out SSA, and unravelling their molecular properties and detailed molecular mechanisms of how they repair damaged DNA. We will use state-of-the-art techniques like cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), molecular imaging, structural biology, computational biology, biochemistry and molecular microbiology. Our findings have far-reaching potential impacts in the future beyond academia. Translating our expanded understanding and ability to harness SSA into improving genetic engineering methods, targeting it in viruses for engineering novel therapies, or developing improved phage therapies to fight antibiotic resistant superbug infections, will greatly benefit Australia economically, socially and commercially.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels. As the world pursues net zero emissions, renewable fuels like green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol will become important. Such renewable fuels, and green products created from them, offer the only viable means to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries like steel, shipping, aviation, and chemicals. The Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels aims to exploit fundamental science to innovate next-generation technologies that will expand the renewable fuels industry and give Australia a competitive edge in their export. In so doing, the Centre will help to transform Australia from a major fossil fuel exporter to the world’s largest exporter of renewable energy, with global decarbonisation impact, while also training the next generation workforce. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Renewable fuels hold enormous potential to decarbonise heavy fossil fuel-based industries and transform Australia’s energy landscape. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels proposes an innovative and transformational research and translation agenda to develop sovereign Australian capacity in renewable hydrogen and green fuels, supporting Australia as a future major producer and global exporter of green fuels (and their products, like green iron). This will provide a renewable alternative to our current exports of coal ($127 billion p.a.), iron ore ($124 billion p.a.), and natural gas ($92 billion p.a.), which are CO2-intensive, and transfer approximately double our domestic emissions abroad. It will potentially also reduce Australia’s dependence on imports of fuels like refined petroleum, diesel, and kerosene ($45 billion p.a.). The Centre will do this by overcoming critical scientific, technological, and socio-economic barriers to the deployment of renewable fuels, by adopting a ‘science-at-scale’ approach. Adoption and uptake of outcomes will be maximised by partnering on the research and its translation with a team of world-class Australian and international energy sector experts across the technology development chain. The Centre aims to create national economic value and ongoing and new employment, while simultaneously training a new generation of transdisciplinary researchers and engineers to safeguard Australia’s social, environmental and economic future.

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

Towards End-to-End Encryption in Impregnable Cloud Security Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Robust and Actionable Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Recurrent Influenza. This project aims to develop robust and actionable wastewater-based epidemiology for recurrent influenza outbreaks. Building on insights gained from COVID-19 wastewater surveillance, it seeks to enhance the wastewater analysis by systematic quantification of viral transport, decay and partitioning in sewers. These advancements will improve accuracy of detected viral loads. The project will leverage machine learning and compartment epidemiology models to generate actionable transmission dynamics for controlling transmission through medical treatment, vaccination, and nonpharmaceutical interventions. This project would significantly contribute to the global fight against influenza by developing new knowledge and effective epidemiology tools. Field of research: 4202 - Epidemiology Influenza remains a major public health challenge in Australia, causing >3,300 deaths annually and substantial economic disruption through lost productivity and healthcare costs. This project aims to revolutionize influenza surveillance by advancing wastewater-based epidemiology with artificial intelligence and advanced modeling. Current clinical surveillance methods are limited by underreporting and delays in case identification. Our research will fill this gap by developing a robust and actionable wastewater surveillance system that can provide real-time, population-wide insights into influenza outbreaks, independent of healthcare-seeking behavior. The benefits of this research are far-reaching. A reliable wastewater surveillance system will enable early detection of outbreaks, allowing health authorities to implement timely interventions, optimize vaccine distribution, and reduce hospital strain. This will lead to better public health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and enhanced national preparedness for future pandemics. The economic and social impacts will be significant, minimizing workforce disruptions and improving community resilience. To maximize the impact of our findings, we will actively engage with policymakers, public health agencies, and wastewater utilities. Through collaborations, we will ensure that our research translates into real-world applications, shaping national health policies and strengthening Australia’s infectious disease response capabilities.

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

Mangroves reveal history of Australia's forested shorelines Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing Railway Suspension for Superior Stability and Ride Comfort. This project aims to enhance the stability and ride comfort of railway vehicles by introducing innovative suspension technologies. It will resolve the stiffness conflict in primary suspension through a variable stiffness axlebox, improving both straight-track stability and curving performance. A novel quasi-active damper integrating variable damping and negative stiffness technologies will be developed for superior vibration control with low power consumption in secondary suspension. An integrated control strategy will optimise the overall performance of both suspension systems. This project will benefit Australian railway manufacturers by advancing suspension technology, improving operational safety, and enhancing passenger experience. Field of research: 4017 - Mechanical Engineering Australia’s railways are vital to industry, tourism, and communities, requiring trains that are highly stable and comfortable. However, conventional suspension systems struggle to balance stability on straight tracks with flexibility for curves, limiting speed and reducing ride quality under varying conditions. This project will develop an advanced railway suspension system to enhance running stability and ride comfort. A variable stiffness axlebox in the primary suspension will dynamically adjust stiffness, improving train performance on both straight and curved tracks. A novel damper, integrating variable damping and negative stiffness technologies, will be introduced in the secondary suspension, significantly reducing vibrations while maintaining low energy consumption. An integrated control strategy will optimise both systems in real time, ensuring seamless adaptation to diverse track conditions. Aligned with the National Reconstruction Fund Priority Area: Transport, this project will strengthen Australia’s railway manufacturing sector, improving rail transport efficiency, safety, and competitiveness. By enhancing ride comfort and operational stability, these advancements will encourage greater rail adoption, benefiting passengers, operators, and manufacturers. Through strong industry collaboration, this project will accelerate the real-world application of cutting-edge suspension technology, positioning Australia as a global leader in next-generation railway innovation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Accelerating Bayesian Computations with Generative Diffusion Models. In many real-world situations it is necessary to make decisions based on uncertain outcomes. The bottleneck however is executing the highly complex calculations to find the possible outcomes and their probabilities, as it entails interrogating scientific models with thousands of variables. This project will develop a new computational approach for rapid and accurate prediction for highly-granular real-world scientific models. To do so, it will exploit state-of-the-art diffusion based generative models, which are immensely effective in similar highly granular image generation tasks. This project will then address a decision problem of national importance, namely optimising flight paths for drone-based early detection of bushfires. Field of research: 4611 - Machine Learning Mathematical models play an important and ever-increasing role in our daily lives. For example, economic forecasts are made by calculating potential outcomes, and the chances of their occurrences, using mathematical models and data. In essence, for any mathematical model, the more granular the model is, the more accurate the forecasts will be, but their calculations become too computer-intensive to be practicable. To address this significant knowledge gap, this project will use advanced mathematical reasoning to create new efficient computer algorithms for calculating forecasts using highly granular mathematical models and data. This project’s outcomes will be promoted through direct engagement with downstream users. In particular, to address challenging and nationally important applications in real-time sensor analytics for quantifying and mitigating extreme risk, such as early detection of bushfires. Potential impacts of this project are wide ranging as the use of models and data to yield insights is ever more widespread, such as in the digital economy, healthcare, and even to aid scientific discovery. Our new analytic tools could help facilitate these disparate and high-priority national endeavours.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Physics-Informed Digital Twin for Large-scale Metal Additive Manufacturing. This project aims to develop a physics-informed digital twin framework for metal additive manufacturing (AM) to enhance process monitoring, simulation, and control. By integrating multi-sensor fusion, machine learning, and reinforcement learning, the system will enable real-time defect detection, predictive process modelling, and adaptive control. The outcomes include improved accuracy, reduced defects, and enhanced production efficiency, benefiting the aerospace and automotive industries. This research supports Australia’s national priority in advanced manufacturing, strengthens industry collaboration, and trains future experts in intelligent AM technologies, contributing to a more sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing sector. Field of research: 4014 - Manufacturing Engineering Metal 3D printing is revolutionizing Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector, with transformative applications in aerospace, automotive, medical, infrastructure, and energy. Despite its potential, current metal 3D printing processes face significant challenges, including high defect rates and inefficiencies, which limit their industrial adoption. This project aims to develop a physics-informed digital twin framework that integrates multi-sensor fusion, machine learning, and predictive control to optimize processes in real time, reduce defects, and improve efficiency. By addressing these challenges, the research supports Australia’s 2024 National Science and Research Priorities, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on imports, and driving innovation in high-value production. The outcomes will benefit the welding, metal fabrication, and manufacturing industries, thereby strengthening Australia’s global competitiveness. Planned engagement with leading industrial partners, including manufacturers and metal processing companies, will facilitate direct industry adoption. Research findings will be disseminated through industry collaborations, workshops, journal publications, and public outreach programs. This project will position Australia as a leader in intelligent, sustainable manufacturing technologies, benefiting the economy, industry, and workforce while promoting sovereign capabilities and a resilient, technologically advanced manufacturing sector.

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

Robust and Actionable Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Recurrent... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Unravelling Molecular Mechanisms of SSA DNA Homologous Recombination Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Accelerating Bayesian Computations with Generative Diffusion Models Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Exchange networks and social resilience across the last deglaciation. Exchange networks are a critical dimension of human social resilience, facilitating the movement of people and information in response to environmental change. This project will reveal how exchange networks enabled human societies to adapt to the rapidly rising sea levels and extreme climate forcing that brought about the modern (post-glacial) world. We will undertake a multi-isotope analysis of the world’s first mass-produced ornaments, generate new climate data, and create formal network models that will test whether exchange networks operated the same way in the deeper past as they do historically. The project will reveal the functional evolution of exchange networks, and provide an exemplar for archaeological studies of exchange. Field of research: 4301 - Archaeology This project investigates how exchange networks and social connectivity enabled the Khoe-San of southern Africa to adapt to rapid environmental change at the end of the last glacial cycle. It addresses a major gap in our understanding of deep-time human resilience and the ecological dynamics of dryland environments, using archaeological, isotopic, and ecological data to reconstruct past climates, animal foraging ranges, and patterns of human movement and exchange. The research will generate transferable insights into resilience strategies for arid-zone populations—critical as Australia confronts its own climate challenges. It also advances proveniencing techniques (strontium and stable isotopes) applicable to the repatriation of Indigenous cultural heritage, including artefacts and ancestral remains. The creation of fine-scale ecological baselines contributes to biodiversity management in Australian drylands and can inform cultural and natural heritage policy both here and internationally. To maximise impact, we will share findings through both academic and public media, collaborate with Indigenous organisations in South Africa, and make all data open-access. Our integrated approach—linking archaeology, ecology, and geochemistry—has cross-sector potential, advancing fields including forensic science, conservation, and heritage management.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Navigating Social Media Experiences within Australian Families. This research aims to understand Australian families' social media experiences and the associated impacts on children aged 8-17. It will reframe the thinking about children's social media experiences as shaped by familial, social, and technical contexts. Expected outcomes include knowledge about the experiences of families navigating the complexities of social media and a theoretical innovation for understanding the impacts of social media on children. In the context of a legislated ban on some social media for children under 16, this work benefits governments, families, and children by providing evidence-based policy directions and resources to promote safe and age-appropriate social media experiences. Field of research: 3904 - Specialist Studies In Education In late 2024, the Australian government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill in response to public concerns about the negative impacts of social media on children. The bill will come into effect in 2025, banning some social media use for children under 16 years. However, research on the impacts of social media on children remains inconclusive. To equip children for the digital future, systematic insight into how and why children aged 8-17 and their families engage with social media, the associated impacts and required supports is urgently needed. This project will address a critical knowledge gap about the contexts, relations, and technical components shaping Australian children’s social media experiences. It aims to deliver supports to help families navigate the complexities of social media with their children and provide evidence to inform a comprehensive policy response to protect children and develop safe, healthy, and age-appropriate participation. Working with children, parents, education departments, policymakers, and social media platforms, the project will align with key stakeholders' needs. Tailored communication plans include online resource packages and open access reports and methodologies shared via stakeholder networks. This will be amplified by social media and media articles to maximize and accelerate the research translation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Towards End-to-End Encryption in Impregnable Cloud Security. This project aims to develop a security framework that can seamlessly integrate with existing cloud services, providing strong end-to-end encryption while maintaining essential cloud functionalities such as file sharing and collaboration. Current solutions often require users to build and manage their own servers or rely on password-protected keys with inherent weaknesses, which can lead to vulnerabilities. This research will enhance encryption security, improve key management, and develop practical solutions for secure cloud computing. The outcomes will provide an integrated and enhanced approach to cloud security, benefiting individuals, businesses, and governments by reducing data breaches and strengthening cybersecurity resilience. Field of research: 4604 - Cybersecurity and Privacy With more data being stored on the cloud, data breaches and misuse have become major threats to personal and national security. Recent large-scale breaches, including Latitude Financial (2023), Optus (2022), Medibank (2022), and Service NSW (2020), have exposed sensitive information, risking individuals' privacy and financial security. This project aims to develop advanced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) techniques that will significantly enhance data protection in cloud environments. E2EE ensures users retain full control over their data, preventing access by cloud providers or attackers. While E2EE is explored in both industry and academia, the theory-practice gap in integrating it with pre-built cloud infrastructures prevents current approaches from achieving it on existing services. This project will close that gap by developing secure and practical E2EE schemes. By collaborating with government agencies and industry leaders, this project will drive the adoption of these techniques in cloud services, strengthening the security of platforms used by Australian government bodies and enterprises. The outcomes will directly benefit all Australians by safeguarding their privacy and financial assets from cyber threats. Moreover, this research will position Australia as a global leader in cloud security innovation, aligning closely with the Australian Cyber Security Strategy and Australian Signals Directorate Strategic Plan reinforcing national resilience against cybercrime.

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

Emerging Altermagnetic Materials for Future Information Technology Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

From Pixels to Pillows: Optimising Screen Use for Healthier Sleep. With increasing screen use at ever-younger ages, parents face pressing challenges in promoting healthy sleep, yet existing screen time advice misaligns with modern realities. This project aims to investigate how screen use can coexist with healthy sleep in pre-schoolers. Through multidimensional profiling, novel analytics, and mixed methods, it will generate essential evidence to inform practical solutions. Expected outcomes include a novel sleep profile scoring system, identification of screen use profiles that support healthier sleep, and a deeper understanding of how parenting shapes both behaviours. This will pave the way for digital-age strategies, empowering parents to help children achieve the healthy sleep they need to thrive. Field of research: 4206 - Public Health There is no substitute for healthy sleep, yet one in three Australian pre-schoolers experience sleep difficulties, impeding their learning, development, and family well-being. With the pervasiveness of digital devices, promoting healthy sleep has never been more challenging for parents. Current restrictive approaches to screen time are impractical, with over 80% of pre-schoolers exceeding the recommended limit. Moving beyond duration, this project will take a multidimensional approach to investigate how screen use can coexist with healthy sleep in pre-schoolers. It will identify screen use profiles that are compatible with healthier sleep and parenting approaches that support both behaviours. This knowledge will inform practical screen use optimisation strategies that go beyond rigid restrictions, helping families promote healthy sleep in an increasingly digital world. Benefits include innovative pathways for children to develop digital skills without compromising sleep, healthier sleep that enhances learning, creativity, and development, and actionable solutions to reduce screen-related tensions and foster more harmonious family environments. Findings will be translated into free resources (e.g., interactive tool, parenting toolkit) via the ARC Digital Child website and into updated national guidelines via collaboration with government bodies. This will ensure research outcomes reach Australian families, empowering their children to sleep well and excel in the digital age.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

State of the Art Coastal Elevation and Bathymetry Facility (CoastElBathy). Green laser LiDAR technology enhances the capacity to develop seamless elevation and bathymetric models and integration with remote-piloted aircraft (RPA/drones) provides the opportunity to address significant data gaps in shallow-water coastal environments, including beaches and estuaries. When RPA-mounted, surveys can target regions where data are sparse, access is limited and can be optimised to characterise morphological change. Data generated from the CoastElBathy facility will underpin development of models urgently needed to project shoreline change due to storms, climate variability, and sea-level rise. Collaboration with industry ensures CoastElBathy informs decisions that seek to minimise coastal risk and maximise public benefit. Field of research: 3709 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience This project addresses a significant coastal data gap and expands modelling capacity by developing the facility. The facility will provide access to green laser LiDAR technology, suitable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA or drones), and a community of practice that will develop resources to the support successful application of RPA-mounted green laser LiDAR technology for coastal research. The seamless elevation and bathymetric models that will be developed as an outcome of this facility will traverse the coastal zone from shallow water environments, across the intertidal and beyond. These 3D models are crucial for understanding coastal morphodynamics and hydrodynamics, particularly in the context of a changing climate and sea-level rise. Improvements to models will enhance coastal decision-making that seeks to optimise risk minimisation for coastal assets, including infrastructure, dwellings and ecosystems while maximising public benefit through ongoing supply of ecosystem services. In doing so, this project provides economic, social and environmental benefits to the people of NSW and across Australia. Collaboration with industry and government ensures project outcomes support decision-making and are appropriately communicated.

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

Multifunctional High-Performance Zinc-Hydrogel Batteries for Wound... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing synthetic photochemistry: online photoreactor mass spectrometry. The rapid and comprehensive profiling of photochemistry is required to expedite the development of next generation photoactivated processes, including LED-optimised photocatalysis. As such, this project will develop new photoreactor mass spectrometry tools to probe photochemistry online and evaluate the early stages of photocatalysis - including the interception of intermediates relevant to organic synthesis. With a tunable light source, photochemical action plots will be routinely attainable, revealing the wavelength with maximum photochemical potency, and facilitating innovative chromoselective reaction design. The project outcomes include new technologies and workflows, new photochemical knowledge and broad applications in synthesis. Field of research: 3401 - Analytical Chemistry Visible light-mediated synthesis is a powerful strategy for accessing organic compounds in a sustainable and selective manner. Light-initiated chemistry is an exciting field, but to make it more practical for industries, techniques are needed that can quickly and comprehensively study how light drives these chemical reactions. This project will address this need through development of an online photoreactor and mass spectrometry platform that allows better understanding of how light affects chemical reactivity and uncover the details of short-lived intermediates that are key to making the reactions work. This innovative technology will provide the foundational knowledge required to rationally design advanced photoactivated reactions. The knowledge gained will pave the way for developing new light-driven chemical methods relevant to the creation of organic compounds, especially those that avoid relying on rare, expensive precious metals as catalysts. The project will build upon Australia’s profile as a research leader in fundamental photochemical studies and innovative applications that benefit our economy and environment. Furthermore, the project will provide excellent research and critical thinking training to the PhD and undergraduates students, and equip them with a range of synthetic and analytical skills, leading to career-ready graduates.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Emerging Altermagnetic Materials for Future Information Technology. Altermagnets, which exhibit zero net magnetic moment while retaining spin splitting, combine the strengths of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. They are gaining global attention for their broad application potential, including transforming the AI era by enabling ultra-high-density data processing and storage, ultrafast response, and low energy consumption. This project aims to advance this emerging field by designing, fabricating, and testing robust altermagnetic materials that operate at room temperature, demonstrating their practicality for real-world applications. By driving innovation in materials and technology and fostering a skilled workforce, Australia is poised to lead this groundbreaking research and its industrial applications. Field of research: 5104 - Condensed Matter Physics Altermagnetic materials are novel and transformative quantum material class with unique magnetic behaviour and transportations, poised to advance next-gen information technologies. This project develops novel altermagnets with tailored transportations for low-power spintronic devices, crucial for energy-efficient data storage and computing. Combining computational screening and synthesis, this research enables precise control of altermagnetic properties. Resulting materials will advance energy-efficient nanoelectronics, supporting Australia’s decarbonisation goals and enabling future AI/quantum computing architectures. Aligning with Australia’s National Manufacturing Priorities, this work strengthens advanced materials R&D and trains a skilled spintronics workforce, boosting global competitiveness. The project expands infrastructure for quantum material innovation, ensuring Australia’s leadership in critical technologies. While foundational, outcomes may translate industrially. Collaborations with Australian sectors could explore altermagnet applications, bridging lab and industry. Securing IP and partnerships positions Australia in the global spintronics market. Strategic investment in quantum materials will drive economic growth and cement Australia’s leadership in sustainable computing technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Child Brain Anatomy – Reaching Beyond Adult Models. Humans have an extraordinarily long childhood, marked by learning and continued brain development. Brain structure, connectivity, and function evolve significantly during this period, yet high-resolution neuroimaging datasets for children are lacking. This project aims to create the first 0.5 mm-resolution MRI dataset of 48 children aged 6–17, providing unprecedented anatomical detail. Detailed atlases of the thalamus (56 nuclei) and hippocampus (8 subfields) will be developed, addressing the absence of robust segmentations for these critical structures. The open-access dataset will support further research into the brainstem, cerebellum, and sex-specific developmental differences, establishing a foundation for child brain studies. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences Australia has a long history of being the world leader in brain cartography. In fact, not only are the brain atlases made in Australia the most used in the world, but the atlas of the rat brain, constructed by CIC Paxinos and Watson, is the most cited Australian scientific publication and the most cited neuroscience publication. The current project will construct an atlas of the developing child brain to add to Australia’s ongoing record of leading brain mapping research. This is an important contribution as, in Australia, 1 in 5 children aged between 3 and 17 have a mental health or brain developmental disorder. Indeed, our neuroanatomical understanding of the child brain is almost exclusively an extrapolation of the adult. A lack of sufficient high-quality child brain imaging data on which a neuroanatomist can construct an atlas, is holding up the field. This project will leverage novel, non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to answer the fundamental question of how the child brain is different from the adult and how it develops as the child grows. The new imaging methods refined by our team reveal the anatomy of the child brain at 8 times more detail than conventional neuroimaging techniques, allowing us to study the brain at a level of unprecedented depth. This project will deliver an atlas that will confer health and social benefits to Australia’s child and adolescent population.

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

Navigating Social Media Experiences within Australian Families Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research