UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

How does the U2 spliceosome complex regulate transcription . Transcription of eukaryotic genes is coordinated with co-transcriptional processes including splicing. How the molecular complexes that control splicing influence transcription is largely unknown. Aims: Using innovative molecular technologies this project aims to identify the shared and distinct activities of the catalytic and structural components of the U2 spliceosome on endogenous gene transcription and splicing. Significance: This study is important to every biological process in eukaryotes as >90% of genes in plants and animals contain introns. Expected outcomes: This research will increase our biological knowledge in transcriptional control. Benefit: This knowledge will have future applications in biotechnology and industry. Field of research: 3105 - Genetics Most genes in complex organisms contain non-coding segments called introns. Consequently, the process of gene expression involves not just transcription (copying DNA to RNA) but also simultaneous RNA splicing (removing introns). This interplay adds extra layers of control to gene expression. However, we still don't fully understand how proteins involved in splicing interact with those involved in transcription to regulate this initial step of gene expression. Delineating these interactions are essential for a complete understanding of gene expression. All biological activities within a cell such as metabolism, differentiation and replication are underpinned by dynamic changes in gene expression. Therefore, the knowledge produced from this project will be essential for better understanding the regulation of growth and development of all plants and animals. Using advanced molecular biology and biochemical technologies to address the knowledge gaps in the field, this work will provide training and employment opportunities to students and scientists in Australia. The impact of the research will have a broad reach globally, showcasing Australian innovation through high impact publications and prominent national / international seminars. Beyond academia, the knowledge generated is also likely to have global economic, commercial and environmental benefits; as efficiently altering transcription has broad application in industries such as farming, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

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

Advanced Polymers for Heritage Conservation Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

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

Commercial Determinants of Equity in Lung Cancer: A Mixed-Methods... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Demand- and Supply-Side Policies for Improving Housing Affordability. This proposal aims to address Australia’s housing affordability crisis using an innovative economic life-cycle model of the housing market. It expects to generate new knowledge about housing affordability proposals related to superannuation withdrawals, government equity participation, pension means-testing, and increasing housing supply. Expected outcomes include understanding how policy impacts on homeownership, prices, and wealth distribution, with a focus on low-income households and younger households. This should provide significant benefits to policymakers by offering them model-driven insights to guide the design of effective, equitable housing policies and addresses a critical gap in the Australian housing economics literature. Field of research: 3801 - Applied Economics Australia’s housing affordability crisis is worsening, with record high house prices and limited supply making it increasingly difficult for Australians to own their own home. Despite widespread policy discussion, the quantitative effects of government interventions such as early access to superannuation for house deposits, government equity sharing, removing the exclusion of owner-occupied housing from the pension means test, and relaxing other supply constraints are still under researched, making an effective solution further out of reach. This project studies these key economic policy interventions and develops models and measures to calculate the mismatch between buyers and the supply of available housing. This research will benefit Australians economically and socially by identifying which policies effectively improve housing affordability without unintended consequences. Effective housing policy can enhance affordability, support the transition to home ownership for young Australians, reduce inequality, improve geographical mobility, and decrease the strain on social services caused by homelessness and financial stress. We will extend our research impact beyond academia by sharing our findings with the wider community, the housing industry, policymakers and state and federal government. To maximize reach, we will publish articles in mainstream media and collaborate with journalists to ensure our insights inform both decision-makers and the broader public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Rise of the molecular machines: A synthetic ribosome for peptide assembly. This project aims to create a small-molecule molecular machine that mimics the ribosome's function to assemble peptides and proteins. This advancement will enable the production of diverse peptides and proteins, extending nature’s ribosomal biosynthetic machinery through the ability to incorporate both natural and non-natural amino acids. This molecular machine will use a switch/rotor mechanism, powered by visible light, to enable sequential attachment of each amino acid followed by coupling to the growing peptide chain. This technology aims to overcome the limitations inherent in current chemical peptide synthesis methods and should greatly benefit the biotechnology sector in the production of bioactive peptides. Field of research: 3405 - Organic Chemistry This project will invent new synthetic methodologies to prepare peptides and proteins. These developments aim to transform the way complex peptides are manufactured by chemical synthesis. The research outcomes will expand Australia's research capability and global competitiveness in the field of biotechnology, delivering significant commercial benefits to the third largest manufacturing sector in Australia. Social benefits may be realised through the discovery of new bioactive molecules, which will become key components of innovative health products used by Australian citizens. This project will provide economic benefits to Australia as new inventions and discoveries generate valuable intellectual property of interest to Australian and international biotechnology companies, and through the training of researchers in biotechnology and related fields. Research outcomes will be promoted by protecting the intellectual property by patents; these will then be licensed to Australian industry, enabling commercial translation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Slow emergencies, policy change, and hopeful futures for young people. This project aims to address the combined negative impacts of the ‘slow emergencies’ of climate change, artificial intelligence, and pandemics on young people in Australia. It generates new knowledge on how to respond to slow emergencies through education and youth policies, and on how participatory methods advance policy change. Expected outcomes include policy development through the co-design of solutions, and building youth agency via toolkits for schools and policy bodies. The project will enable significant benefits in enabling young people to be healthy and thriving instead of hopeless in facing the future. This has longer term benefits to Australia, including in protecting the environment and building a secure and resilient nation. Field of research: 4406 - Human Geography This project will i) build new knowledge on how the ‘slow emergencies’ of climate change, artificial intelligence, and pandemics are together affecting young people’s hope for the future; and ii) inform policy to address the resulting impacts on youth wellbeing. Slow emergencies are crises that are mostly imperceptible in everyday life and thus worsen due to insufficient policy action. However, there is concern these crises are particularly affecting Australian young people, with a 50% increase in mental health issues and rising suicide rates over the past 15 years. This project addresses critical gaps in knowledge and action by making the impacts of slow emergencies on young people more visible and actionable for policymakers. Through interviews, policy forums, and tools and outputs distributed across states and territories, the project will generate new knowledge and contribute to policy reform in addressing the impacts of slow emergencies. The project has social benefits in improving the wellbeing of young people, who are essential to Australian national priorities to protect the environment, transition to net zero, and build a secure and resilient nation that can manage the rapid development of artificial intelligence and future pandemics. Understanding and adoption of the research will be furthered through collaboration with policymakers, national engagement via policy briefs, and an online platform to support policy decision-making.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A New Approach to Inverse Problems for Minimal Submanifolds. Aim: This project will determine the geometric structure of an a priori unknown manifold from knowledge of only the volumes of the minimal submanifolds embedded in it. Significance: This project will encapsulate the celebrated Michel's conjecture for boundary rigidity into a broader framework of minimal submanifolds. For physics, this inverse problem is widely seen as a way of connecting quantum mechanics with general relativity through the framework of the AdS/CFT correspondence. Expected Outcomes: We will establish geometric rigidity results relating to minimal surfaces. Benefits: Creating a mathematical framework for minimal surfaces that potentially leads to new connections between quantum mechanics and general relativity. Field of research: 4904 - Pure Mathematics This project uses advanced mathematics to study how space-time geometry can be reconstructed from minimal surface data—an idea inspired by developments in theoretical physics. Minimal surfaces are geometric objects that help reveal the shape and structure of space-time in modern physical theories. The methods developed in this project could one day contribute to better understanding the relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity. While grounded in pure mathematics, the project explores connections with machine learning and imaging, with potential long-term applications in areas such as medical imaging and geophysical exploration. It involves collaboration with international experts and offers high-level training for Australian PhD students and early-career researchers. The project strengthens Australia’s standing in fundamental research while equipping local talent with mathematical and computational skills relevant across science, technology, and engineering.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

The brain has a bin; how is it emptied? Is it not clear how metabolic waste is cleared from the brain. We propose that it occurs most actively during wakefulness rather than sleep, challenging the current model. The study aims to address knowledge gaps in the current glymphatic clearance model using innovative techniques to understand brain metabolism homeostasis and optimal function. The project will determine rates of waste efflux in the brains of mice in wakefulness and sleep, determine the role of arteries and veins in the clearance system, and explore the cellular mechanisms by which metabolites are cleared through water channels. The findings could also offer insights into maintaining cognitive health and new avenues for mitigating age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences This work seeks to discover and understand the fundamental problem of moving nutrients and waste into and out of the brain from the fluid that bathes the outside of the brain. Metabolites are required for the optimal functioning of the nerve cells that make up the brain, and the waste metabolites must be cleared out. The accumulation of metabolic waste in the brain is a common feature of aging and degenerative diseases that are still largely untreatable. However, before we can fully assess why there is a failure of metabolite clearance and thus successfully address ways to solve the problem in the future, we need to understand the normal processes of brain metabolic clearance. The work will yield new knowledge in neuroscience, using cutting-edge biomedical techniques. Both the technical and biological advancements have broad applicability from those wishing to understand the normal or optimal brain function to those seeking new targets for therapies or lifestyle changes that can address the need for lifelong healthy brains, to those studying other biological systems such as vascularization of other tissues.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Governance, Diversity, and Information Design in Teams. This project aims to investigate how teamwork can be improved through effective design of team governance and information flow. It expects to determine how different team governance structures can improve the design of information about individual contributions to overcome issues of underperforming teams. Expected outcomes include (i) new knowledge on effective governance to implement information systems in project-based team tasks, and (ii) tools which are directly applicable and low-cost interventions. This will provide significant benefits for fundraising platforms, community groups, and workplaces by mitigating under-provision of collectively beneficial goods, poor firm performance, and insufficient responses to environmental problems. Field of research: 3801 - Applied Economics Many social and economic problems that Australia faces require teams of individuals, organisations, or nations to work together. Internationally, the growing interdependence between countries means that Australia, now more than ever, has to work with other countries to address challenges such as mitigating climate change and eradicating infectious diseases. Domestically, teamwork is necessary for improving productivity in the workplace and provision of public goods such as environmental protection through crowdfunding. As a result, teamwork is listed as a key employability skill in the Treasury’s White Paper “Working Future”. However, successful teamwork is impeded by the lure of short-term self-interest. There exists a research gap in our understanding of how information flow and team governance, particularly in the case of diverse teams, contributes to cooperation failure. Using insights from behavioural and experimental economics, our aim is to investigate when self-governing teams fail and how their performance can be improved. The findings will be disseminated through workshops, and discussions with the Behavioural Insights Unit of Victoria and Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government. They will benefit Australian workers, students, and fundraising platforms through improved productivity and personal satisfaction. Internationally, they will provide Australia with a richer toolkit at the global negotiation table for tackling unresolved cooperation problems.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

The See Yup Temple: Chinese Australian collections, recovery, conservation. On 17 February 2024 a fire devastated Melbourne’s 1856 See Yup Temple, severely impacting the building and its material culture, and the Chinese community. As an active site of continuing worship, this project interrogates disaster recovery, conservation and memory making in the heritage sector. The See Yup Temple as a site of discovery, is an opportunity to develop new insights on global connections of migratory heritage, material knowledge of understudied collections, risk reduction and care taking, and old and new technologies. The proposal has significant benefits for enhancing Australia's disaster risk reduction strategies and adaptive capacity to preserve migratory and Chinese heritage collections, and knowledge of their materiality. Field of research: 4302 - Heritage, Archive and Museum Studies The 169-year-old See Yup Temple exemplifies Australia’s relationship with China and with migrant and religious communities. It is a place of belonging for Chinese Australians and other religious followers, and its heritage collections connect past and present day cultural and social links. But a recent fire has made this Chinese Australian temple inaccessible for worship and its heritage collections are now either at risk or lost. Our current knowledge of the collections, materials, and the impact of the fire, is insufficient to fully conserve and reconstruct them. This project builds material and technical knowledge of Chinese migration collections and the risks to heritage collections exposed to extreme fires. It creates strong cultural infrastructure and interdisciplinary knowledge by drawing on religious and cultural practices of caretaking. It encourages Australians to reflect on fire risks, not just in rural and remote settings but those closer to home in urban cities, and the uncertain threats and potential loss of heritage. The project is designed to build new models of collection recovery and resilient capabilities in Australia, to benefit community-held collections, reactivate the fire-affected migration heritage of the Temple and living religious and cultural processes. By protecting and safeguarding migration heritage, it will connect Chinese Australian communities, their sense of belonging, and Australia’s contemporary engagement with China.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Understanding Hunger: A New Perspective on Brain-Body Communication. This project investigates how the hypothalamus communicates with the body by secreting proteins during hunger and fullness. Using a world-first transgenic mouse model developed in the CI’s lab, we aim to identify novel proteins secreted by the hypothalamus, map their target tissues (liver, fat, and muscle), and determine their role in metabolic regulation. The outcomes will provide unprecedented insights into how the brain governs metabolism and energy balance, benefiting Australia by contributing to new knowledge, training future scientists in innovative technologies, and positioning Australian science at the forefront of this field. Field of research: 3109 - Zoology Hunger is a critical driver of survival, prompting the search for sustenance to fuel our bodies. Despite this fundamental biological role, how brain cells signal to the tissue of the body to coordinate hunger remains unidentified. This project aims to identify novel proteins secreted by the hypothalamus, map their target tissues (liver, fat, and muscle), and determine their role in metabolic regulation. This project will benefit Australians by generating fundamental new knowledge regarding how the brain regulates and adapts metabolism to sustain life. Dysfunction in this process leads to obesity and diabetes, which has implications for both humans and animals. The findings will support biotechnological innovations, aligning with national science and research priorities. Further benefits will be offered by the development of novel tools and technologies for understanding how hormones work in the brain, which will offer a strategic advantage to Australian neuroscience. These innovations will be shared globally, fostering technological advancement. The project will expand Australia’s skill base in cutting-edge science through the training of scientists and students to provide a strong grounding for careers in research, industry, and education. Beyond academia, our findings will be presented at public events and promoted through the media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Decoding the Hungry Brain. This project aims to define the brain cells that encode hunger. This will generate 'world-first' tools to explore the brain and provide significant new knowledge in our understanding of how the brain regulates metabolism. This project expects to define the spatial and cellular architecture of brain circuits associated with hunger, unravelling the mechanisms through which these circuits are regulated by the body. The outcomes of this project are to provide new knowledge, enhance population health, train future scientists in innovative technologies, and place Australian science at the forefront of this field. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences Hunger is a critical driver of survival, prompting the search for sustenance to fuel our bodies. Despite this fundamental biological role, the specific brain cells and circuits governing hunger remain unidentified. This project aims to pinpoint these cells, determine their cell types, locations, and interconnections within the brain, and uncover how they are turned ON or OFF by bodily signals. By mapping these hunger-related brain circuits, we will gain new ways to understand how the brain regulates appetite and body weight. This project will benefit Australians by generating fundamental new knowledge regarding how the brain regulates and adapts metabolism to sustain life. Dysfunction in this process leads to obesity and diabetes, which has implications for both humans and animals. The findings will support biotechnological innovations, aligning with national science and research priorities. Further benefits will be offered by the development of novel tools and technologies for understanding how hormones work in the brain, which will offer a strategic advantage to Australian neuroscience. These innovations will be shared globally, fostering technological advancement. The project will expand Australia’s skill base in cutting-edge science through the training of scientists and students to provide a strong grounding for careers in research, industry, and education. Beyond academia, our findings will be presented at public events and promoted through the media.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Exploring the mystery of quark and lepton flavours. The aim is to study the mystery of why the building blocks of matter, the various “flavours” or types of quarks and leptons, come in three families of ever higher mass, though only the first family of up/down quarks, electrons and electron neutrinos is needed to explain atoms and radioactive beta decay. Significant new extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics will be constructed to explain the hierarchical masses of the quarks and charged leptons and the especially tiny neutrino masses. The expected outcomes are timely, experimentally testable and cosmologically acceptable theories of flavour. This should provide significant benefits for fundamental physics and high-level training in translatable mathematical problem solving. Field of research: 5107 - Particle and High Energy Physics Crucial for understanding the structure of atoms, nuclei and matter is how elementary particles of nature obtain their hierarchical mass values. This project will develop theories as to how relatively light particles like electrons gain mass through suppressed quantum effects, thus explaining their small masses. This will be a unique project in the Australian research landscape, providing cultural benefits through a prestigious global ‘Big Science’ enterprise that will encourage the serious fundamental study of nature at a deep quantum level. The project will also provide social benefits and contribute to a better-educated Australian workforce through problem-based training for students to allow them to move readily into industry. Research outcomes will be promoted outside of academia through both social and formal media, while public lectures and media interviews will communicate and translate the intellectual culture of the project to the wider public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Imaging the explosive birth of the Universe. This project seeks to test our hypotheses for how the Universe began, by searching for gravitational wave echoes of the Universe’s first moments. The most-promising idea for the beginning is Inflation, where the Universe undergoes an exponential expansion in the first fraction of a second. We aim to detect gravitational waves sourced by this expansion by using telescopes in Antarctica to search for the polarisation patterns these waves would imprint on light from the cosmic microwave background. A detection or non-detection will inform our models for the origins of the Universe. The project will also train students and researchers in data science and petabyte-scale data processing, contributing to a highly skilled STEM workforce. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences By observing the Big Bang in the early Universe, this project will study physics at extreme energies, many orders of magnitude larger than accessible in particle accelerators. This will provide greater knowledge of the physical laws governing how the Universe formed in its first moments, which in turn is the first step to understanding of how to control and manage such intense energies. Origin stories, "Where did we come from?", are significant to all human societies. By studying how the Universe began, this project contributes to the modern understanding of our origins. It also will build Australia's scientific capacity and skills by training the next generation of scientists and engineers in advanced scientific analysis and practical skills for handling Big Data. Handling the project’s Petabyte-scale datasets will give students the computational skills that are central to today’s economy; it will also enable the transfer of key data science technology from international partners to Australia. Many of these students will cross over to the industrial, financial and technology sectors, enhancing Australia's capacity for innovation in these critical fields and providing long-term economic benefits for this country. This project's outreach to schools and news media will support the goal of "Engaging all Australians with science". By studying and talking about how the Universe began, this project can engage the public's curiosity and inspire young people to enter STEM fields.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

The Chemistry of Phosphorescent Metal Complexes: Lights, Camera, Action! This project aims to generate new knowledge in the chemistry of phosphorescent metal complexes that can be activated by light and then alter the function of biological cells. An aspiration is to develop new ways to synthesise photoactive molecules that contain either iridium, rhenium or ruthenium. This research is significant because these molecules will be target specific cell types and be tuned to be triggered by activation with light to become biologically active. The expected outcomes of this research include an improved understanding of the coordination chemistry of high value metals which is required to inform their future use in potential applications in biotechnology and biology. Field of research: 3402 - Inorganic Chemistry This research aims to expand knowledge and research capacity in the chemistry of the precious metals ruthenium, rhenium and iridium. While only present in relatively low abundances on Earth, these metals are in high demand due to their use in a range of high value technologies such as those that support sustainable use of energy. These metals can also be used to make ‘photoactive’ molecules that can be activated by light to produce biologically relevant chemical reactions, but this research area is underexplored. This project will develop new ‘photoactive’ molecules and provide an improved understanding of their chemistry from a biological perspective to guide the development of specialist molecules that could be used in biotechnological applications or to modulate biological cell proliferation. Australia possesses globally significant deposits of these metals. While strategies exist to secure the future export of these precious resources, the development of novel technologies incorporating these metals could benefit Australia commercially and economically by maximising the opportunities presented by mineral wealth. This project will also provide high quality training in chemical science to the next generation of Australian scientists to drive technological and sustainable innovation. The research team is experienced in protecting intellectual property and this expertise will be used to maximise the translational and commercial opportunities of this research beyond academia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unravelling The Mechanism Behind Neurovascular Communication. Neuronal function depends on precise communication with blood vessels to obtain oxygen and nutrients to produce energy. Although this is a concept generally utilised in neuroscience, how neurons and vessels communicate is a vital question that remains unsolved. This project will investigate whether neurons regulate the function of the recently discovered interpericyte tunnelling nanotubes, which are tubular structures that connect distal blood vessels, adjusting blood delivery. The expected outcomes include the generation of new knowledge using transgenic mice and imaging methods of the retina only available at the Univ of Melbourne. This project aims to help to establish the conceptual framework for studies on basic neurovascular function. Field of research: 3212 - Ophthalmology and Optometry Brain and retinal function depend on the precise delivery of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream. This is achieved by fine communication between neurons and blood vessels, which allows the delivery of the right amount of oxygen to every neuron. This physiological process is called neurovascular coupling. Although this is a concept generally utilized in neuroscience, how blood flow is delivered is a fundamental question that remains largely unsolved and very important for understanding how our brain and retina work. Accordingly, the main outcome of the proposed project will be the discovery of how neurons regulate the function of retinal microvessels , which is conceptually ground-breaking and will reinforce the position of Australia as a leader in neurovascular research. This project requires the use of advanced imaging techniques that our team has developed and is the only lab that successfully performs them in Australia. While this study purely focuses on answering basic physiological questions with no direct applications to human health, it may establish the conceptual framework for future studies on neurovascular communication, whose dysfunction affects 10.6 million people in Australia with an economic burden of more than $74 billion. In addition to publishing outcomes in highly prestigious scientific journals, our findings will be broadcast to non-scientific audiences through active engagement with relevant media channels.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Models Meet Data: Accelerating Safe Learning and Optimization in Robots. This project aims to develop control strategies for robotics and autonomous systems, enabling safe, responsive, and efficient operation in dynamic and unpredictable environments by combining data-driven learning with model-based optimization techniques. The project will address theoretical advancements and practical challenges, tested through two ready-to-deploy platforms: underwater robotics for deep-water exploration and human-robot interaction in manufacturing. Expected outcomes include improved performance in complex tasks, reduced trial-and-error, and safer, more responsive deployment. By integrating data and models, this framework will expand to sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and energy, unlocking new opportunities. Field of research: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics Advanced intelligent robotics and autonomous systems (RASs) have demonstrated their potential to revolutionise the industry. However, existing model-based approaches struggle with uncertainties, while data-driven methods require extensive training data and respond slowly. These limitations hinder applicability and reliability in real scenarios, especially in dynamic and unpredictable environments. This project will improve the performance of RASs in these environments by developing advanced control strategies to integrate data-driven learning with model-based optimisation seamlessly. The project aims to enhance task execution with minimal trial-and-error, ensuring safer and more efficient deployments in two test beds: underwater exploration robotics and human-robot interaction in manufacturing. Findings will be shared through workshops and media, engaging industry professionals, policymakers, and the public. The project has economic, environmental, and social benefits for Australia. Improved RASs will directly increase productivity, reduce operational costs, and enhance workplace safety by minimising human exposure to hazardous tasks. More broadly, RASs will improve resource efficiency and reduce waste. Application in two scenarios will help accelerate technology adoption in Australia, shaping the future of robotics and autonomous systems. The research will drive innovation across multiple sectors and boost the nation’s global competitiveness.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Mechanisms of Trogocytosis: a Novel Form of Intercellular Communication. Trogocytosis is the engulfment of a portion of a living cell by another cell. It is a poorly-understood mechanism that allows cells to gain new functions by acquiring plasma membrane and cytosolic contents from other cells. Trogocytosis is conserved from protozoans to mammals and plays roles in development, neuronal architecture and immunity. This project will apply biochemistry, cell biology and microscopy techniques to characterise how immune cells perform trogocytosis. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental new knowledge; training of students and researchers; and intellectual property. Expected benefits include a stronger Australian research sector and opportunities for commercial development by biotechnology companies. Field of research: 3204 - Immunology This project will study a fundamental biological function called Trogocytosis. During Trogocytosis, a living cell nibbles portions of another living cell and acquires functions played by proteins taken from the trogocytosed cell. This activity plays critical roles in reproduction, brain development and immunity and is conserved throughout evolution, from protozoans to mammals. However, the mechanisms of trogocytosis are poorly understood. This project will close this gap, generating new knowledge by increasing our understanding of fundamental processes of cellular communication. The project will also generate intellectual property that might be useful for the future development of new commercial products by Australian biotechnology companies. Such products might have applications in the critical veterinary and human health sectors, leading to increased productivity, local job opportunities and contributions to the national economy. The research outcomes of the project will be disseminated via publications in scientific journals, presentations at specialist meetings, social media and news outlets. New technology developed throughout the project and high-level training will also increase the competitiveness of the biotechnology sector in Australia and raise the skills of its human capital.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Investigating gravitational lensing in cosmology with numerical relativity. This project aims to perform the first rigorous study of cosmological lensing from first principles in general relativity. Light from distant sources is bent by massive objects in its path as it travels towards our telescopes. The complexity of the equations involved forces cosmologists to use approximations to simplify calculations. This project aims to remove all common approximations for gravity via a numerical-relativity based framework. This project expects to generate new knowledge in how well the accuracy of standard theoretical models can match the high precision of future cosmological data. Expected outcomes include potential solutions to current tensions in observations compared to theory; without the need for new, exotic physics. Field of research: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences In Einstein’s theory of general relativity, space behaves as a sort of fabric which curves in response to massive objects in the Universe. This curvature impacts the path of light, causing the images of galaxies we take with our telescopes to be slightly distorted. This effect is known as cosmological lensing (or simply ‘lensing’). Measurements of lensing contain a huge amount of information about how matter is distributed in the Universe and the nature of gravity itself. However, as Einstein’s theory is very complex, many approximations and simplifications are made when performing calculations. This research addresses an important research gap by modelling the Universe using an advanced computational method called numerical relativity, which removes common simplifications for gravity completely. Using galaxy data from new telescopes and observations of the oldest light in the Universe, this research will study lensing without approximations for the first time. This will secure Australia’s place as a leader in cutting-edge cosmological research, as well as generating economic and social benefits by training young Australians in highly sought after skills such as software development, data analysis, critical thinking, and communication. Public outreach through traditional and social media channels and public talks will also provide social benefits through stimulating broad interest in science, encouraging future generations to pursue an education in science and technology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Adaptive decision making under threat: A developmental perspective. This project aims to identify how the developing human brain supports optimal decision making under threat. Using an innovative interdisciplinary approach, this project will be the first to leverage 7Tesla fMRI to examine avoidance and exploration decisions in adolescents. We will also use computational modelling and dynamic virtual tasks to advance ecological validity. Expected outcomes include characterising neural systems that motivate adaptive behaviour. This new knowledge will bridge developmental, computational, and biological sciences, advance understanding of a diversity of human behaviour including substance use, and have social, economic, and cultural benefits to Australians including informing policies targeting behaviour change. Field of research: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology Adolescents are often characterised as risk-takers, yet research focuses primarily on how they respond to rewards, neglecting how they process and respond to threats. This project fills a critical gap by examining how the developing brain integrates reward and threat when making decisions. Using cutting-edge 7-Tesla functional neuroimaging and computational modelling in 120 adolescents, we will track how cognitive and emotional brain circuits develop to support adaptive decision making. A delay in the coordination of these circuits can lead to underestimating threats—resulting in impulsive, high-risk behaviours like reckless driving and substance use—or overestimating threats, which can limit opportunities for growth and independence. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing strategies to reduce harmful risk-taking while promoting healthy exploration. The findings will provide crucial insights for educators, policymakers, and parents, informing interventions that support safer decision making. Research outcomes will be shared through academic publications and conferences, as well as direct engagement with policymakers, educators, and the public via media, stakeholder briefings, and community outreach, ensuring widespread societal impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Unlocking the Potential of Next-Generation Magnets in Accelerators. Particle accelerators have revolutionised science and society, yet future proposals demand ever larger machines. This project aims to enable accelerators which are more compact, efficient and sustainable, by advancing knowledge in how beams behave in next-generation superconducting magnets. This project expects to generate new knowledge in accelerator physics, using a combined theory, computation and experimental approach. Expected outcomes of this project include new methods and case studies of two different discovery science colliders and compact particle therapy technologies. This should provide significant benefits, from future scientific breakthrough capacity to societal benefits in both applications and public engagement. Field of research: 5110 - Synchrotrons and Accelerators This project will unlock the potential of particle accelerators, a key technology used in Australia and globally, by examining the behaviour of particle beams in non-linear magnetic fields. This knowledge is critical to the development of sustainable, compact and advanced accelerators for a wide array of applications, and this research will position Australia at the forefront of the field. This research can provide social benefits to Australia by shaping new health treatments and technology, such as the development of better methods to treat cancer with radiation. It will enable advanced manufacturing, including in the semiconductor industry for quantum devices and the design of scientific facilities like synchrotrons, providing commercial and economic benefits for Australian industries. The outcomes of this research will be disseminated to local and global communities, including academic and industry organisations. The investigators will further leverage their expertise and engagement experience to engage industry and potential end-users, enhancing the translation and adoption of this research in the development of commercialisable technologies.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Understanding drivers of T cell stemness. T cells are a major lineage of the adaptive immune system required to control microbial invaders and malignant growth. We have pioneered the identification and functional characterization of stem-like T cells that can mediate immune protection while also re-establishing immune quiescence. However, the fundamental biological principles underpinning this self-renewal and multipotency of stem-like T cells remain poorly understood. Building on exciting preliminary data and extensive expertise, we aim to employ state-of-the-art molecular approaches to uncover the regulatory networks that underpin T cell stemness. Outcomes will include valuable intellectual property and insights on the cell intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of stem-like T cells. Field of research: 3204 - Immunology Understanding cellular stemness, how certain cells renew themselves or change into different cell types, is crucial for human health. This project investigates mechanisms regulating immune cells' ability to renew or transform. Building on preliminary data identifying special immune cells with self-renewal or differentiation capabilities and using cutting-edge experimental animal models to modify gene regulation, this program aims to uncover novel pathways that could be harnessed to enhance immune function and longevity. The benefits of this research extend across multiple domains. Scientifically, it will provide high-level international training and advance our understanding of a critical fundamental biological process. This will strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in immunology and stem cell research. Economically, it has the potential to generate valuable intellectual property that can be further developed by Australian biotechnology companies with strong benefits for the Australian workforce and economy. To maximise the impact of this research beyond academia, we will participate in community science events, and engage with policymakers and healthcare professionals. Research outcomes will be communicated through social and print media to ensure broad awareness within the wider Australian community.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Hull roughness: a wall-bounded turbulence problem with global implications. This project aims to monitor the drag penalty on an operating cargo vessel as the hull state degrades due to colonization by marine organisms (biofouling). Hull roughness adds significantly to the high environmental cost associated with shipping. Leveraging a unique field-testing and complementary lab capability, the outcomes of this project will be validated physics-based models that will, for the first time, allow ship operators to ascribe an accurate performance penalty to an observed hull state. This, in turn, enables an economic case for hull maintenance solutions, leading to more efficient ship operations. This is of substantial benefit to Australian society, which relies heavily on the assured access to long-haul bulk shipping. Field of research: 4012 - Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Engineering The assured availability of long-haul sea transport underpins most aspects of Australian industry, society, and even the health of our population. And yet, a dirty secret lurks beneath the waterline. Ship operators know that hull roughness due to biofouling (the settlement of marine creatures onto the surface) leads to increased resistance to motion - or drag - diminishing the performance of their vessels. At present, no reliable method exists to estimate this performance penalty, limiting efforts to address the issue. More frequent hull maintenance or cleaning remain expensive options without a strong business case. This project adopts the three-pronged approach of field measurements on operating vessels, laboratory studies, and physics-based modelling, aiming to produce a validated set of tools that can accurately predict the drag penalty due to hull roughness on an operating vessel. Using our extensive contacts with shipping and defence industries, we will demonstrate the capability of our developed tools, both in the field and at industry-focused events, to ensure translation and adoption. Australia’s economy is reliant on annual exports of $385 billion of shipped goods, with 99% of Australia’s goods and raw materials imported/exported by ship. Improvements in ship performance will directly benefit Australia’s economy and will also help mitigate the negative impacts of shipping emissions on society and the environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Advancing stochastic optimisation: highly-correlated restless bandit models. This project will address a significant challenge in stochastic optimisation – the curse of dimensionality. The project plans to tackle this longstanding obstacle to the analysis of important real-life processes, from medical/transportation resource scheduling to satellite communications through new breakthroughs in the study of correlated restless bandit models. The expected outcomes include innovative techniques for solving such problems, as well as new knowledge and discoveries in relevant research fields. The anticipated benefits include making powerful methodologies accessible to the public to solve important problems in the areas of energy reduction, public health, and transportation. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics Random effects are everywhere. We can't predict with certainty what the traffic will be like on our way to work tomorrow, what next week's sales will be, or how many patients will arrive to our emergency department during the next shift. Despite this uncertainty, we need to make decisions about factors such as routes, purchase of stock and resource allocation. The study of how best to do this is known as stochastic optimisation. This project will add to our knowledge of a specific, but very important, class of stochastic optimisation problems known as restless bandit problems. It will develop methods for dealing with the uncertainty, complexity and size of modern systems in both the private and public spheres. The methods will serve as powerful tools that will benefit Australia economically, socially and culturally by improving the efficiency of service, management, access and control systems such as our healthcare, transportation and communication systems. The fundamental knowledge generated will enhance Australia's reputation in the field, seed further research and boost higher education. The investigators have existing industrial links through the OPTIMA Industrial Training Centre and other collaborations. We will promote the research outcomes of this project through these links and beyond through non-traditional outlets such as social media and The Random Sample podcast.

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

Anticipating impacts and improving response to HPAI in Australia Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research