UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Engineering a technology platform for organoids. Protein delivery technologies hold great potential to improve organoids (miniature organs used as in vitro models), allowing a deep understanding of development. However, current limitations must be overcome - particularly cost, precision, and efficacy. This project will engineer delivery materials to improve the efficacy of organoids, allowing control over the location and timing of protein delivery. Outcomes will include a technology platform of immediate use in the agriculture sector and for animal model alternatives. The benefit will be widespread, ensuring the growth and sustainability of our health and agriculture sector. The project will increase public understanding of protein delivery technologies, aiding in technology adoption. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences A US Act in 2021 allowed alternatives to animal testing to investigate the safety and effectiveness of proteins, permitting new methods for testing pharmaceuticals. Organoids, a new method to examine organ development, are miniature organs engineered from stem cells artificially grown on scaffolding. Yet, current organoid technology is challenged by extreme variability. This project will engineer consistent organoids by developing an innovative tool and technology platform that enable reliable synthetic cell environments. It will improve the efficiency, and broaden the applicability of organoid technology, providing environmental, economic and commercial benefits. Livestock and veterinary research will benefit by phenotyping for optimized breeding stock for the first time: i.e. drought and tick resistance cattle. Also, organoid technology will replace the current standards for testing and reduce the need for animal models in many areas of biomedical research. With mainstream appeal, results will be disseminated through media outlets including TV and radio.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Neurobiological mechanisms of the interaction between pain and sleep. The project aims to reveal the brain mechanisms behind the interaction between such fundamental biological phenomena as sleep and pain. This highly interdisciplinary project expects to deliver significant insights into how poor sleep changes the brain to increase pain sensitivity in healthy adults, by combining novel lab-based mechanistic sleep and pain manipulations and naturalistic longitudinal observation. The rich multimodal dataset generated by the project will be made publicly available to enhance research transparency and international collaboration. This should provide significant benefits, ultimately opening up ways to improve quality of life and wellbeing of the Australian population. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology Even a night of poor sleep increases pain sensitivity in healthy people, likely by changing the way the brain processes pain. With 48% of healthy Australians experiencing poor sleep, and the significant financial, economic, and social burden associated with the management of pain, understanding basic brain mechanisms responsible for pain sensitivity induced by poor sleep is the first step towards solutions to this problem of national significance. This could occur by discovering specific brain regions and networks that could be targeted with brain stimulation to reduce sleep-induced pain sensitivity. New insights from the project on how the brain changes due to poor sleep affecting pain sensitivity could likely contribute to significantly improved economic, health and social benefits to the Australian community. We will collaborate with media outlets and advocacy groups such as the Sleep Health Foundation and Painaustralia, to communicate findings, reaching both the general public and healthcare professionals.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

The Cultural Evolution of Mentalising. Thinking about mental states, such as beliefs, desires and intentions, is a universally important human ability known as mentalising. This project aims to use new cross-cultural databases and computational comparative methods to study five ways that mentalising practices vary across world cultures. The findings of this research have the potential to provide the first systematic overview of how mentalising practices vary globally as well as reveal the historical and social processes that shape the diverse ways that people think about the mind. Benefits of this knowledge include a more culturally sound basis for future developments in community-focused professions such as education, community development and counselling. Field of research: 5205 - Social and Personality Psychology Understanding and communicating mental states, such as intentions and emotions, plays a crucial role in personal wellbeing and social functioning. There is growing recognition of cross-cultural variation in how people think about and express mental states, but this variation remains poorly understood. This project will use cutting-edge computational methods to investigate dimensions of variation in how people conceptualise and express mental states in different languages. The findings have the potential to enhance intercultural understanding, bridge communication gaps, promote empathy, and strengthen social cohesion within our diverse society. The findings of this project also have the potential to benefit Australia by informing the cultural competencies of community-focused practitioners such as teachers, community development workers and mental health professionals. Equipped with a deeper cultural understanding of how people think about and express states of the mind, these practitioners can tailor their approaches to effectively engage and support individuals from diverse backgrounds.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

The neural basis of memory. Although they define us, our knowledge about how, and where, memories are processed and stored within the brain is still in its infancy. This project aims to investigate the morphological and functional changes that occur in cortical neurons during memory formation. By recording from both mouse and human neurons, this study will bridge the gap in knowledge between the heavily-investigated rodent brain and the human brain and advance our knowledge on how remote memories are formed in individual neurons within the frontal cortex of the brain. These findings will highlight potential neural mechanisms that might be awry in cases of memory loss and amnesia. Field of research: 3209 - Neurosciences Memory processes coordinate our everyday life and help to ensure our health and well-being. Although they define us, our knowledge about how memories are formed and stored within the brain is limited. To address this vital gap in knowledge, this project investigates the changes that occur in brain cells known to be involved in memory formation. This research will advance our knowledge on how memories are formed and stored within the brain, and highlight the potential mechanisms that might be awry in cases of memory loss. This new knowledge will likely yield significant economic and social benefits to Australia and the Australian community by contributing to brain-inspired engineering and the development of advanced brain-like artificial intelligence, as well as aiding the development of novel pharmacological and neurotherapeutic strategies to help support people with brain conditions where memories are compromised.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Know thyself: Development of metacognition in childhood and adolescence. This project aims to advance our understanding of the development of children and adolescents’ insight into their own thoughts and behaviours, or metacognition. Individual differences in metacognition impact learning and contribute to the educational achievement gap observed in many countries, including Australia. By combining analysis of existing international cohort data and state-of-the art developmentally appropriate neuroimaging methodology, the project is expected to create new basic research knowledge. An intended benefit is the development and evaluation of an evidence-based intervention to enhance the metacognitive skills of primary and secondary school pupils and improve their achievement in mathematics. Field of research: 5201 - Applied and Developmental Psychology There is an educational achievement gap in many countries, including Australia, which is exacerbated by socio-economic status, gender, indigeneity, and location. Metacognition, or thinking about thinking, allows individuals to monitor their thoughts and behaviour and strategically adapt to improve their performance. Metacognitive skills are foundational to children’s ability to develop successful learning strategies at school. As part of this proposal, new collaborations with leading experts and institutions will strengthen Australia’s research capacity and advance our understanding of developmental and individual differences in metacognitive skills. Poor maths skills significantly impact life chances, therefore, the project is intended to benefit Australian children and adolescents by providing a new evidence-based metacognition training intervention expected to enhance their mathematics achievement. The project will further allow the training of early career researchers who will contribute to advancing the grounding of education in scientific research and help maximise the potential of every learner.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Using ‘omic and digital technologies toward better fasciolosis control. In Australia, liver fluke disease caused by Fasciola hepatica causes major economic losses to livestock production. Triclabendazole is the most effective drug for parasite control, however, resistance to this drug has emerged and continues to spread in Australia. This project expects to create a novel resource to identify new drug targets, generate new knowledge about the genetic composition of F. hepatica populations and unravel the genetic determinants underlying triclabendazole resistance. The curation of functionally-annotated genetic data for F. hepatica populations will underpin the development of diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines to deliver a new generation of intervention strategies to control liver fluke disease. Field of research: 3009 - Veterinary Sciences A disease caused by parasitic liver flukes results in economic losses of > $129 million per annum to the Australian livestock and dairy industries. Emerging drug resistance has increased the prevalence of liver fluke disease in South East Australia and threatens to further impact productivity. By characterising genetic variations in Australian liver flukes we will develop new anti-parasitic drugs and understand the mechanisms that confer resistance to fast-track new diagnostic tests to improve the on-farm management of liver fluke disease. This will directly benefit farming communities and the agri-food sector and improve productivity and biological efficiency. Our genomic resource will also be used to develop new anti-parasitic drugs and vaccines. Contributing to the next generation of integrated parasite control strategies will improve food productivity and safety and enhance Australia’s reputation for clean, safe food.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Traditional Owner-led restoration of urban billabongs. This Indigenous scientist led project aims to investigate the past and present fire, flooding and vegetation dynamics of urban billabongs through paleoenvironmental assays (sediment cores) and field surveys of vegetation, faunal and water quality responses to cultural burns and floods. In partnership with Melbourne Water and Traditional Owners, this innovative project intends to develop and combine historical and contemporary ecological and Indigenous peoples’ knowledge and apply it to better manage culturally and ecologically significant billabongs in one of Australia’s largest cities. This project expects to provide a template for effective Traditional Owner-led restoration and management of our threatened urban wetlands. Field of research: 3103 - Ecology Australia’s urban wetlands are sites of high ecological and cultural value yet those remaining are often highly degraded. Our project will investigate the past and present fire, flooding and vegetation dynamics of billabongs on the lower Birrarung (Yarra River) through Traditional Owner-led paleoenvironmental investigations (sediment core analyses) and monitoring of vegetation, faunal and water quality responses to cultural burns and inundation. Through these investigations, we will better understand billabong ecology and Indigenous people’s historical land and water management and apply this knowledge to restore and care for Melbourne’s billabongs. In doing so, we will demonstrate a template for the integration of scientific and Indigenous knowledge and its application to the management and restoration of threatened urban wetlands. Through close partnership with Melbourne Water, our project will provide an exemplar of Indigenous scientist and Traditional Owner-led solutions to the current environmental crisis facing this country, for the cultural and ecological benefit of all Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Artificial intelligence to explore and combat eukaryotic pathogens. The revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) provides unprecedented opportunities for integrative analyses of complex multi-omics data sets and for creating radically new strategies to control some of the world’s most serious animal diseases. In a strong partnership with international experts, we will use AI-based methods to make major conceptual advances in our understanding of eukaryotic pathogens and host-pathogen interactions, discover the "choke-points" in biological pathways, and develop novel treatments, vaccines and diagnostics. This leap forward will substantially enhance the global profile of pathogen research in Australia, build major capacity in a priority area, and enable access to international research funding and networks. Field of research: 3009 - Veterinary Sciences Parasites of animals and plants cause losses of hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the agricultural sector in Australia. This project is aimed at preventing the spread of parasites and associated diseases through better treatments in animals. It uses artificial intelligence to identify targets for novel drug treatments against these parasites. The project works toward alleviating parasite disease problems in livestock animals, resulting in better agricultural outcomes due to healthier animals and increased revenue. In working with industry and academic groups, this project will ensure the use of the latest technologies to discover and develop new tools and products against parasites to help farmers, the livestock industry and the agricultural sector. To help bring communities and farmers onboard with this endeavour, show-casing the technology, new drug treatment options and effects on animals will be implemented. Through the more efficient, effective and safe treatment of livestock, we can ensure a better agricultural future for Australia, and for many other countries around the world.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Repurposing urban construction waste to create diverse wildflower meadows. Wildflower meadows have been planted extensively in European cities for aesthetic and biodiversity benefits. In SE Australia, they are stunning, but rare, features of critically endangered grassy woodlands because most native wildflowers cannot cope with intense grazing and high soil nutrients associated with agriculture. This project aims to develop a novel process for establishing native wildflower meadows in urban parks and degraded grassy woodlands by repurposing low nutrient mineral waste from the construction industry. It will have multiple benefits including restoring urban biodiversity, increasing people's mental well-being, developing new markets for recycled construction waste and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Field of research: 3301 - Architecture This project will contribute directly to the National Manufacturing Priority recycling and clean energy by developing new landscaping products from recycled construction waste. The products will be used as a low nutrient seed-bed to create diverse and colourful wildflower meadows typical of southern Australia’s endangered grassy woodland ecosystems. We will create new markets for waste materials, reduce the use of mined resources used in urban horticulture (i.e. sand, scoria) and reduce the amount of construction waste going to landfills, extending their life. By establishing wildflower meadows as replicated field trials in six partner municipalities, the project will test a novel restoration process that has the potential to contribute to conservation of endangered plant species and communities and generate a better understanding of community assembly and ecological processes. The techniques we develop will be documented in landscape construction specifications to encourage widespread application, while engagement and interpretation materials will increase public appreciation of native grassy ecosystems.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Making optimal use of stormwater in cities: a market-driven smart-grid. Cities suffer the cruel irony of both floods and droughts. This program aims to bring the power of markets and Real-Time Control technology to confront these challenges, and in doing so, transform the urban water industry. It will create an optimisation and control platform, along with novel economic incentives, to enable a market-driven smart-grid of stormwater storages, providing consumers with non-potable water supply, while financially rewarding them for contributions to flood mitigation and environmental flows to waterways. The program will build the capacity and products to accelerate adoption of smart water technology, establishing Australia as an international market leader at a time when the market for this technology is exploding. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Water is critical to cities, yet urban stormwater, such as runoff from roofs and roads, is usually wasted, even though up to 50% of this is generated from private land. This stormwater could be harvested to supply the more than 80% of urban water that is currently used for non-potable purposes (uses other than drinking, cooking and bathing). This program aims to develop a control platform that can optimize, in real-time, the use of a smart-grid of networked stormwater storages on private land. This network would enable consumers to reduce water demand by supplying their own non-potable water, but also financially reward them for water releases to streams requiring greater water flows, while reducing flood-risk by automatically drawing down storages prior to large storms. The platform will be commercialised through IP sharing arrangements with private companies and Melbourne Water, the key industry partner, will facilitate translation through its established partnerships with technology providers, retail water authorities, local government and policy-makers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Can we exploit mRNA modifications to control protein expression? Genes are encoded by DNA but are transcribed into a message called RNA before they can be translated into protein. RNA can be chemically modified at a gene-specific level, and this modification has been central to the success of RNA vaccines against COVID-19. Despite the importance of these modifications in cellular life and in biotechnology, the role of the most abundant RNA modifications is unclear. This project will investigate how we can exploit RNA modifications to modulate protein expression in a tractable single-celled organism with a small genome, Plasmodium. This information is important because understanding gene regulation is fundamental to all life, and the role of RNA modifications is emerging as integral to biotechnology. Field of research: 3105 - Genetics Our genes contain the code for making proteins—key biological molecules. A molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) copies the DNA code of our genes to be translated into proteins, so changes to mRNA molecules affect gene expression in cells, and thus the organism. Chemical modification of mRNA is the biotechnological tool underlying the development of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. This project will use advanced new genetic technologies to investigate how we can modify mRNA to alter protein expression in a single-celled organism with a small genome. We will openly share our data and bioinformatic software resources to benefit the research community, who will gain a better understanding of gene regulation. The knowledge gained will be applicable to biotechnology and biomedical sectors, building capacity in areas critical areas such as next-generation vaccines and therapies for leukaemia and other cancers and veterinary diseases.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Supporting Australia’s conservation agencies to control foxes & feral cats. This project aims to empower land managers to better protect Australia’s native wildlife. Introduced predators (foxes and feral cats) are a key driver of wildlife loss in Australia, and millions of dollars are invested in management annually. The project expects to advance the efficacy of introduced predator management by building robust datasets on predator densities, conducting continental-scale syntheses on predator ecology, developing advanced simulation models to predict the effects and cost of management and monitoring, and making these accessible via free decision-support tools. The project will enhance the capacity of land managers to conduct best-practice management and substantially advance understanding of predator ecology. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Australia has the unenviable position of being a world leader in species extinction rates. Introduced foxes and feral cats have played a major role in the loss and decline of our native fauna, and best-practice management of these predators is a key target in the national 'Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-32'. This project will develop interactive decision-support tools to empower Australia’s land managers to better suppress, eradicate and monitor invasive predators for biodiversity conservation. The innovative tools will be informed by cutting-edge simulation models, new field data and continental-scale predictive models. Involvement of the primary government conservation agencies across Victoria and South Australia will ensure immediate translational value and ready uptake. Adoption of these tools will lead to more effective and efficient management of introduced predators, increasing the resilience of Australia’s native species to other threatening processes and freeing resources for other conservation priorities. The tools will also have immediate relevance to pest management in agriculture.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Solving the disability data puzzle to ensure progress towards equity. In South Korea, the average age of death for people with disability is 16 years younger than people without disability. In Australia, we do not have the data infrastructure to generate life expectancy statistics for people with disability. This fellowship aims to solve this disability data challenge, identified as a critical problem by the Australian Government. It will develop a validated methodology for producing disability statistics from linked data; generate a whole population disability data resource to build capacity in disability research; and for the first time, produce life expectancy statistics for people with disability - the ultimate policy tool to monitor progress towards equity and improve the lives of disabled Australians. Field of research: 4206 - Public Health Life expectancy statistics for people with disability represent the ultimate policy tool to monitor progress towards equity and improve the lives of disabled people. However, we currently do not have the data infrastructure to generate these statistics for Australians with disability. This program will solve that problem by developing a validated methodology for generating a whole population disability data resource. Data on disability are confined to disability services, payments and benefits, and education datasets and are not routinely collected in mainstream services (primary care, hospitals, allied health). Combining information from these different data sources to derive a set of disability indicators is a complex challenge that can be solved only by working with our industry partners, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The resulting disability data resource will be valuable in reporting against Australia’s Disability Strategy and the government’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Building Durable Responses to Gender Inequality in Indonesia. This project aims to produce the first longitudinal and comparative study of which aspects of gender equity and women’s empowerment interventions prove most durable for addressing gender inequality in Indonesia, despite external shocks such as the pandemic. The project produces an analysis of how women might remain resilient over time and the pathways by which durability is achieved in improving women's wellbeing and gender relations in communities, and inclusive policies and institutions. Analysis will generate, translate and share new knowledge benefiting civil society partners, academics, policy makers and development practitioners in Indonesia, Australia and beyond, so gender equality interventions can better withstand future shocks. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration The Governments of Australia and Indonesia, our neighbour and strategic partner, recognise that gender equality is key to socioeconomic prosperity and have a direct interest in halting and addressing any reversals in gender equity resulting from the pandemic. This project supports Australia’s foreign policy objectives of achieving gender equality and mitigating poverty in the Asia-Pacific region, thereby strengthening Australia’s political and economic security. External shocks, such as the recent pandemic, can increase inequalities and regional instability, undermining the effectiveness of Australia’s past ($1.3 billion) and future ($128 million in Indonesia) aid investments aimed at advancing gender equality. The project produces an analysis of how women might remain resilient over time and the pathways by which durability is achieved in improving women's wellbeing and gender relations in communities, and inclusive policies and institutions. By increasing understanding of how to build gender equity interventions whose outcomes can withstand such shocks, and translating and sharing these findings via a dual-language interactive digital platform and engagement with end-users, the project will help practitioners, including governments and NGOs, to deliver long-lasting and resilient increases in gender equity and regional security.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Next generation closed-loop brain-machine interfaces . Our partners Carbon Cybernetics have developed high-density neural recording and stimulation arrays that employ fine carbon fibres as the electrode material. The aim of the project is to exploit the properties of these materials to develop miniature implantable devices that are able to achieve long-term, closed-loop, high-resolution recording and stimulation within the brain. We aim to demonstrate an advanced algorithm for control of neural function. Devices that interface directly with the brain are increasingly important in neuroscience to understand how the brain processes information and creates memories and self awareness and are critically important to the development of technologies that interface electronics with the human body. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering This project aims to develop the technology for the next generation of brain machine interfaces using carbon fibre electrodes which interface more smoothly with the brain than existing silicon based devices. The outcome from the project will be a closed-loop, a carbon-based neural stimulation/recording system and advanced neurofeedback algorithms which will provide new tools to understand how the brain processes information to create memories, sensations and cognition. The technology may also significantly improve the performance of cortical prostheses in the treatment of chronic neurological diseases such as epilepsy and depression. Our partners (Carbon Cybernetics, Gezell, Sherbrooke Uni) are actively pursuing commercialization of carbon fibre based devices, thus providing a smooth pathway for the licencing of project outcomes. The project will provide excellent opportunities for the expansion of Australia's advanced manufacturing capability and outstanding opportunities for training a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists who form the backbone of Australia's medical bionics capability.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Activating employment futures through work integration social enterprise. This project aims to understand how Australia can better include people experiencing disadvantage in employment. Social enterprises are increasingly recognised for creating work and pathways into work for those who are typically excluded. Yet, little is known about how they can scale their operations and effectively transition workers into mainstream jobs, and what can be learned from social enterprise in designing other inclusive workplaces. Underpinned by a unique learning partnership, this project is expected to shed light on how decent and inclusive work through social enterprise can be grown. Project insights will contribute to more effective employment services and workplaces that increase the shared benefits of a diverse workforce. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration Australia's labour market and employment services have historically under-served people who experience barriers to participation, especially young people, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, refugees and women. Such inequality is deepening under current conditions. At the same time, national priorities for industry transitions to support a more advanced and sustainable economy need a future-ready workforce. This project will advance new solutions to labour market activation in Australia by examining the conditions through which work integration social enterprise (WISE) can scale their employment outcomes for disadvantaged jobseekers. The project will provide positive social benefits by producing knowledge for practitioners and policy makers about how to improve the inclusivity of Australian employment programs and workplaces. It will play an important role in improving employment opportunities for people typically excluded from work by shedding light on the organisational and policy approaches needed to support the scaling of Australian employment outcomes by WISE.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Ultralow emission panel systems for rapid modular construction. This proposed project aims to develop an innovative ultra-low emission precast panel comprising a novel ultra-low carbon concrete mixture that is cast in vertical battery moulds. The new precast panels will have several significant enhancements compared to traditional precast panels, including faster manufacturing, reduced cost, and a much lower carbon footprint and life-cycle costs. A holistic theoretical and design framework will be developed for predicting the behaviour of the innovative precast panel under structural, fire and impact loading. The panel will offer desirable benefits such as industry leading durability, ease of construction and assembly, economy and recyclability. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering This project aims to develop a sustainable prefabricated panel system for buildings with a significant enhancement over conventional systems in terms of protection against extreme loads and energy performance over the life of the building. The outcomes from this project will also support more sustainable buildings and improved safety. Design guidelines will be developed to support immediate uptake of the new system in Australia. This project has multiple economic, social, and industry-specific benefits that have the potential to transform the building industry. Each year, the production of cement – a key ingredient in concrete – accounts for around 7 million tonnes of carbon emissions in Australia. The production of the proposed system is expected to generate emissions that are 65% lower than conventional precast concrete panels. This outcome directly supports Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan. The project will support employment in offsite advanced manufacturing and build Australia’s profile as an international leader in low emissions building technology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Muscle-based Signals for Responsive Physically-Assistive Robotics. This project aims to develop a physically assistive robot for industrial use that interprets signals from the human user’s muscles during a physical activity and responds with appropriate assistance. This is significant because the robot must accommodate the complexity of movement required in industrial settings and adapt to variabilities in muscle activation signals among users that also change in time. The expected research outcome is an intuitive, assistive robot worn by the human workforce that enhances their productivity and longevity, improves working conditions, lowers production costs, and increases workforce resilience. The robot’s capabilities will be demonstrated in this project through the challenging activity of sheep shearing. Field of research: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics This project develops a novel human-robot system that accurately interprets the human's intentions and contributes physical assistance in real time. Suitable for industrial applications, the robot will help improve workforce productivity and safety, and quality of work. Sheep shearing will be adopted as a demonstration of the robot’s capabilities. Boosting productivity and improving working conditions for shearers is expected to help combat the current workforce shortage, high shearing costs and shearing delays that in recent years, have all impacted Australia’s 3.4 billion dollar wool industry. The Woolmark Corporation will represent shearers and wool growers while Fourier Intelligence will manufacture the assistive robots. The project has direct alignment with advanced manufacturing with the assistive robots expected to support the workforce in regional and metropolitan areas in sectors such as construction, advanced manufacturing, mining and healthcare.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Early life nutrition to improve feed efficiency in commercial dairy goats. This project aims to improve the productivity and welfare and reduce resource waste in commercial dairy goat kids. The Australian dairy goat industry is expanding (~20% per annum) yet there is little research to overcome hurdles to improving milk and meat production. There is also increased societal pressure to improve sustainability, reduce waste and maintain animal welfare. By investigating nutritional methods to improve productivity of male (for meat) and female (for milk) kids, this project will generate new knowledge relevant to Australian and international goat production systems. This project will assist goat producers to make decisions that maximise animal productivity with flow on benefits to manufacturers of goat products. Field of research: 3003 - Animal Production Food is a key research priority of the Australian government. The continued development of our agriculture sector to meet global demands for animal-based food in a competitive, profitable, sustainable, and high production capacity is critical. Dairy products and ruminant meat are a large source of quality protein and nutrition for human consumption, and production has been steadily increasing in recent years. This project will directly address this priority by examining dairy goat kid feeding practices during growth in an effort to improve feed efficiency by reducing feed costs and waste whilst improving animal welfare. This project will explore ways to grow male dairy goat kids more efficiently as a source of meat for human consumption, reducing animal waste and contributing to a circular economy. Project outcomes will be published in top journals and communicated to producers via fact sheets and industry presentations. In a collaboration between Australia’s largest goat dairy producer and top university, this project aims to deliver high quality outcomes of interest to domestic and international producers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Fire engineering of prefabricated structural systems of modular buildings. With the speed and cost benefits, modular construction is considered a game-changing solution in response to pandemics and natural disasters, and tackling the affordable housing crisis on a large scale. However, its uptake has been hindered due to recent fire incidents of modular buildings. This project aims to develop novel fire experiments and advanced modelling techniques to evaluate the fire performance of modular buildings. Computational tools and fire safety design guidelines will also be developed to enable modular buildings to be built safer and more economically. This project will promote the widespread adoption of modular buildings to benefit end-users and the wider society, especially the housing sector and low-income households. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering Modular construction is expected to shape the future of the building and construction industry in Australia, but its current uptake has been hindered due to recent fire incidents. This project evaluates the fire performance of modular buildings to ensure the fire safety of this construction method. Expected outcomes including computational tools and technical guidelines will enable structural engineers to predict the fire performance and develop cost-effective solutions for fire safety design of modular buildings. This will enable modular buildings to be built safer and more economically than current practices allow, and more importantly promote the widespread adoption of this modern construction method to benefit end-users. This project will benefit Australia economically, socially, and environmentally as modular construction offers economical, swifter, and greener benefits over traditional onsite construction. It will also assist Australia in tackling social and affordable housing shortages, enhancing emergency responses to pandemic situations and natural disasters, and achieving net-zero emission targets.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Megalithic Connections: Imperilled Cultural Heritage in Laos and India. This interdisciplinary project aims to document and explore the cultural connections between the geographically disparate megalithic cultures of Laos and India and create an enduring digital record of these threatened cultural assets. Integrating archaeological science and pioneering data capture technologies, the project will create globally significant new knowledge; advance heritage management processes including transferrable exploratory technologies; and help underpin economic, social and cultural benefit in these regions. With an increasing awareness of the need to conserve global cultural assets, Australia will take the lead in developing breakthrough technological solutions and new cross-country research and practitioner capability. Field of research: 4301 - Archaeology The remote mountains of Laos and Northeast India, located 1200 km apart, boast nearly identical stone objects from the megalithic period, but little is known about who created them or how they are culturally related. This project will build knowledge about the significance of these sites and their cultural connections. These valuable heritage assets are vulnerable to damage (including looting and unexploded ordnance) and new ways to preserve them are needed. We will integrate innovative archaeological methods and computer modelling techniques to create an enduring digital record as a matter of urgent priority to assist in conserving the sites. Using immersive visualisation and robotics, we will create a virtual reality research environment and develop interactive museum exhibitions for public display in Laos, India, the UK and Australia. Our international collaboration will boost Australia’s cultural relations and public diplomacy in Asia, and our transferable methods can be used by managers of heritage sites in Australia to conserve important local sites and promote cultural tourism.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Nature’s advanced optical materials and their role in thermal management. This project aims to discover the nano-structural properties of beetles than enable effective management of solar and thermal radiation in different environments. A further aim is to reveal how these composite biological materials combine thermal control with desirable mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility. Passive control of radiative energy is critical for both animal survival and for the design of many manufactured materials, particularly in a warming world. This interdisciplinary project will provide new knowledge of the different ways that biological materials mediate radiative energy exchange with the environment. This knowledge is essential for the design of bioinspired, energy-efficient, multi-functional materials. Field of research: 3104 - Evolutionary Biology Designing manufactured materials that reduce heat absorbed from the sun is increasingly important in a warming world. Animals have evolved sophisticated ways to absorb or reflect sunlight and radiate heat from their bodies, but the precisely how this happens remains largely unknown. This project integrates biology and physics to discover the nano-structural properties of beetles (one of the most successful and diverse animal group on earth) that enable effective control of solar absorption and heat radiation in different environments. We will identify and define the optical and mechanical properties of the outer shield of selected beetles from different environments in Australia to understand how they manage heat transfer while achieving desirable mechanical properties – being strong, flexible and light weight. Future industry partners could apply this understanding to manufacture new multifunctional materials for regulating heat such as coatings for passive cooling of buildings and shipping containers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Mitigating bias in statistical analyses of data collected over time. This project aims to develop innovative nonparametric distribution and regression curve estimation techniques from data collected over time. These curves are key statistical tools for describing populations, but often, their estimators are inefficient when the data are massive, growing and change over time, or too restrictive when the data exhibit measurement errors and a fraction of them are equal to zero. The project expects to develop novel, less restrictive and more realistic nonparametric curve estimation methods in these complex settings. Outcomes include new practical statistical methods and software to benefit experts in diverse fields from nutrition and epidemiology, to environmental science and digital platforms, amongst others. Field of research: 4905 - Statistics This project will develop innovative statistical theory and tools that are less biased, more flexible, reliable, fast and resource-efficient than those currently used by experts to analyse their time-collected data. While these breakthrough methods will have reach across multiple sectors, the project targets in particular applications for policy and practical responses in 2 key areas of national interest: nutrition and rapid response scenarios such as a global pandemic. First, to reach Department of Health goals to improve Australians’ nutrition-related health outcomes, experts need access to better statistical tools than the biased ones currently in use. Second, the collapse of the PCR testing system when group testing became impossible in 2022 stressed the major role of efficient group testing strategies and reliable estimations of disease prevalence from group testing data under rapidly changing conditions. This project, which will deliver novel theory and new practical open-access software, will help experts with faster and better-informed decisions, yielding economic and social benefits for Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Leveraging Emotion Goals for Emotion Regulation Success. Understanding how a person wants to feel–their emotion goal–is the first step in helping people manage their emotions, but no research has investigated how to set successful emotion goals. This project aims to undertake the first investigation of what constitutes an effective emotion goal. Using experience sampling and lab methods, this project will generate new knowledge about emotion goals that lays the emotional infrastructure for individuals and communities to flourish. Expected outcomes include a new literature on emotion goals and refined methods to study emotions in everyday life. Benefits include a stronger foundation for theory, enhanced research capacity, and education for Australians on how to regulate emotional turmoil. Field of research: 5205 - Social and Personality Psychology Australians have faced a series of emotional challenges in recent years that have placed a burden on individuals, workplaces, and communities. This burden makes it a national priority to discover evidence-based solutions to help people effectively manage and regulate emotions in their everyday lives. What a person wants to feel—their emotion goal—is critical to successful emotion regulation. This project aims to uncover how to set effective goals to manage emotional challenges among community members. In doing so, this project will develop new theory and refined methods to help people manage local as well as global emotional turmoil. These outcomes will be translated to relevant stakeholders in the form of academic publications and community-based outreach and education. The new knowledge generated in this project will benefit Australians in managing real-world stressful situations, improving their ability to look after their own well-being and make social connections with others to cope in times of trouble.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2023 · 2023-01

Cracking the code of snails to elucidate parasite disease transmission. In Australia, a disease caused by liver flukes causes major economic losses to livestock production. The role of Australian pond snails as intermediate hosts for this parasite is poorly understood. This project aims to explore the phylogeography, biology and genomics of these snails. It expects to create novel molecular resources for important snail species and verify their roles as key vectors of flatworm parasites. The curation of genomic and transcriptomic data sets, and elucidation of snail–parasite interactions will underpin the development of environmental diagnostic tests and deliver a new generation of intervention strategies to reduce the burden of liver fluke disease through the control of their snail intermediate hosts. Field of research: 3104 - Evolutionary Biology This project will establish the role and importance of aquatic snails in transmitting liver fluke disease to livestock animals in Australia. It will fill the void in our knowledge and understanding of snails that allow parasites to replicate and spread. Nationally, liver fluke disease causes losses of >$130 M per annum, and the discoveries made here aim to find new disease interventions to reduce the economic impact of chronic disease in livestock. This fundamental research will benefit Australia through advanced knowledge and technology creation, the training of next-generation scientists (culture), and discovery of innovative methods to decrease the burden of parasitic disease, resulting in increased agricultural productivity and financial returns (economic). The resources created will underpin on-farm risk assessments, and provide a unique model to explore other diseases. It aims to create IP value for the development of products with benefits, ultimately flowing to end-users including farmers, agriculture and the food industry.