UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Unravelling how liquids wet surfaces with new dynamic measurements. This project aims to transform our understanding of how liquids wet surfaces in order to provide a step-change in advanced material design. This will be achieved by developing a unifying theory of surface wetting by integrating new microscale models of dynamic wetting with new macroscale automated measurement techniques capable of rapidly generating large datasets, to determine precisely how surface chemistry and surface roughness influence wetting. Expected outcomes include predictive models of surface wetting across multiple scales, and robust high-throughput measurement methods informing optimal design of next-generation materials for all applications where liquids and surfaces interact. Field of research: 3406 - Physical Chemistry This project in the domain of advanced material design will develop new models and efficient measurement methods to determine precisely how surface chemistry and roughness influence the ability of a liquid to spread over a surface. Project outcomes will include the provision of tools developed to assist Australian researchers in industry and academia to make better decisions faster when designing materials for a broad range of applications where liquids interact with surfaces. Example applications of the resulting tools are in the creation of cleaner and more efficient solar panel materials, the development of cheaper and more environmentally friendly paints and pesticides, and in the transport sector their adoption will help to reduce fuel costs and inefficiencies due to biofouling on submerged ship hulls. The methods developed in the project will also create opportunities for Australian manufacturing businesses through licensing and commercialisation pathways.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Charting the human brain connectome over the lifespan. This project aims to develop neuroimaging reference charts for the human connectome and track the vast individual variability in brain connectivity across the life course. Connectomes will be mapped using tractography and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data for 40,000 individuals, establishing the largest connectome biobank to date. Expected outcomes include an innovative lifespan brain charting platform, new paradigms to model individual brain variability and knowledge of how cognition, lifestyle and environment shape brain ageing. Brain charting will usher in a new era of precision connectomics, paving the way towards neuroscience-based personalisation of pathways in education, employment and wellbeing. Field of research: 5202 - Biological Psychology This project will develop new ways to measure and track neural connections in the human brain in order to map changes and variability across the life span. The resulting biobank with comprehensive information on 40,000 individuals will yield knowledge of how cognition, lifestyle and environment shape brain ageing and will also support the establishment of evidence-based policies and action to promote active and productive ageing. Project outcomes will contribute to addressing challenges set out in the National Ageing Research Strategy that arise from an ageing workforce, including that by 2050, one quarter of all Australians are predicted to be aged 65 years or older. The project will deliver leading capabilities to facilitate new biotechnology commercialisation opportunities and foster industry linkages with leading medical imaging companies. Capitalising on Australia’s competitive edge in neuroscience research, this project can transform the way that neuroscience informs individual decisions, societal systems and government policy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Physics-based equivalent circuit models for nanoporous electrodes. This project aims to develop new physics-based equivalent circuit models for ion/electron coupled dynamics in electrified porous nanomaterials via fusing latest simulation advances with machine learning approach. This project expects to meet the challenge of high-efficient and accurate dynamic models for accelerated design, accurate diagnosis, and optimal operation of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. The outcome will be a paradigm shift of how equivalent circuit models are developed and used, informed by new scientific knowledge and data. The proliferation of the new models will allow design and operation of more efficient and durable technologies in energy industry, benefitting Australian economy and environment. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology The modern world has substantial and increasing energy demands that are compounded by national concerns for energy security and autonomy. This presents challenges for achieving the global energy transition of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, requiring the rapid replacement of traditional fossil fuels with alternative energy sources. By 2050 the transitional energy sector is predicted to increase global GDP by 2.5% based on employment growth. This project will advance dynamic models for electrodes, the hidden engines of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technology, allowing accurate diagnosis and optimal operation and performance of various energy technologies. Australia has vast opportunities in solar, wind, hydrogen, and ammonia; project findings will expand the science needed to harness these to underpin future energy supply and use systems. Adoption of findings and industry applications will contribute national economic and environmental benefits by enabling energy sustainability for resilient manufacturing and supporting energy resilient communities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Detecting and tracking alertness using speech biometrics. Traditional tests for detecting and tracking alertness are limited by their accuracy and inability to be administered without stopping work. This project aims to investigate how speech can be used to monitor changes in performance resulting from sleep deprivation and successive night shifts. The expected outcomes are 1) new knowledge on how sensitive speech and language features are for detecting change in alertness, and 2) development and verification of a highly accurate, cost-effective, speech focussed assay capable of detecting impaired alertness from otherwise healthy individuals. The project should benefit the way fitness for duty is tested and provide new methods for safeguarding Australians working in at-risk environments. Field of research: 5204 - Cognitive and Computational Psychology This project employs next generation, digital approaches to detect and track alertness in workplace settings, through the use of statistical analyses of speech patterns. There is scope to extend the application of this technology beyond shift workers, considered to be at most risk for reduced alertness at work, to wider occupational settings. In addition, the inclusion of language-based metrics such as grammar and syntax may enable the extension of the tool’s use to groups with challenged language function e.g. individuals with dementia, schizophrenia or autism. The development of this novel approach to warning employees/employers of impaired performance aims to safeguard the Australian workforce from compromised safety and efficiency risks. The project aligns with the National Priority on effective technologies to manage their own health care.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Next Generation Photocatalysis for Chemical Synthesis and Manufacture. This project aims to discover new methods for the activation of energy demanding bonds in organic molecules as a general strategy in chemical synthesis. A key conceptual advance in this project is the development of multiphoton photoredox catalysis as a powerful tool to activate traditionally unreactive, yet abundant chemical bonds in organic molecules including C-H bonds in alkane and olefin feedstocks. With application in fields that range from fine chemical production to drug discovery, the overarching aim of this research is to establish new bond activation reactions and to demonstrate translations to the invention of new pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and advanced chemical manufacturing processes that will have societal impact. Field of research: 3405 - Organic Chemistry This project will contribute to Australia's future prosperity by addressing existing challenges in chemical manufacture and molecular discovery. Transformative technologies are essential to the future generation chemical products that will meet growing society demands and provide economic benefit to industry. The new photocatalytic technologies in this proposal will allow the generation of new materials in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemicals sector beyond the reach of current technologies. Moreover, the application of flow chemistry technologies will deliver advanced and sustainable chemical manufacturing processes, that are critical to Australia's national interest in sovereign manufacturing. This proposal will build new knowledge capacity through the training of STEM graduates with skills that will lead to a high-quality workforce in academic and industrial chemical sciences.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

The Blue Economy and International Law. States, regional bodies and international financial institutions are seeking new economic opportunities from the sea. Both national and globally-shared ocean resources are marked for the pandemic recovery amidst escalating threats including marine plastics pollution, climate change and overfishing. The Blue Economy promises to deliver growth that aligns with environmental and human welfare goals. This project aims to provide the first detailed analysis of the laws and practices relating to the Blue Economy. It will investigate treaties and other instruments from trade, development, fisheries, climate and environmental organisations. The findings will provide guidance to Australia, the Indo-Pacific region and the international community. Field of research: 4803 - International and Comparative Law The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods while preserving a healthy ocean ecosystem. This project will provide new knowledge on how international law addresses the Blue Economy and associated challenges such as marine biodiversity conservation, plastics pollution and overfishing. Project outcomes will include the first detailed analysis of treaties and laws that guide how the world uses its oceans. This will help to identify requirements for new trade and development arrangements that impact the fisheries sector and management of marine and coastal resources. Outcomes will inform policy and regulatory responses to social, environmental and cultural uses of the oceans, with immediate benefits for Australia in how to safeguard its Blue Economy resources. Dissemination of findings will be targeted through government and community organisations to facilitate cooperation relating to law of the sea, trade law and environmental law.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

The Consequences of the Mental Load for Australian Families. This project aims to investigate the mental load; a structure of household work that combines cognitive and emotional labour. While there are theoretical understandings of the mental load, there is a dearth of quantitative research. This project expects to develop a consistent and reliable measure of the mental load and an understanding of its impacts on Australian families. The expected outcomes of the project include a comprehensive measurement of the mental load both in Australia and abroad. This will allow for the development of policy alleviating its impacts on caregivers, particularly mothers, and assist workplaces and Government in incorporating women into employment to reduce gender inequality. Field of research: 4403 - Demography Mental load refers to the cognitive and emotional effort in managing one’s work, relationships and household. Mental load is not directly about physical tasks but about what is required for individuals to manage them. This project will develop a world-first reliable measure of mental load based on rigorous qualitative research with Australian families. In family settings, the division of household work creates a mental load that disproportionately falls to women, significantly contributes to work-family conflict, and has a major impact on businesses. By building a comprehensive measure of mental load, project outcomes will provide a strong evidence base for policy changes that can reduce mental health issues associated with burnout. Targetted dissemination of findings to government and businesses will support the development of policies and practices to alleviate the impact of mental load on caregivers, particularly mothers, and assist workplaces and government in addressing the gender employment gap.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Data-driven phylodynamics: molecular evolution to epidemiology. This project aims to uncover how different environmental and ecological variables drive the emergence of pathogens with increased transmissibility or virulence, known as variants. This will be achieved through extensive analyses of virus genome data. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the field of pathogen evolution using novel data-driven statistical techniques for genomic analyses. Expected outcomes of this project are a new understanding of the circumstances under which pathogen variants emerge and a suite of statistical tools to exploit the vast genome data available. This should provide significant benefits by generating new knowledge with the potential to improve biosecurity, agriculture, and heath. Field of research: 3104 - Evolutionary Biology Microbes that cause disease can undergo genetic variation leading to more serious disease effects and greater infectivity. There are now vast collections of information about the genetic codes of infection disease microbes, but current mathematical techniques are inadequate to extract the critical information relevant to better control and manage infectious disease. This project will develop new statistical and computational techniques to identify factors that drive changes in virulence or transmissibility of an infectious pathogen. Project outcomes will not only expand fundamental biological knowledge but will also be a basis for future applications in analysing transmission of animal and human infectious diseases and hence contribute to improved national disease surveillance and response. The Fellowship results will be disseminated through open access publication and communication pathways. Where appropriate, translation of the research will be aligned with institutional commercialisation pathways and facilitated through our links to animal and human infectious disease sectors.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Improving the performance of Australian social insurance schemes. Applying methods from computational social science, this project aims to develop a novel, multi-level modeling framework to assist transport injury, workplace injury and disability insurance schemes consistently achieve and maintain standards of high performance as recognised by international benchmarks. By creating a virtual laboratory for policy-makers and scheme managers, it expects to generate a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms driving insurance scheme performance, enabling comparison of anticipated outcomes in response to legislative changes, policy changes and management decisions. The project aims to help schemes avoid human and financial failure, benefitting people with injuries and disabilities while reducing scheme costs. Field of research: 4203 - Health Services and Systems Social insurance schemes, such as injury and disability insurance, are expensive and their costs must be reasonably controlled, but they are also vital to the operation of critical social systems that citizens rely upon daily. Without affordable insurance, individuals and businesses could not work or engage in trade, transport, or broader society without having legitimate concerns about the potential consequences of accidents or other misfortune. Through developing new approaches to modelling insurance scheme performance, this project will provide data on ways to achieve and maintain the financial sustainability of these schemes. Project findings contribute to Australia's national interest through identifying ways of maintaining the viability of social insurance systems. Translation of these findings to promote adoption by policy and regulatory sectors has the potential to benefit Australian economic, social and commercial activity across the transport sector and workplaces.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

CellMaps for cell fate decision making systems. The cell is the fundamental unit exhibiting the hallmarks of life. The cell is also a fantastically intricate and complex system: its behaviour is shaped by molecular networks and processes that regulate cellular physiology, and the response of the cell to its environment. This Laureate Fellowship aims to describe and make sense of this complexity mathematically. At this sub-cellular level stochasticity and complex non-linear feedbacks are all pervasive. Building on recent advances in mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics, and data science will result in mathematical models of cells, CellMaps, that will generate mechanistic insights into the fundamental dynamical processes underlying cell fate decision making and differentiation. Field of research: 4901 - Applied Mathematics Biotechnology uses biological processes to produce products such as medical vaccines, yoghurt, alcohols and even bread. This project aims to improve the industrial biological processes used to make these products. Improving biotechnology applications in science, agriculture and medicine can enhance the efficiency, yield and purity of valuable products made by biological processes. Improvements could be achieved by being able to predict conditions that control cell functions, such as temperature, pH levels, and molecular environment. This Fellowship will develop refined mathematical models of these biological processes to investigate how they operate and enable prediction of different conditions that will enhance the overall process and achieve scientific and commercial benefits. These models will assist the Australian biotechnology sector to create new products more rapidly and more efficiently. The Fellowship will increase knowledge in mathematics and biosciences, bringing these disciplines closer together, developing new skills and building workforce capacity that will strengthen Australia’s reputation as a world-leader in mathematical biology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Securing the next generation in farming and food careers. This project aims to investigate why and how young people (aged 15-35 years) enter, stay or leave jobs and careers in the agri-food sector, including farming, farm services and food processing. This project expects to generate new knowledge to improve youth career trajectories through using an innovative, interdisciplinary and engaged research design with young people. Expected outcomes include the co-design of youth-appropriate industry and education policy proposals, new models of youth engagement in agri-food and better career outcomes for young people. This should provide significant benefits to the sustainability and growth of the agri-food sector and to rural and regional communities and their economic prosperity. Field of research: 0701 - Agriculture, Land and Farm Management The Australian Government and industry hold ambitious growth targets for Australia’s $65B agri-food sector. These will only be met if worsening staff and skills shortages are addressed. Attracting and retaining young people is especially critical, given Australia’s ageing farm population and the importance for the sector of the attitudes, skills and ideas that young people bring. This research will deliver economic and social benefits to Australia by: (1) improving understanding of issues young people face in entering and sustaining agri-food jobs and careers and (2) contributing this knowledge to the co-design of solutions including new policies and services. Building stakeholders’ capacity to respond effectively to young people’s needs will deliver benefits in reduced workforce turnover, enhanced career paths and the inclusion of young people’s ideas and skills. This will lead to enhanced livelihoods for young people, improved business profitability and sustainability, enhanced regional employment and prosperity, increased export income and maintenance of Australia’s secure and high-quality food supply.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Advancing the Engineering of Minipile Systems to Frontier Applications. This project aims to develop new knowledge on the performance of battered minipile systems used in a wide range of applications from solar panels to traffic signs. Minipiles provide concrete-free foundation systems, yet their behaviour under more complex loading such as wind, is yet to be fully understood. This project will examine the loading conditions experienced during installation and throughout service life. This will include complex full-scale laboratory tests and advanced computer modelling to verify the performance against expected cyclic loading. New design approaches will be developed for this emerging foundation system, enabling more widespread adoption of this technology in the building and construction industry. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering This project will create new knowledge to support the development of an innovative and effective concrete-free minipile footing that offers a rapid and easy installation process with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment. Outcomes will provide benefits to the national building and construction industry by helping to fast-track the delivery of a wide array of structures including solar panels, traffic signals and other types of lightweight structures. This will directly support infrastructure projects funded by the Commonwealth Government’s $200 billion investment over the next decade. The new design guidelines developed by the project will also encourage adoption by the construction sector and enable onshore manufacturing scale-up. The project’s robust study will increase the efficiency of designs and build confidence in this emerging system. This will provide a market-leading technology for domestic and international markets, supporting local jobs and growth in Australia’s export economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

HyPoCrete: Hydrogen storage using an innovative concrete composite system. This project aims to develop an innovative polymer concrete composite system for the safe and efficient storage of hydrogen. New knowledge is expected to be generated on the novel use of polymer and concrete materials in hydrogen storage technologies. The expected outcomes include a new class of prefabricated, modular storage system that is highly efficient and low cost. The scalability and resilience of the system will be achieved by using concrete, a material widely used in the construction industry for its mechanical performance, durability and affordability. This should provide significant benefits in fostering the hydrogen economy by providing an efficient and resilient storage system for industrial quantities of hydrogen. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering The Australian Government has identified hydrogen as the key pillar to decarbonise the future economy and address climate change. According to the National Hydrogen Strategy, the hydrogen economy will generate $26 billion in GDP and 17,000 jobs by 2050. This project aims to develop a safe, efficient and low-cost hydrogen storage system, which is essential to accelerate widespread adoption of hydrogen as the primary fuel in a wide range of priority sectors. New knowledge developed in the use of polymer concrete composites for hydrogen storage will place Australia at the forefront of research and development in the emerging hydrogen industry. The development of this new technology is well-aligned with the Australian Science and Research Priorities including Advanced Manufacturing and Energy. This project has significant potential to deliver economic and social impact for the energy and construction sectors. The training opportunities in advanced material and hydrogen storage technologies will develop the skills needed by the new generation of researchers supporting innovation in our emerging hydrogen industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Artificial intelligence algorithms to predict risk of injury in racehorses. This project will address the urgent need for predicting and preventing catastrophic and career limiting limb injuries and cardiac arrhythmias in racehorses due to over (or under) training. Using data from GPS and movement sensors integrated into saddlecloths, artificial intelligence algorithms will convert cumulative data on speed, gait, and stride characteristics during training, along with injury data, into a risk matrix. Recorded heart rate and ECG data will also be analysed using artificial intelligence to detect early evidence of the development of cardiac arrhythmias. The system will improve racehorse welfare, providing a simple interface to warn trainers when risk of injury becomes high, in order to prevent catastrophic breakdown. Field of research: 0702 - Animal Production The social license to use animals for sport can be compromised when the welfare of those animals is below a standard that is acceptable to society. In Australia, each year there are about 40,000 horses in race training. The economic impact of the Thoroughbred horse racing industry in Australia is substantial, exceeding $9B per annum. At present, the welfare of those animals is difficult to routinely assess, and the incidence of catastrophic limb injury (necessitating euthanasia) or sudden cardiac failure (which may in some circumstances cause sudden death) are unacceptably high. The biosensor system that will be developed in this project, and the real-time analysis of data from the sensors, will allow trainers, veterinarians and racing authorities to accurately and efficiently monitor individual animals under their care, and will facilitate transparency in the racing industry. The device has the potential to become a monitoring tool that will inform not only the animal carer, but also the regulators of animal welfare, in real-time.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Paving the way to greener roads and healthier waterways. Waste tyre permeable pavement is emerging as an effective stormwater surge mitigation solution. Yet, its behaviour under traffic loads and varied environmental conditions are not fully understood which undermines industry confidence in this technology. This project aims to advance the engineering of waste tyre permeable pavements by creating new knowledge on their mechanical and hydrological performance. The project will develop design guidelines, identify the governing mechanisms and develop a performance prediction framework based on laboratory and field tests, and advanced numerical modelling. The mechanisms of performance from micro to macro level will be identified, generating knowledge for industry to support widespread uptake. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering Each year approximately 50 million used tyres end up in landfills. From July 2021, Australia must process all its waste onshore, requiring innovative solutions to help achieve a circular economy to reduce the financial burden to the nation and the impact on our environment. This project will provide significant national benefits in helping to solve a major waste problem for Australia by diverting waste from landfills. It will also reduce the impact of urbanisation by helping to filter pollutants and improve the quality of our waterways, especially after storm surges. These innovations will build capacity in Australia’s waste and stormwater management industry, help deliver new markets for Australian industries and create opportunities for IP export. The project addresses the National Science and Research Priority in Environmental Change by addressing two challenges: ‘resilient urban, rural and regional infrastructure’ and ‘developing new solutions for responding and adapting to the impacts of environmental change on urban and rural communities and industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

AI for Legal Problem Diagnosis in the Diverse Language of Australians. The number of Australians with unmet legal needs is estimated to be over four million people per year and growing, and free legal assistance is severely under-resourced. A bottleneck for free legal assistance providers is the determination of what (if any) specific legal needs the individual has, to which end this project proposes to develop AI models to semi-automate the process, with particular focus on fairness across users of all backgrounds, generalisation from small amounts of curated data, and dynamic interaction with the help-seeker. The project will help deliver legal assistance to some of the most vulnerable members of Australian society, and reinforce Australia's position as a world leader in AI for Law. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing Levels of unmet legal need in Australia are high, and free legal assistance services are severely under-resourced. Each year 8.5 million Australians have legal problems and only 4.5 million are able to access assistance. Unresolved legal problems cause financial strain, stress-related illness, physical ill health, relationship breakdown, and having to move home. This project will enhance the provision of free legal assistance by alleviating the bottleneck of manually reading and classifying the legal problem descriptions submitted by potential clients of the service. In doing so, it will enable Justice Connect to provide more efficient, flexible service to vulnerable members of society in need of free legal assistance, contributing to a fairer and more just Australian society. The project's innovations will be made freely available to the broader legal assistance community in Australia and overseas, to maximise societal impact. It will also place Australia at the forefront of the emerging high-impact area of Legal Natural Language Processing, and further showcase Australia's world-leading expertise in AI.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

The future of shipping: achieving autonomous navigation. This project aims to develop autonomous decision systems and onshore control stations to support the design and operation of unmanned cargo ships. Blending observations, numerical models, virtual reality and machine learning, the project will develop algorithms for unsupervised navigation and embed these in an advanced ship simulator platform capable of responding to environmental conditions and optimising sea freight transport capabilities. The expected outcomes will enable the integration of automated controls in ships, including remote-control capabilities. This will support Australia’s transition towards an autonomous shipping industry, delivering greater reliability, efficiency, productivity and safety. Field of research: 0911 - Maritime Engineering Over 90% of world trade is transported by sea and shipping is crucial to our imports and exports. In 2019-20, Australia recorded a trade surplus in excess of $75 billion with exports growing 18% per year on average over the past five years. Cost-effective and reliable shipping is foundational to the competitiveness of our exports, yet it is lagging. Autonomous ships promise to revolutionise world trade within 20 years, delivering efficiency gains, greater safety, reduced costs and reduced environmental impact. This project leverages advanced research, virtual reality technology and machine learning to drive new developments for automated on-board ship navigational control systems. Artificial Intelligence will automate human control and optimise ship performance. Algorithms will be embedded in Pivot Maritime International’s full-scale virtual reality simulation facility in Tasmania to enhance the design and operation of unmanned ships. The project is expected to position Australia at the forefront of autonomous shipping technology to support ongoing competitiveness and growth in Australia’s export industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Advancing investor action on energy transition. This project aims to advance action by investors (debt and equity) to increase finance for low-carbon energy sources that reduce fundamental climate risks. The project applies interdisciplinary approaches to generate new knowledge about the business case for investor leadership on energy transition and supportive climate law and financial regulatory frameworks. Collaborative legal and business analysis by leading Australian and US scholars, coupled with interviews and focus groups with investors, will examine contemporary engagement practices and investors' management of climate-related financial risks. Expected outcomes are targeted reform proposals to benefit policymakers and the environment by fostering private financing of clean energy. Field of research: 1801 - Law This project will generate significant environmental and social benefits for the Australian community by developing new knowledge and reform recommendations to advance enhanced private sector financing of clean energy, thus helping to transition to lower carbon energy systems and reducing associated climate risks. The project recognises the untapped potential for changes in the funding practices of investors (debt and equity financiers) in Australia and other leading markets such as the United States, to foster enhanced uptake of low-carbon energy sources and technologies. It aims to fill a gap in existing research about the supporting business case and regulatory settings necessary to enable this shift. The project will triangulate analysis from business scholarship, financial regulation and energy/climate law in Australia and the closely-related US context to identify and develop reform proposals that are economically sound, environmentally beneficial and politically feasible, supplying solutions tailored to the need for a rapid transition in energy systems in order to mitigate urgent climate change risks.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Molecular Spin Switching with Earth Abundant Metals. This project aims to develop molecular materials based on non-precious metals that respond to stimuli, including heat or light, by switching between forms with different properties, such as colour and electrical conductivity. The project expects to deliver enhanced control over the switching characteristics and incorporation of the materials into responsive thin films, ready for integration into devices. These molecular switches are promising for molecular electronics, spintronics and colour-based sensing and display devices. Their fast response time and small component size imply less heat to dissipate and therefore less electricity required for cooling upon implementation in information communications and other technologies. Field of research: 0302 - Inorganic Chemistry Production of molecular switches will revolutionize electronics, making them cheaper, smaller and more energy efficient. The spin switchable materials targeted in this project represent an exciting frontier in progressing new energy-efficient materials for Australia's high-end manufacturing and technology industries. A key benefit of electronic components based on responsive molecular systems is faster response times and decreased energy required to dissipate heat. The nanoscale materials developed will be based on inexpensive metals that are abundant in Australia and ultimately this project may contribute to the generation of new markets for Australian mineral commodities. This research facilitates local development of emerging information communications and other technologies to utilise the new materials, and thus underpins ensuing economic and social benefits. The multi-faceted research training will equip early career researchers with transferable problem-solving, project management, and communication skills which will be invaluable for Australia's shift towards a knowledge economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Elucidating the determinants of cation import across the kingdoms of life. The metal ion manganese is essential to all forms of life. This project aims to investigate how this poorly abundant cation is selectively acquired from the chemical complexity of the environment for import into cells by using state-of-the-art biochemical and microbiological techniques. This project expects to define the fundamental basis for how bacterial, archaeal and eukaryotic plastid cation-selective importers can discriminate manganese from chemical similar cations to achieve selective uptake. The expected outcomes of this work will be an understanding of the fundamental basis for selective metal import in biological systems. This should provide benefits for industry through synthetic biological applications of this knowledge. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Metal ions play pivotal roles in the cellular chemistry of every cell in all forms of life. This Project will deliver knowledge that will define the mechanistic basis of a metal ion transporting system that is conserved throughout the kingdoms of life. This knowledge will lead to future economic, commercial, and environmental benefits for the Australian community. Applications of this knowledge will be to improve or tailor how this transporter works into industrially relevant microorganisms to enhance bioprocess activities. Applications that are currently limited by a lack of understanding in how to improve microbial metal uptake include the mining industry, where applications to enhance microbial bioleaching of rare metals are needed, and in environmental reclamation, where there is a need to improve capture and removal of toxic metals from waterways and soil. This knowledge will underpin improvements in these applications and advance Australia’s Nation Interest through the development of new technologies and intellectual property, while also supporting local communities and industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Whole-body analysis of human tissue-resident memory T cells. T cells provide critical immune protection against infection and cancer, and dysfunctional T cells cause autoimmune disease. Much of our understanding of T cells comes from studies of mice and how these immune cells work in humans is not fully understood. This project aims to determine how human T cells persist and function using a unique organ donor tissue resource. The expected outcomes are to generate fundamental new knowledge about the regulation of the human immune response. This knowledge is critical for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies designed to harness T cell immunity. Field of research: 1107 - Immunology This project will generate fundamental new knowledge on how the immune system is regulated. Knowledge generated through this effort will lead to new insights for innovative strategies for vaccination and immune therapies against disease, with the ultimate goal of improving veterinary and human health. These advances will impact a wide range of common diseases including infection, cancer and autoimmune disease, therefore improving the health and social outlook of many Australians. We expect to develop new collaborations to build commercial products and patent applications for improved vaccination strategies, encouraging multi-disciplinary research that will foster Australian research capacity and economic growth. In parallel with this project, the human organ donor tissue resource used in the project will be expanded and provide much-needed samples to other Australian biomedical scientists. We expect that this improved access to human tissues will greatly advance scientific discovery in Australia and will contribute to Australia’s economic, commercial and social interests for the benefit of all Australians.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Proppant transport in non-Darcy fracture flow for reservoir integrity/yield. Hydro-fracking of a typical gas well in Australia consumes around 3000 tonnes of proppants to keep open the created fractures, costing over $1.5 million. This project investigates proppant transport behaviour in non-Darcy turbulent flow during fracking of underground reservoir rock by combining Hele-Shaw-cell experiments with Particle Image Velocimetry and conceptual/numeric modelling. The generating advanced proppant transport knowledge is expected to be more accurate than laminar flow-based theories currently relied on. Expected outcomes include more efficient/safer proppant-assisted fracking strategies to reduce wasteful proppant disposition and inform industry/government management of fracking based on the reservoir geological features. Field of research: 0914 - Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy Moving away from a reliance on coal to a renewable energy future is a National priority, which will take several decades to achieve. Natural gas represents an ideal transition fuel, but Australia requires effective low-carbon emission methods such as unconventional gas extraction and CO2 geosequestration, relying on reservoir stimulation techniques like hydro-fracking. This proposal aims to overcome significant issues with current fracking practices by revealing true transport behaviour of proppants (tiny particles that keep fractures open) in fractures, a critical factor in productivity and leakage risk. The proposed strategies to appropriately target suitable reservoirs for fracking will help industry and government decision-making on fracking. The project’s outcomes will reduce wasteful disposition of proppants and hydrocarbon leakage risks, reducing the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing. This will reduce public opposition, deliver significant economic benefits to Australia; and reduce carbon emissions by 50-60% while giving industry and consumers affordable and acceptable energy options.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Lessons From Nature: Late Stage Oxidation in Total Synthesis. This project aims to achieve the chemical synthesis of a number of biologically active novel natural products. The key aspect is the application of chemistry inspired by Nature to deliver molecular complexity in a rapid fashion which would allow for the production of molecules otherwise unavailable in sufficient quantities from the natural sources. This research will utilize late stage oxidation of intermediates to provide ready access to complex molecules. The main goal is the development of new chemical and biological catalysts for further application in organic synthesis with a view to the production of new medicinal agents and important materials. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry This proposal aims to achieve the total chemical synthesis of a number of bioactive natural products in which key steps are inspired by their production in Nature. Most significantly, this challenging research should deliver methods for the production of molecules that have applications in both basic and applied research. This research could lead to new compounds for applications in biology and medicine that will expand Australia's knowledge base and support the high-quality education and training of students to increase Australia's research capability in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. In addition, this research will provide methods for complex molecule production and the synthesis of analogues that will be superior to known standard approaches.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Phylodynamics for Single Cell Genomics . This project generates the mathematical framework required to look at single cell data in developmental systems and tissues. All cells in a multi-cellular organism derive from a single ancestral cell, generally the fertilised egg cell. Phylodynamics provides a framework to analyse and model this data, by connecting the shared ancestry of cells in an organism to the cell population and tissue dynamics. By developing the mathematical and statistical foundations for the analysis of single cell data in a phylodynamic framework we will establish a powerful new computational tools for the analysis of tissues and developmental processes. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics This project is in Australia’s national interest as its sets out the mathematical foundations required to understand developmental processes and the mechanisms underlying the generation and maintenance of healthy tissues. We will develop mathematical models of these fundamental processes and provide a computational platform to understand the normal operation of these important biological systems. The outcomes of this project will enable future studies to explore dysfunction and treatment of developmental disorders and cancer. In particular, the mathematical and statistical models will support Australia's life and biomedical sciences communities and will give new insight into fundamental biological processes. The outcomes of this project will thus have societal and economic impact, informing research into tissue engineering and the treatment of cancers. Both of these problems are best understood in a phylodynamic context, and the methods at the core of this project will deliver biomedical and therapeutic benefits to the Australian population.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2022 · 2022-01

Authoritarian populism and livelihood change in the Philippines. This research aims to explore the impacts of authoritarian populism on development, governance, and livelihood change in the Philippines. The project will generate new knowledge on the consequences of the interrelated erosion of environmental protections, acceleration of development projects, and human rights violations for poor people in Southeast Asia. Expected outcomes of the project include new empirical insights into how poor, resource-reliant households respond to converging environmental and political pressures across rural and urban areas in the Philippines. Project outcomes will provide significant benefits for Australian responses to declining social and environmental safeguards occurring in the region. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology This project addresses the interlinked social and environmental outcomes of rising authoritarian populism, one of the most significant political transformations occurring throughout the Southeast Asian region. There are clear strategic benefits to Australia from understanding the relationship between populist politics, poverty and environmental conditions in major regional trading partners and recipients of development aid. In the Philippines alone, the concurrent decline of natural resources and worsening human rights situation will impact the economic well-being of millions of rural and urban households and has important implications for bilateral relations, development objectives and regional security. This project will provide rigorous and policy-focused evidence that can (1) refine diplomatic responses to the erosion of social and environmental safeguards occurring both in the Philippines and throughout the Southeast Asian region, and (2) inform Australian efforts to meet international development obligations by promoting more effective anti-poverty and environmental governance interventions.