UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Purinergic signalling in placentation and vascular adaptation in pregnancy. Our traditional understanding of purinergic signalling in the placenta is significantly outdated and incomplete. The placenta is critical for reproduction in all eutherian mammals, delivering critical nutrition and oxygen to the developing fetus. This project aims to define the role of purinergic signalling as a critical mechanism driving placentation and angiogenesis. This is the first study of its kind and will use sophisticated models to improve our fundamental understanding and ability to manipulate mammalian reproduction via the purinoreceptors. This proposal builds on my skills and expertise; improving our knowledge of the processes driving placental and vascular morphogenesis and offers important discoveries for reproductive science. Field of research: 0608 - Zoology This project will advance fundamental knowledge about the role of purinergic signalling pathways in placental development and function. It will generate critical knowledge for applied research that may be used in future to improve reproductive outcomes in all eutherian mammals. Benefits include improved breeding of endangered species, aid in livestock breeding and production of economically valuable domestic animals, and improved health care and fertility control for domesticated pets and feral animals. Further potential benefits for human health also exist. Findings will thus generate potential economic, health and environmental benefits, nationally and internationally. Outcomes from this research will further enhance and consolidate Australia’s excellent standing as leaders in reproductive biology and strengthen national and international collaborations. The project also provides an outstanding training opportunity for mentoring emerging researchers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Using Abstract Networks to Study Symmetry. An operad is a mathematical tool for packaging the connection between discrete blocks of information. In other words, an operad is a type of network, particularly suited for approaching complex problems by breaking them into smaller, manageable packets. This project aims to reimagine classical objects in geometry and topology such as Teichmüller space as variations of infinity operads. This reimagining will ensure new insights into key objects across three areas of mathematics: algebraic number theory (the mathematics of modern encryption), the representation theory of quantum groups and topological quantum field theories. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics This project advances fundamental research in pure mathematics, particularly geometry and algebraic number theory. Outcomes will offer significant potential downstream applications and contribute to the national interest through the exchange of specialised skills crucial to a new economic landscape. When translated to industry, particularly finance and engineering, advances in this research field are in high demand because it is driving changes in modern data science, providing innovative techniques for handling the increasingly large data sets in these industries. It supports the transfer of skills through training PhD students able to lead work in these areas of increasing social and economic importance. The research will contribute to advances in science in a field of global importance not yet well-represented in Australia. It aligns with the national strategy to build Australia's scientific capacity in mathematics through research training and dissemination of findings, providing the foundations for future translation and impact.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Integral transforms and moduli theory. This project is in algebraic geometry, a branch of pure mathematics. An overarching goal is a better understanding of the algebra underlying the sophisticated geometries that arise in the classification problems that are pervasive in mathematics and its applications to physics. This new knowledge will then be applied to further elucidate the geometry of these spaces. Expected outcomes of this project include major progress in our understanding of derived categories of algebraic stacks via the Fourier-Mukai transform. The benefit will be to enhance the international stature of Australian science. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics This project will advance fundamental research in pure mathematics and specifically in the field of algebraic geometry. Mathematics is the language of modern science, computing, and engineering. Advances in pure mathematics have historically led to transformative technologies (e.g., research in logic led to computers). Algebraic geometry and moduli theory form the basis of modern cryptography. New fundamental research in these areas is essential for strengthening national cybersecurity and protecting Australia’s economic and social interests. The proposed research will contribute to these aims and bring further benefits by increasing Australia's capacity to train in algebraic geometry and moduli theory. Outcomes from this research will further enhance the international reputation of Australia as a leading centre for research in mathematics, algebraic geometry, and moduli theory. This proposal will cement Australia's future as a major centre for research in these areas which are increasingly vital to securing Australia’s national interests.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Universal structures in stringy extra dimensions. The project aims to study properties of extra dimensions in string theory by means of techniques from supersymmetric gauge theory. This new approach makes it possible to study areas in the landscape of stringy extra dimensions that have not been accessible before. The project expects to uncover new universal features. This will have significant impact on string theory and mathematics. Expected outcomes of this project include answers to conceptual questions in string theory, new types of extra dimensions, and new methods to compute quantum corrections in string theory. This should provide significant benefits, such as interdisciplinary collaborations at the national and international level and a strengthening of string theory in Australia. Field of research: 0105 - Mathematical Physics This project advances fundamental research in mathematical physics, specifically in the field of string theory. Exploratory research of this nature has the potential to bring significant national benefits that can arise from interactions between fundamental science and commercial activities. Data science, for example, relies on a wide range of advances in fundamental science and is a significant future industry in Australia. The proposed research has long-term potential for translation into new technologies, such as machine learning and cryptography. These are vital areas to develop and are essential to securing Australia’s national interest. They also bring substantial economic and commercial benefits. The participation of PhD and graduate students in this research will contribute to the training of a new generation of Australian researchers in mathematical physics. These skills are required across a range of labour markets, including quantitative finance, business consulting, and data science.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Domestic and Family violence and border-related harm. This project aims to explore how Australia's migration system intersects with the experience of domestic and family violence for temporary visa holders. By drawing on the accounts of former temporary visa holders via interviews in Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and India, and examining the migration system and processes evident in formal accounts including coronial findings and sentencing judgements, the project expects to generate new knowledge about connections between migration systems and domestic and family violence. This should provide significant benefits by laying the ground for reform and recommendations to support policy makers and stakeholders more broadly to create better conditions for women’s safety. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology Domestic and family violence is a significant problem in Australia, but migrant and refugee women are particularly vulnerable. Migration systems and women’s temporary migration status appear to contribute to this vulnerability. This fellowship examines the potential impact of Australia’s migration system on women’s access to safety, through interviews with temporary migrant women who have experienced domestic and family violence, and key stakeholders in the area. The research will also examine how migration systems and border crossings may be used by perpetrators of domestic and family violence. The project will support the development of system responses that can enhance women’s safety. The research will contribute to social, cultural and economic benefits for the Australian community, including temporary migrants, by offering evidence on where systems reform can contribute to Australia’s commitment to preventing and reducing domestic and family violence for all women.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Improving predictions of species distribution dynamics. This project aims to mainstream methods for improved prediction of species distributions under the impacts of environmental change. This is important because these predictions are commonly used to guide environmental decisions, but the standard modelling methods used to produce them have critical limitations. This project intends to (i) make key statistical developments to methods for modelling dynamics of species distributions and (ii) translate the methods into practice, through guidelines, tools and training, engagement with users and case studies addressing species of current concern. This should provide significant benefits because it will enable better decisions and more effective and cost-efficient management actions. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management This project aims to deliver and mainstream methods for improved spatial prediction of species occurrence, in the face of environmental change. With these predictions now routinely used in practice, this project will directly help all who need tools for reliable decisions: land managers, conservation practitioners, risk assessors and biosecurity professionals. Better predictions mean better decisions, and ultimately gains to biodiversity, health and saved dollars. This project has therefore potential for widespread benefits, in Australia and abroad. It will advance techniques and engage with practitioners for their uptake through case studies, training, practical tools and guidelines. The work responds to a Practical Challenge in the Australian Government’s Science and Research Priorities, improving prediction of environmental change impacts, and will contribute to research training in this area. It will also further strengthen Australia’s international reputation in species distribution modelling research and provide new insights into Australian species of conservation concern.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Evaluating the Quality of Scientific Research in Psychology. Buttressing public trust in science has never been more important, yet many sciences are experiencing a crisis of confidence. The current system of relying on journal prestige to calibrate our confidence in individual research findings has created corrupt incentives for scientists, and risks undermining public trust in science. Thousands of scientists and institutions around the world have indicated that research evaluation needs an overhaul by signing the Declaration on Research Assessment. One solution is to create a public, transparent, and valid process for producing and sharing expert evaluations of individual papers. This project aims to launch this reform in psychology, and partner with PREreview to help it spread to other fields. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Buttressing public trust in science has never been more important, with the intensifcation of climate-related disasters such as bushfires, the threat of global pandemics, and the rise of political extremism. The social, behavioural, and life sciences have much to contribute to these crises, but it is difficult for policmakers, businesses, and members of the public to evaluate the trustworthiness of individual findings. By providing expert evaluations of the quality of scientific findings, this project will enhance the impact and value of original research in these fields. For example, policymakers will have a more secure basis for deciding which scientific findings are credible and can form the basis of new policy in areas ranging from mental and physical health to occupational behaviour, forensics, and educational psychology. This has the potential to significantly bolster the public value of science.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Diamond Microneedles for Minimally Invasive Blood Collection. Blood sampling is a routine procedure for medical purposes to determine the physiological and biochemical status of patients. The aim of this project is to develop a reliable microneedle array for a blood collection procedures. Micro-scale needles for low-volume perforated blood samples are highly desirable due to its minimal invasiveness and painlessness. The miniaturization of sampling platforms driven by microneedles has the potential to shift disease diagnosis and monitoring closer to the point of care. Expected outcomes include the development of synthetic diamond-based microneedles for the potential to greatly benefit society through improved and affordable healthcare and the development of new high-tech industries. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering This project aims to develop a reliable microneedle array for blood collection procedures in medical treatment. It will develop and provide state of the art microneedles that enable minimally invasive blood extraction. Successful developments will bring significant national benefits. They have the potential to shift disease diagnosis and monitoring closer to the point of care. This will create substantial economic opportunities in enabling the growth of medical consumables industries in Australia through linkage to existing Australian companies. There is also a significant opportunity for increases in social well-being and community health through new blood extraction technologies, for example, with less traumatic blood extraction from infants and diabetics patients and others who require this procedure regularly. Finally, research on microneedle-based collection devices will reduce reliance on technicians to collect blood samples, thereby making point-of-care diagnostics more cost-effective and more widely available, bringing significant social benefits to Australians of all ages.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

DIsrupting Child Exploitation - the DICE project. Child sexual exploitation is an insidious social problem which impacts the most vulnerable children and young people in Australia. The DICE project (Disrupting Child Sexual Exploitation) aims to develop a multi-agency response which pivots the focus of intervention to the sexual exploitation predators who target vulnerable young people in statutory care. Previous interventions have prioritised protecting (and controlling) the young people, with limited success. Through a trauma informed approach which supports young people, combined with disruptive police strategies targeting perpetrators, and co-ordinated multiagency working, it is anticipated that there will be measurable changes to the protection of vulnerable young people. Field of research: 1607 - Social Work The DICE project will contribute significantly to the Australian community by ameliorating the economic and social costs of child sexual abuse through the co-design and testing of a multiagency and disruptive policing approach to child sexual exploitation, as well as a cost benefit analysis of this approach. A significant proportion of the 21.5% of Australian girls and 7.9% of Australian boys affected by sexual abuse by the age of 18 are subject to child sexual exploitation. It is estimated that every child sexual abuse offence costs the Australian economy $67,600.54. The project will also contribute to better health and well-being in Australia. The evidence is clear that the negative health and social sequalae of child sexual abuse – including suicidal thoughts and actions, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol misuse, obesity, criminal behaviour – significantly impact upon the wellbeing of Australians who have been sexually abused. Overall, it will be in Australia's healthy, economic and social interests to support an evidence-informed response to child sexual exploitation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Evaluating the impact of Indigenous preferential procurement programs. This project aims to conduct a multi-disciplinary, multi-method evaluation of the implementation and impacts of Indigenous preferential procurement programs (IPPPs) on Indigenous businesses, Indigenous communities, procurers’ operations and outcomes. Bringing together researchers in partnership with corporate and government procurers, Indigenous data custodians and the Australian Bureau of Statistics we aim to produce a significant national program evaluation of IPPPs and the impact at the community level. The project aims to highlight ways in which IPPPs can be [re]designed to reduce implementation friction, facilitate access and participation among Indigenous businesses and help guarantee positive effects on Indigenous communities. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics This project aims to (i) empirically describe the Indigenous business sector, (ii) discover the impact of Indigenous Preferential Procurement Programs (IPPPs) on the Indigenous business sector, (iii) understand the flow on benefits to Indigenous communities of the implementation of IPPPs and (iv) propose redesigns to IPPPs to maximise their benefits. This research has the potential to contribute economic and social benefits to the Australian community by working with Indigenous business stakeholders to [re]design a significant policy to enhance Indigenous business participation and the positive flow-on effects on Indigenous communities. We will train 5 new Australian researchers and progress a new national data asset in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Statistics that could be used by scientists and policy makers. The governance framework for the new national data asset will also be a leading contribution, integrating Indigenous data custodians and Indigenous data sovereignty principles. Finally, the evaluation framework will have future and diverse applicability for policy evaluation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Industrial biotechnology for the manufacture of alkaloid pharmaceuticals. Drugs that treat opioid dependence and overdose are increasingly needed but their manufacture is difficult, inefficient and expensive. This project aims to develop enzymatic N-demethylation as a simpler and more sustainable approach to the manufacture and modification of opioid antagonists, alkaloids and other drug targets. It will increase our understanding of enzymatic N-demethylation and address engineering and biotechnology challenges to improve yield and product isolation and concentration. Improvements in drug manufacturing processes will assist drug affected communities and industry will benefit from value adding, greater market share and flexibility, increased innovation and de-risked processes and new products. Field of research: 1003 - Industrial Biotechnology This project will increase availability of drugs used to treat opiate addiction and abuse by replacing complex, costly and unsustainable manufacturing processes. Advances in industrial biotechnology and separation technologies will be used to address key technical challenges, de-risk a new manufacturing process and identify opportunities to add value to Australian opiates and other alkaloids. The project aligns with advanced manufacturing research priorities and Australia’s strength in agriculture, opiate extraction and biopharma manufacturing. It will have broad social impact, substantially reducing manufacturing costs and increasing the availability of drug treatments. It will help meet growing domestic and global demand for opiate antidotes, using agricultural feedstocks from poppy growers and producers in regional Australia. It will increase sovereign capabilities in drug manufacture, support growth of Australia’s biopharma exports, increase environmental sustainability, pave the way for local extraction and pharmaceutical production and provide training and innovation for the biopharma industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Computational alloy design for cold spray deposition. The aim of this project is to design a new generation of proprietary, high performance alloys and composites that are optimised for cold spray deposition. Cold spray is a new manufacturing technology that is used to create coatings for enhancement, repair, restoration and for additive manufacturing. Using a systems approach and by integrating experiment with computational models, this project will generate new knowledge for enhanced materials design. Partnering with Ruag Australia, a leading Defence aerospace supplier, the project will deliver a practical tool for the accelerated design of metal powders for cold spray and invent commercially useful advanced materials to improve the competitiveness of Australian manufacturing industry. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering The aims of this project support the Australian Government’s JobMaker Plan and the Modern Manufacturing Strategy to rebuild the economy, create jobs and recover from the COVID-19 recession. Partnering with Ruag Australia, a supplier to the Defence aerospace industry, this project will drive growth by transforming the efficiency with which advanced materials are developed and applied. This will contribute significantly to Australian competitive advantage across the sector and generate national economic and social benefits. The computational driven design of materials will be a disruptive influence on material and process development, significantly accelerating the insertion of new materials into production and the introduction of whole new products and platforms. This will shorten product development timelines and substantially reduce the cost of manufacturing. By enabling the rapid deployment of advanced materials and components, this project will contribute to the competitiveness of manufacturing companies, driving growth and creating jobs in the Australian economy.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Increasing amphibian immunity to combat disease causing mass extinction. This project aims to increase amphibian survival to combat the devastating chytrid fungus by identifying resistance genes and increasing their frequency in the host population. The project is interdisciplinary and uses targeted genetic manipulation techniques developed for agriculture to improve disease resistance in wildlife for the first time. Expected outcomes include 1) enhanced international collaborations in comparative immunology, 2) a comprehensive understanding of immunity to chytridiomycosis, and 3) disease resistant amphibians. The anticipated benefit is ability to apply the optimal method to improve conservation of wildlife threatened by emerging disease, such as marker assisted selective breeding or genetic engineering. Field of research: 0707 - Veterinary Sciences This project will have broad-reaching impacts for the Australian environment by developing new methods for conserving threatened wildlife, starting here with amphibians. By enabling self-sustaining wild populations to flourish without the need for continuous interventions, the project increases the success and efficiency of costly reintroduction programs bringing a large economic return. The environmental and economic benefits of protecting amphibian biodiversity and ecosystem functions are diverse, including healthy waterways, biodiscovery for pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Social benefits also include extensive training for students and researchers in revolutionary genomic techniques. This collaborative work will strengthen and establish alliances with industry leaders, end-users, and international academic researchers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Predictive Analytics and Real-time Traffic Control for Urban Corridors. This project aims to develop predictive data analytics and real-time traffic control and safety models for multimodal management of urban corridors, serving two salient objectives: (1) optimising person-throughput of multimodal traffic; while (2) minimising safety risks for all modes. The outcome will be an automated, sensor-based platform to monitor traffic flows from all modes and make proactive and coordinated control decisions in real-time. The expected benefits are profound; the developed algorithms and platform will significantly reduce traffic congestion, travel delays and safety risks for all modes of transport, especially for vulnerable road users (e.g. pedestrians and cyclists). Field of research: 1507 - Transportation and Freight Services Every year, urban congestion costs the Australian economy $16.5 billion in the form of travel delays. In addition, the national equivalent cost of road crashes was approximated at $33.2 billion in 2016. In Melbourne alone, 492 people lost their lives in crashes at urban intersections between 2006 and 2019; more than half of these people were pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. This project aims to develop novel person-centric and safety-aware traffic management capabilities that benefit from recent advances in sensing and communication technologies to revolutionise the practice of urban traffic control. The outcomes will significantly reduce traffic congestion costs and minimise crash fatalities and injuries. The major economic and social benefits of this project will serve the Australian general public and the everyday users of the urban network while boosting the productivity of economy. The scientific research outcomes will support the Intelligent Transport Systems industries in Australia including the project partners and the government transport authorities and operators in Australian capitals.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

The ARC Research Hub for Digital Bioprocess Development. The ARC Hub for Digital Bioprocess Development aims to assist the Biopharma industry by increasing digital innovation, productivity and competitiveness. An interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists and computing specialists will develop digitally integrated advanced manufacturing processes and a platform for industry adoption. The program will address key bioprocessing research challenges and develop new process and digital models that can predict and optimise manufacturing processes, resulting in greater yields, faster and more flexible processes and enhanced product stability. The Hub will transform biopharmaceutical manufacturing and unlock growth opportunities to forge an internationally competitive Australian Biopharma sector. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing This Hub will assist the Biopharma industry by developing new models that can optimise manufacturing processes, strengthen productivity and improve its international competitiveness. The Australian Biopharma industry contributes $1.2 billion in exports and $8.9 billion to the Australian economy but has cost disadvantages, has been slow to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and is under threat from international competitors. Partnering with Australia’s premier Biopharma companies, the ARC Hub for Digital Bioprocess Development will prepare Biopharma for the future, creating a resilient and agile industry capable of producing world-class healthcare vaccines and medicines accessible for all Australians. A critical sovereign capability will be forged and advanced manufacturing will grow, raising Australia’s profile as a high-value manufacturer and attracting international investment. The Hub will create highly-skilled workers, upskill the current workforce and make digital bioprocessing accessible to Biopharma, emerging Biotech and other industries essential to Australia’s prosperity.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

The Corporate Challenge to Democracy: Harnessing International Law. The rising power of global corporations is a serious challenge to Australian democracy. Corporations have gone global, but the mechanisms to ensure they serve the public interest, pay tax and comply with national laws have not. So far, international law has not been able to help. This project will develop a new theoretical account of the relationship between states and corporations and identify reforms to international law and institutions to remedy the current imbalance. This project, and the new generation of researchers it will train, will enhance Australia’s capacity to hold global corporations to democratic standards, legal accountability and taxation, and establish Australia as a world leader in maintaining that balance going forward. Field of research: 1801 - Law Australia, along with other states, is looking for solutions to the problem of holding global corporations to account for taxation, financial integrity, high utility prices, public health and environmental protection. This is difficult because global corporations often have more political and economic power than Australia and their actions may be in tension with national laws and democratic institutions. Unlike existing scholarship on this topic, which focuses on national legal regulation, this research program will investigate how international law allows corporations to function at a global level and will identify ways that international law could be harnessed by Australia and like-minded states to restrain the anti-democratic actions of corporations. The benefits this will bring include more tax revenues, improved integrity in business practice, greater opportunities for small business, policy autonomy, reduced harm from poorly regulated corporate activities and greater social economic and political equity.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Can real-time control deliver environmental flows to protect urban streams? Increased frequency and severity of both droughts and floods in a changing climate accentuate the already-severe global impacts on urban streams. This project aims to test a world-first approach to tackling this problem, using advances in real-time control technology. The approach facilitates a public-private co-management of water resources, offering simultaneous benefits in water supply, flood mitigation and provision of environmental flows to maintain healthy urban streams. It has the potential to revolutionise the way we manage water in cities, providing a model for the water industry around the world in adapting to a changing climate, turning excess and damaging urban runoff into a dual resource of water supply and environmental flows. Field of research: 0907 - Environmental Engineering Urban water and waterway managers face the multiple challenges of meeting demand for water resources, while protecting cities from flooding and streams from degradation. This project aims to revolutionise urban water management to meet these challenges, using real-time control technology to bring together water authorities and urban landholders. If successful, it will underpin a digital revolution in how both water and streams are managed in cities and towns, allowing households, businesses, communities and water authorities to work together in providing environmental water to streams in a variable and changing climate. It also aims to provide new understanding of how people interact with the novel technology—critical if it is to be mainstreamed. With global investment in smart water technology predicted to reach $22 billion in 2020 alone, this project seeks to establish Australia as a leader in smart water technology. It aspires to be a proof-of-concept for a much wider range of future smart water technologies, and to create new young researchers capable of leading this frontier.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Researching an all-of-family program in family violence & substance misuse. Family violence services and drug and alcohol services have been inappropriately siloed given co-occurrence of these problems is common. This project aims to evaluate an innovative program which integrates these services, focuses on fathering to ensure recognition of the needs of children (50% of family violence victims) and provides all-of-family support to ensure the safety and well-being of women and children. Expected outcomes include better evidence for countering family violence, and policy frameworks for integrated service provision. Changing the behaviour of men who use violence is a significant social challenge and the outcomes of this targeted approach should have ramifications nationally and internationally. Field of research: 1607 - Social Work The cost to the nation of family violence is estimated at $2.2 billion annually. Millions of dollars are expended each year to support men to desist from family violence. The results have been equivocal, particularly for groupwork programs to which thousands of men are referred each year. The 4th National Action Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children urges a more targeted response, which addresses the specific needs of men accessing these programs. The potential efficiency and effectiveness of bringing two traditionally siloed service systems together (family violence and services to address problematic substance use) to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of all family members is a potentially important innovation, and one that will need to be evidenced. The increase in both alcohol consumption and family violence during COVID highlights the project’s relevance, while the focus on fathering holds potential benefits by interrupting intergenerational abuse, with immediate advantages to children.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Control systems for irrigation networks in storage critical operations. The aim of the project is to further develop automatic control technologies for irrigation channels, with particular focus on supply mode operations for channels with critical limits on storage and inflow. The significance relates to the role of irrigation channels in food and fibre production. New knowledge generated will help Rubicon Water expand its Total Channel Control product, already used extensively in Australia, to suit emerging markets with significant export potential. Beyond the commercial impact, expected benefits include improved service, reduced environmental footprint, the safeguarding of assets in extreme events, and the training of engineers in the important areas of modelling and control for infrastructure management. Field of research: 0906 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering This project will develop new automatic control technologies for irrigation channels that are to be operated in a supply driven manner and in which limits on the capacity to store water and constraints on the inflow of water at the source are critical factors. Irrigators in parts of Australia will also see better water delivery service, particularly in the critically important periods of high demand, which will lead to more productive farming and increased yields. Moreover, there will be increased water savings as the delivery efficiency of channel networks is improved, with follow on environmental benefit through a reduction in the amount of water diverted for irrigation, leaving more for the maintenance of lakes and natural waterways. The project outcomes will also provide Rubicon Water potential commercial opportunities, nationally and internationally, leading to economic benefits and the consolidation of Australia's standing as a world leader in irrigation channel automation technology.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A 3-photon imaging system for deep live imaging. This project aims to establish Australia’s first 3-photon microscope system with adaptive optics for deep intravital imaging. This advanced imaging system will enable researchers to investigate the biology of cells and tissue structures in a wide range of organs and engineered tissues, to a degree not possible with existing technology. This project will capitalise on advanced laser, microscope and adaptive optics technologies with the expected outcomes to include the generation of new knowledge of major biological systems, including the immune system and the nervous system. This will provide significant benefits to fundamental interdisciplinary research into immunology, infectious disease, neuroscience, mechanobiology and engineering. Field of research: 1107 - Immunology Many discoveries in the biological sciences have been underpinned by the use of the microscope to peer into the tissues of living organisms. Currently, microscope technology available to scientists in Australia allows study of the superficial regions of tissues and relies upon very bright fluorescent molecules, preventing deep tissue imaging. With the recent development of 3-photon microscopy, it is now possible to image multiple millimetres into tissues as well as perform label-free imaging of tissues and bio-engineered materials. We propose the establishment of Australia’s first 3-photon imaging system in an established in vivo imaging facility. This will benefit multi-disciplinary research in biology, biochemistry, engineering and materials sciences and have economic benefits for the design of novel therapeutics and nano-materials.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Magnetometry Facility for Molecular and Nanoscale Materials. Advances in information and communications technology are critically dependent on increasing the capacity, speed and energy efficiency of logic and memory electronic devices. These improvements can be achieved by reducing component size to the nanoscale and using magnetic spin as well as charge. This Project aims to establish Australia's first integrated Magnetometry Facility for determining the magnetic properties of a range of nanoscale materials down to the level of individual nanomagnets. The Facility will provide crucial characterisation capabilities for Australian researchers, building capacity to develop new magnetic nanomaterials and devices for high-density data storage, quantum computing and spintronics. Field of research: 0302 - Inorganic Chemistry This Project aims to deliver a new Magnetometry Facility to support strategic research underpinning development of magnetic nanomaterials and incorporation of these materials into devices for communications and information technology. Applications are anticipated in high-performance materials and energy efficient technologies for high density data storage, quantum computing and spintronics. Australian involvement in the fundamental research will propel local development of electronic devices that exploit these new materials and ensure that Australia benefits from any commercialisation of technologies that emerge. The prospect of improved energy efficiency over present technologies can provide significant environmental and economic benefits. Bringing chemists, physicists and materials engineers together in this interdisciplinary team is the optimal approach for making significant advances, generating the most exciting new materials and having the best chance of achieving real-life applications; as well as providing high quality interdisciplinary research training for the next generation of researchers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Nyingarn: a platform for primary sources in Australian Indigenous languages. This project aims to build Nyingarn, an online platform of digital text versions of early Australian Indigenous language manuscripts with images of the original documents. There are over a thousand such documents that are foundational to understanding Australia's languages, and Nyingarn makes textual versions, accessions, and navigates such documents, with a means for adding more in future. Expected outcomes of this project are accessible sources useful for educational materials, and for understanding the local language, its history, and its relationship to other languages. Nyingarn will provide cutting-edge methods for ingesting, analysing, and presenting these historical materials, both for research and for the general public. Field of research: 2003 - Language Studies This platform presents the work of early settlers in recording the languages of the local Aboriginal people. It addresses a current gap in access to these early records by providing access to previously inaccessible materials, especially for the Aboriginal people whose languages are presented in those documents. It will provide important information in a form that is openly accessible and able to be searched, providing a research resource that can also be used in classrooms. Classical documents of Europe are available online, but these early classical documents from Australia remain on paper only. In addition to the content of these records, the platform that will be built will help lift Australian humanities research infrastructure to current international standards. While there is established infrastructure to house paper records (in libraries and archives), there is still a research challenge to curating and preserving interpretations of digital records. Research outcomes will include greater knowledge of the nature and diversity of Australian languages, with primary data linked to analysis via Nyingarn.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Australian Cultural Data Engine for Research, Industry and Government. The project aims to develop an Australian Cultural Data Engine (ACD-Engine), which will be an open software engineering facility that interacts with leading existing cultural databases in architecture, visual and performing arts, humanities, and heritage to build a bridge to information and social sciences. The ACD-Engine will unify and expand these disparate and previously unconnected systems to allow advanced analysis techniques to be performed. It will deliver innovative and searchable formats that ensure interoperability, improved search, interactive design and interpretation aids that will benefit the policy and planning for national and international alignments between researchers, industry and government. Field of research: 1904 - Performing Arts and Creative Writing The Australian Cultural Data Engine will contribute to the Australian national interest by building a facility for robust, comparative and innovative analysis of the cultural sector. It builds upon rich data assets that exist for sectors including architecture, the visual and performing arts, humanities and heritage, but the project team will improve this data e.g. by mapping demographic, employment, touring and funding, to determine cultural policy, creative and governance outcomes. Its innovative research tools and visualisations will be open source for researchers, government and non-government users, and interface with international cultural frameworks in Europe, the US and UK. Aimed at improving knowledge of the cultural sector, community participation and social resilience, the project will develop new technology outcomes in design, data curation and public engagement, as well as generate a much-needed labour force of flexible, advanced, skilled and diverse data experts identified as a priority by government and high growth technology industries.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

Ultra-precise dating in Earth, planetary and archaeological science. An advanced facility incorporating next generation, multi-collector mass spectrometer and ultra-clean gas line systems, capable of ultra-precise dating of Earth, planetary and archaeological material. This joint Melbourne-Curtin facility seeks to generate ultra-precise age data from ever smaller and younger samples, such as minute particles from space return missions and tiny inclusions in diamonds. The facility is expected to revolutionise noble gas dating techniques, resulting in new knowledge on solar system genesis, hominid evolution, indigenous migrations, palaeo-climate change, natural hazards and ore deposit formation, while further enhancing Australia’s international leadership and competitive advantage in the discipline. Field of research: 0403 - Geology The proposed new facility for ultra-precise dating of Earth, planetary and archaeological material represents a ground-breaking development for Australian researchers, research students, government institutions, industry and the broader community. The data generated will provide exciting new insights into the origin of our solar system, the history of our planet, the evolution of our species, indigenous migration patterns, hazard assessment (e.g. volcanoes eruptions), paleo-climate and paleo-environmental changes, landscape development and the exploration for new ore deposits (e.g. diamonds, gold, critical metals). The facility will form part of national infrastructure programs, thus enhancing national research collaboration between partner universities, government and industry. The facility is critical for the development of a 'dating map' of the Australian crust to support geodynamic modelling and resource exploration, with resulting national economic and social benefits. Finally, the new equipment will significantly enhance Australia's international leadership and competitive advantage in the the field.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2021 · 2021-01

A fast fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope to track protein dynamics. This project aims to establish a fast fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope that can track the intracellular journey of a protein throughout the entire structural framework of a living cell. By coupling single particle tracking technology with a cutting-edge fluorescence lifetime camera, this one-of-a-kind microscope will enable protein mobility and interaction to be spatially mapped with unprecedented temporal resolution. The benefit of this technology is that it will enable scientists in Australia to image, for the first time, the biophysical mechanism by which a protein navigates intracellular architecture to regulate a complex biological function at the single molecule level. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology Microscopy methods that quantify real time protein behaviour in the context of living cells or a multi-cellular biological system are essential for advancing our fundamental understanding of cell biology. Fast fluorescence lifetime imaging can track a protein’s journey throughout living cells and spatially map its interaction network with unprecedented temporal resolution. This microscope will benefit the Australian community by enabling biologists to visualise dynamic biological processes linked to the health of cells, their function and behaviour under conditions such as differentiation and cellular response to stress and disease evolution. The information gained will potentially impact on our approaches to areas such as tissue engineering and regenerative processes. This research infrastructure will underpin leading research programs at the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Australian National University and Walter Eliza Hall Institute in the emerging national field of cellular biophysics.