UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Macromolecular Engineering of Functional Metal–Ligand Materials. Materials self-assembled from metal ions and ligands have a range of important applications, including as advanced coatings, adhesives and catalysts. However, these materials have been largely limited to those assembled from naturally occurring ligands such as phenolics, restricting their properties and function. This project aims to greatly expand the range of accessible properties of metal–phenolic materials by combining self-assembly with advanced polymer synthesis techniques. The expected outcome of the project is a new class of functional materials applicable as self-healing coatings, nanoadhesives and antimicrobial surfaces, thus underpinning next-generation technologies in materials science and nanotechnology. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry Nanotechnology-enabled materials underpin emerging applications in energy, information technology, food safety, agriculture and healthcare. Central to enabling such applications is the development of new materials with precisely controlled properties and function. This project will develop a new class of engineered materials with tuneable properties applicable as self-healing coatings, nanoadhesives and antimicrobial surfaces. The project has the potential to deliver economic and commercial benefits by providing opportunities for start-up companies, leading to employment and investment in Australian science and industry. Further, the novel materials developed will provide strong intellectual property positioning for potential commercialisation. The project will provide additional national benefit by equipping PhD students and research fellows with strong cross-disciplinary skills that will be of benefit to industries recruiting graduates in science, technology and engineering. The project will enhance Australia’s considerable international reputation as a leading country for advanced materials research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Ring-Strain Relief: Applications in Total Synthesis. This proposal aims to investigate the chemical synthesis of a number of structurally different natural product target molecules by strategies involving the use of either three or four membered ring-strained compounds to afford key synthetic intermediates in an efficient manner. The key aim of this research is to provide more efficient routes to complex natural products and analogues. The research strives to be at the forefront of modern synthetic organic chemistry and aims to contribute to the Science of complex molecule synthesis. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry This project aims to achieve the total chemical synthesis of a number of bioactive natural products with diverse structures. Most significantly, this challenging research should deliver methods for the production of molecules that have applications in both basic and applied research. This research will expand Australia's knowledge base and support the high-quality education and training of students to increase Australia's research capability.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Progressive education and race: A transnational Australian history 1920-50s. This project will provide a new history of progressive education in Australia in the mid-twentieth century by investigating its neglected relationship to and effect upon Indigenous education and colonial governance. Using transnational and comparative methods, it will examine how international progressive ideas informed local initiatives, explore the role of Indigenous advocacy for educational reform and build a genealogy of educability and colonial childhood. Brought together for the first time, these investigations will strengthen understanding of Australian Aboriginal and educational history in global and regional contexts and contribute new knowledge and perspectives to current debates about equity, race and divided educational futures. Field of research: 2202 - History and Philosophy of Specific Fields This project will provide a new history of Aboriginal education and progressive reform in mid-twentieth century Australia. It will show how this history connected to international and regional initiatives to reform Indigenous education and modernize colonial governance. Indigenous advocacy for educational change will be explored, along with the role of government and non-government organisations. The study will enhance knowledge about Australia’s past and its role in world affairs during a crucial period of social transformation. Strengthening the educational outcomes of Indigenous students remains a policy and program priority at all levels of government. Addressing this also requires knowledge of previous reforms and types of educational provision and how they might continue to influence opportunities, equity and futures today. Providing this historical evidence-base is a key social benefit of the study, which will offer a fresh lens through which to view and assess current policy and program directions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Optimising progress towards elimination of malaria. The project aims to advance mathematical knowledge by developing novel tools appropriate for modelling disease elimination. We will apply these new mathematical tools to the significant problem of malaria elimination in Vietnam. The expected outcomes are new tools for modelling disease elimination on a fine spatial resolution with heterogeneities in individual patient characteristics, calibrating models to household level data on disease transmission and designing intervention strategies for maximum effect on disease transmission. The innovative combination of modelling, inference and optimisation ensures that the mathematical methods developed will be broadly applicable to modelling elimination strategies for other infectious diseases. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics This project aims to develop new mathematics and statistics to inform optimal strategies in the pursuit of malaria elimination. New mathematical models will be developed that incorporate key variables related to disease transmission on a high spatial resolution. New calibration methods and cutting-edge optimisation techniques will be developed to evaluate disease intervention strategies. We will illustrate the use of these new mathematical methods for the elimination of malaria in Vietnam, which is targeted by 2030. This project will contribute to Australia's national interest since Australia is a key stakeholder in the malaria elimination targets set for the Greater Mekong Subregion, with substantial financial contributions to the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance and Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network. Our proposed research addresses the Science and Research Priority for "Improved prediction, identification, tracking, prevention and management of emerging local and regional health threats".

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

The effects of female genital mutilation laws in Australia. This project aims to produce new knowledge about laws that have criminalised female genital mutilation (FGM) in Australia since 1994. FGM laws are now subject to robust international criticism, as well as increased concerns among the affected communities. Through the use of innovative primary data collection strategies with law and policy makers, justice system officials and with affected communities in Australia and the UK, the project seeks to produce robust evidence and original insights into the effects of these laws and the potential impacts of proposed legal initiatives. Expected benefits include enhanced legal and policy approaches to FGM that will assist with safeguarding the wellbeing of women and children. Field of research: 1801 - Law This project facilitates Australian national cohesion by investigating an issue that divides a multicultural society; responding to calls from the Commonwealth Attorney General, the Australian Medical Association, the New South Wales Bar Association and others for further research, this is the first systematic study internationally of the laws criminalising female genital cutting, defined in law as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Through innovative, in-depth empirical research with key law and policy stakeholders and members of the affected communities, it investigates issues identified with these laws internationally: the lack of convictions in Australia; distinctions between FGM and female genital cosmetic surgery; and emerging evidence of harm to women and children. It will produce new knowledge and insights into FGM laws and their impact on the affected communities, contributing to inform law and policy reform. Other expected benefits are the improved wellbeing of women and children in Australia from minimising the harmful effects of the laws and of future of law and policy reform.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Discovering genes for singing ability in Australian families. Music abilities are core to what makes us human, with singing ubiquitous in all cultures. Anecdotal evidence suggests that singing ability runs in families, supporting its genetic basis, however no research has systematically traced it across generations. Using an innovative web-based singing program and the latest molecular genetic techniques, this project aims to discover singing ability genes through the first Australian study of large families with many talented singers. This will generate new knowledge on the origins of human musicality and help Australia develop a sustainable source of cultural capital. It will build interdisciplinary research capacity and inform bespoke music learning programs that account for individual differences. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology Singing is the most universal means of music-making and has many documented benefits for human development, emotional and social wellbeing, and cultural life. Understanding the genetic basis of singing ability is fundamental to cultivating Australia's cultural and social capital. More broadly, discovering how gene-environment interactions shape the optimal development of human talent underscores our nation's future economic growth and competitiveness. Based on the collaborative efforts of geneticists, neuroscientists and music educators, this interdisciplinary research will benefit the Australian community by guiding the development of bespoke educational programs, performance training and talent development that take individual differences into account. This offers a future where individuals may select learning environments that complement their potential, allowing Australians to flourish. This project will also place Australia at the forefront of the rapidly growing field of behavioural genetics, creating new jobs and expanding our nation's international research standing.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Understanding turbulent heat transfer with practical surface conditions. Heat transfer dictates the efficiency of energy and transport systems such as gas turbines, high-speed generators and turbochargers. These are among many applications where heat transfer involves turbulent fluid flow over solid surfaces, but where poor understanding of surface conditions leads to dubious models, suboptimal designs and cost penalties. This project therefore aims to advance our fundamental understanding of heat transfer accounting for the practical surface conditions of roughness, solid-fluid pairing and uneven heating. Building on capabilities that now place systematic data within reach, this project will deliver physics-based models that can robustly predict heat transfer, leading to reduced costs of energy and transport. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering Energy and transport systems, such as gas turbines for power generation and passenger aeroplanes, turbochargers in cars and trucks and high-speed generators that convert rotating machinery to electricity for powering homes and industries, are Science and Research Priorities in Australia. The efficiencies of these systems are currently limited due to our poor understanding of heat transfer under the practical conditions found in these systems, involving high-speed turbulent gas or liquid flows over rough solid surfaces with uneven heating. This project will advance our fundamental understanding of this problem to underpin better heat-transfer management and ultimately to reduce costs. This research will deliver significant economic, commercial and environmental benefits to Australia where vast distances and the need for affordable, sustainable energy are fundamental to everyday life. Partnering with a world-renowned fluid physicist, this collaboration represents an opportunity for Australia to lead the research and innovation in heat transfer, while training the next generation of world-class researchers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Revitalising Indigenous-state relations in Australia . This project aims to investigate the complexity of Indigenous affairs governance and the ongoing tensions in the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian state. The project expects to generate new data on contemporary Indigenous governance arrangements and analyse them using an original conceptual framework to inform knowledge-exchange workshops designed to advance proposed new approaches. Expected outcomes of this project include concrete proposals for re-setting Indigenous-settler relations and Indigenous affairs policy. This should provide significant benefits in the field of Indigenous governance including plans for more genuine transformation in Australian Indigenous-settler relations. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science This project will make an important contribution to the quality of Australian social and political life, particularly the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian settler state. It is widely understood that Australian Indigenous populations experience social circumstances that are drastically below the standards enjoyed by non-Indigenous Australians. While political opinion is divided concerning both the causes of and solutions to this situation, scholarly research and government data make clear that churn and complexity in Indigenous policy and governance are having deleterious effects. Data from this project will document what is and is not working in Indigenous affairs governance, and will use this data to develop and test concrete proposals for new ways of working. The most significant benefit of this project, therefore, will be to provide a ‘circuit breaker’ for this dilemma, bringing a diverse range of Indigenous experiences of governance to the fore in order to develop innovative new proposals about more fruitful models of Indigenous-settler coexistence.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

The non-fatal strangulation offence as a response to domestic violence. This project aims to review the application and experience of the non-fatal strangulation offence as a response to domestic violence. Through a mixed-methods design, the project will generate new knowledge about the operation of the non-fatal strangulation offence in practice. This is crucial given that many women escaping domestic violence report non-fatal strangulation from their past partner. Expected outcomes of the Project include the development of law reform and policy recommendations to improve the operation of the offence, enhance service responses and develop professional education. This research will provide significant social and economic benefits through better understanding of the legal response to domestic violence. Field of research: 1801 - Law Domestic violence is recognised as an issue of national importance due to the significant negative effects of domestic violence on health and well-being. This research will contribute to building healthy and resilient communities by providing evidence-based strategies towards the prevention of domestic violence. The project will analyse the impact of the criminalisation of non-fatal strangulation to inform policy decisions, especially those designed to minimise the risks associated with strangulation in the context of domestic violence in Australia. Focused on the high-risk behaviour of non-fatal strangulation, this Project will further contribute to addressing practical challenges associated with domestic violence to improve identification, tracking, prevention and response. Knowledge from this research will help to inform future development of legislative responses and service responses nationally to improve our response to domestic violence.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Weighing the Giants: Using Galaxy Clusters to understand Dark Energy. This project seeks to reveal the nature of dark energy and thereby explain what is causing expansion of the Universe to accelerate. The project will develop new deep machine learning techniques to weigh galaxy clusters, and apply them to data from the SPT-3G experiment at the South Pole. By comparing theoretical predictions to the observed numbers and masses of galaxy clusters, the project will help determine whether the acceleration is due to dark energy or a breakdown in general relativity. The data science training received by students and researchers on the project will also contribute to a highly skilled STEM workforce for Australia. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences This Project will build Australia's scientific capacity and skills by training the next generation of scientists and engineers in advanced scientific analysis and the practical skills for handling 'Big Data'. Handling the project’s Petabyte data sets will give students the computational skills that are central to today’s economy; it will also transfer key data science technologies from international partners to Australia. Experience shows that many of these students will cross over to the industrial, financial and technology sectors, bringing new perspectives that will enhance the capacity for innovation in these critical fields. All human societies have a story about the Universe and their place within it. This Project, by studying why the expansion of the Universe is accelerating, has the potential to update the modern worldview. Finally, this Project's outreach to secondary schools and news media will support the goal of "Engaging all Australians with science". Astronomy is known as a gateway to STEM fields precisely because of its ability to inspire the general public.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Quantum Design of Majorana Modes in Magnet-Superconductor Hybrid Systems. This project will identify magnet-superconductor hybrid structures which feature topological superconductivity, a new material class which promises to revolutionise future technology. By performing cutting-edge transport calculations, this project will also predict signatures of topological superconductors for ongoing and future experiments. Expected outcomes of this project include identification of suitable candidate materials and protocols for the quantum design of prototype devices. By providing the theory of advanced structures and devices, this project will inform experiments and pave the way for future technology based on topological phenomena. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics This project will support advanced basic research on magnet-superconductor structures, expand Australia's international competitiveness in theoretical condensed matter physics and will foster collaborations with leading experimental groups in Australia and abroad. It will provide enhanced research training for young scientists by integrating computational abilities with complex physics problems, establishing the skills and abilities to adapt to technological changes that are crucial for the future economy and our capacity to engage with global affairs. The advanced materials and exotic particles identified in this project will inform the development of next generation technologies, becoming the quantum bits in future quantum computers.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2020 · 2020-01

Connecting soil nitrogen and plant uptake for greener agriculture. This project will use synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, root and rhizosphere biology and rhizosphere modelling to establish detailed mechanistic knowledge of the nitrogen (N) transport and uptake processes at the soil-root interface to develop new, efficient urease and nitrification inhibitors for reliable provision of N to the plant/root system. The reduction of excessive N fertilisation has significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. This project will lead to a breakthrough for the triple challenge of food security, environmental degradation and climate change, while improving plant productivity and increasing the profitability of agriculture through lower fertiliser costs. Field of research: 0305 - Organic Chemistry Agriculture plays a vital role in Australia, contributing to its environmental, economic and social sustainability, but is challenged by an increasing demand for food for a rapidly growing population. A key to ensure food security is to increase crop production through the use of fertilisers. The total cost of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser for Australia’s grains industry is over AUD 1 billion per year. Unfortunately, the efficiency of nitrogen use in the agricultural industry is low, with about 50% of the applied nitrogen escaping from the production system, amounting to a direct financial loss of ca. AUD 500 million each year. Much of the excess nitrogen fertiliser flows into waterways and is released to the atmosphere, resulting in groundwater pollution, eutrophication and increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions. This proposal will provide new strategies to enhance nitrogen fertiliser efficiency in agriculture by improving nitrogen uptake efficiency by plants and reducing nitrogen loss from soils, which will have significant economic and environmental benefits for the Australian agricultural industry.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Lifting objects off the seabed. This project aims to investigate the process of lifting objects off the seabed. Understanding this breakout process is the scientific basis for a variety of offshore applications such as oil and gas decommissioning, marine salvage and securing foundations under extreme storms. This project expects to advance the understanding of soil-fluid-structure interactions of this problem using innovative high-speed photography observations and advanced numerical coupled analyses. Outcomes will include a numerical tool, verified against a high quality experimental database, to predict the breakout process and uplift required for pressing offshore challenges. The ability for Australia’s engineers to predict lift procedures more accurately will contribute to safer operations in Australian waters and to the more economic harnessing of ocean resources. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Explanation in artificial intelligence: a human-centred approach. This project aims to produce validated methods for creating human-centred explanations of decisions made by artificial intelligence (AI). Trial deployment of AI devices has resulted in the requirement for explanations of how AI makes decisions, where developed AI systems gave insufficient consideration of how decision logic would be explained to people. This project positions 'explainable AI' within the intersection of human-computer interaction, computer science and cognitive psychology. The expected outcomes of this project are new methods, models and algorithms for explaining different types of AI models to people. This project should result in improved understanding and trust of decisions made by AI systems, mitigating some societal concerns about AI-based decision making. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Genes underlying enteric neuron subtype differentiation. This project aims to use new RNA-sequencing technology to identify genes important for differentiation of several major enteric neuron subtypes. Proper development and function of the digestive tract is crucial for good health. Gastrointestinal function relies on the co-ordinated activity of neural circuits in the enteric nervous system. This project will advance Australia's knowledge base and research capabilities in the field basic developmental neuroscience, by innovative use of Next Generation RNA-sequencing technology to investigate enteric neuron subtype differentiation. The project outcomes include the generation of neuron subtype specific progenitors from naïve stem cells, which will in the longer term have significant health benefits, as gastrointestinal dysfunction is a large health and economic burden in Australia. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Face-centred cubic titanium: How is it created and why is it formed? This project aims to build on the discovery of a new titanium structure, and to understand how and why it is formed. Titanium alloys are important engineering materials for their high strength, low density and excellent corrosion resistance. The project is expected to reveal the role of magnesium in stabilising the various metastable titanium structures, by combining well controlled mechanical activation, high resolution characterisation and first-principles calculations. The insight gained is expected to guide the design of a new generation of titanium alloys, benefiting the Australian titanium manufacturing and biomedical industries. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Family secrets and intergenerational memory in Australia. This project aims to investigate the inherited family secrets, stories, and memories that inform understandings of Australian colonial history. The histories told in schools and museums shape national identity and can affect Indigenous-settler relations. This project expects to generate new knowledge about the histories told or concealed within families, and how they influence people's political views. It will benefit individuals and communities working toward national healing by creating knowledge about how views are created, fixed, and altered over time. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Self-coherent detection for data centre. This project aims to explore the architecture of terabit data transport using self-coherent detection that addresses the tight constraints of power, space and cost in data centres. The project expects to create new knowledge in coherent detection based on optical equalisation rather than conventional power-hungry electronic equalisation. Expected outcomes of this project include advanced architecture of polarisation effect equalisers and all-optical equalisation algorithms as well as enhanced international collaboration with top experts in optical communications. The outcomes will contribute to maintaining Australia’s high reputation in the ICT arena. Field of research: 1005 - Communications Technologies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Engaging youth in regional Australia. This project aims to generate detailed information about the processes and impacts of regional youth engagement. This project addresses the need for key regional areas in the country whose youth populations are in decline to have more effective policy strategies in place to engage with their existing young people, stay engaged with young people who leave, and re-engage young people who return. Expected outcomes include theory development, policy recommendations, and new artistic methods of knowledge transfer with the intention of providing stakeholders with much-needed evidence to inform policy initiatives. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Emotion dynamics and well-being. This project aims to advance the science of emotion by resolving a fundamental paradox regarding the relationship between emotion dynamics and well-being. Emotion dynamics are reliably associated with psychological well-being. However, emotional flexibility and stability have been identified as important for healthy functioning. This project aims to resolve this paradox by applying cutting-edge statistical techniques to model emotion dynamics in daily life, as captured using smartphones. The project will develop a comprehensive theory of the relationship between emotion dynamics and well-being. This project will contribute to fulfilling the potential of mobile assessment methods for tracking and improving mental health and well-being. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Gas diffusion electrodes for conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels. This project aims to address the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the limited nature of fossil fuel reserves, by accelerating the development of technologies capable of producing liquid fuels from atmospheric carbon dioxide. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of advanced materials for renewable energy applications. It will use an innovative experimental material optimisation approach, coupled to mathematical modelling techniques. Expected outcomes include an enhanced capacity to develop electrochemical devices that transform carbon dioxide into liquid alcohol fuels, which could reduce the carbon footprint of transport activities without the need for further extensive infrastructure. Technologies to convert carbon dioxide into a valuable product will provide an economic incentive to reduce emissions, and will increase the commercial value of carbon capture systems currently under development in Australia. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Mapping the neural circuits which control water and salt intake. This project aims to map the brain circuits controlling fluid and salt intake using innovative genetically encoded techniques, which enable precise targeting and manipulation of select neuronal populations. Expected outcomes of this project include constructing detailed maps of the brain circuits for fluid and salt intake by tracing multiple nodes in the network, characterising neuronal populations, and precisely defining their functions. This should provide significant benefits including understanding the brain regions controlling fluid and salt intake which are essential for maintaining fluid homeostasis, and providing a framework for investigating the neural circuits underlying other complex behaviours. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Reforming the Goods and Services Tax. This project aims to respond to the erosion of Australia’s revenue sources by addressing the future of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST taxes less than half of consumer spending and up to $4.5 billion is lost to avoidance and evasion each year. This project expects to generate new knowledge in tax law and policy by using an innovative approach to assess whether possible reform options are viable, sustainable and equitable. Expected outcomes of this project include the formulation of achievable and defensible options that offer a clear path forward on GST reform. This should provide significant benefits to the community by contributing to a fairer and more sustainable tax system capable of meeting the needs of all Australians. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Achieving justice in response to street and public sexual harassment. This project aims to develop victim-centred conceptualisations of justice in response to street harassment by undertaking in-depth interviews and an innovative online mapping exercise with street harassment victims, and interviews with key stakeholders. This project seeks to generate new knowledge in relation to victims' experiences and the impacts of street harassment in Australia, and to develop new conceptualisations of victim-centred justice as it applies to a unique form of sexualised harm. It is anticipated that this project will deliver vital insights into what street harassment victims require to achieve justice, and provide an evidence base to inform the development of formal and informal justice responses. Field of research: 1602 - Criminology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2019 · 2019-01

Engineering triple-phase boundary for superior aqueous metal-air batteries. This project aims to advance development of high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-air (Zn-air) batteries by engineering the triple-phase boundary to increase battery efficiency and power density for practical applications. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable and efficient energy storage and conversion systems to underpin technological development with increasing demand for superior battery technologies for portable electronics, renewable power sources and electrified vehicles. This project expects to accelerate the commercialisation of rechargeable aqueous Zn-air batteries and progress global commitments to new clean energy sources and storage technologies that are efficient, cost-effective and reliable. Field of research: 0904 - Chemical Engineering