UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A computational theory of strategic deception. This artificial project aims to develop a theory of strategic deception and test it through an Artificial Intelligence model. The project will combine computational Theory-of-Mind concepts with recent scientific findings to allow us to better understand whether and how intelligent technologies of the future might deceive humans. The findings will provide new insights into how Artificial Intelligence technologies of the future will impact applied areas of computing, where simulating advanced forms of social behaviour and cognition, including deception, will become increasingly significant. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Developing a rational law of misleading conduct. This project aims to investigate and promote the reform of the current laws of misleading conduct. Such laws are critical to maintaining a fair and efficient market economy, yet have become a range of disparate statutory and general law rules. In that context, the project proposes an integrated analysis to support the development of a rational law of misleading conduct. The project outcome will include a taxonomy of the existing law that will inform an innovative model for judicial and legislative law reform in Australia and overseas. This work will offer significant legal, economic and social benefits by promoting more just, effective and efficient regulation of misleading conduct. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Interaction between consolidation and lubrication of biological joints. This project aims to develop a computational model to be used in conjunction with experimental studies to understand complex lubrication systems in biological joints. Nature has equipped biological joints with a remarkable ability to achieve ultralow friction even at relatively high contact force, however the mechanisms used remain uncertain. This project intends to provide a deeper, fundamental understanding of the friction and contact mechanisms occurring in biological joints. The project outcomes could lead to bioinspired innovation in future engineering design and advancements in materials science that have the potential to significantly benefit Australian society. Field of research: 0913 - Mechanical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

High-fidelity simulations for new models that reduce noise pollution. This project aims to develop a method for accurate and affordable prediction and mitigation of flow-induced noise. The innovative approach, based on recent developments in simulation and data-driven modelling, expects to reduce environmental noise pollution, improve public health and ease the impact of urbanisation. To date methodological limitations have hampered our ability to predict noise reliably and hence control it. This project, exploiting proven high-fidelity simulation and machine-learning techniques to overcome limitations to produce the scientific knowledge required for practical noise mitigation. Benefits include quieter aerospace, marine and renewable energy technologies, creating more pleasant communities. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

A novel role for microglia in neural maturation. This project aims to determine the role that microglia have in maturation of cells of the retina called photoreceptors. High resolution microscopy combined with molecular and functional analysis will show the extent and type of contact between photoreceptors and microglia, the molecules released by microglia and the mechanism(s) by which microglia modify photoreceptors after birth. The knowledge gained in this project will provide critical information about how we see, and will have sustained impact on our understanding of the role of immune cells in the nervous system. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Engineering the trafficking of nanoparticles within cells. This project aims to engineer responsive nanoparticles capable of trafficking efficiently within cells. The site of release of therapeutic cargo has importance for improving the efficacy of many treatments, for example vaccine delivery. Therefore fundamental understanding of how nanoparticle structure can be engineered to control cellular behaviour is necessary. The project will engineer new polymeric nanomaterials and investigate the impact of their structure on biological properties. The benefits of this project will include new fundamental insights into improving nanoparticle design for vaccine delivery, as well as the expansion of Australia’s knowledge base in the area of biodegradable polymers. Field of research: 0912 - Materials Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Are super-complex words represented like sentences in speakers' minds? This project aims to examine speakers' knowledge of super-complex words in the remote Australian language Wubuy. The project will provide a crucial test of current theories of language processing and linguistic typology via experimental work on the Indigenous language Wubuy, a language that defies the perceived fundamental distinction between words and phrases. This will have significant benefit to Indigenous language maintenance and revitalisation efforts and thus help improve Indigenous education outcomes and reinforce cultural pride. Field of research: 2004 - Linguistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Islam and the left in Indonesia and Turkey. This project aims to examine how secular regimes, even after long periods of economic development, give way to a politics based on identity and appeals to religion. This will be done by investigating two major Muslim-majority societies where such transformations have taken place - Indonesia and Turkey. In Indonesia, the focus is on old communist party bases; in Turkey on former radical union strongholds. The expected outcomes will provide a unique lens for examining the socio-economic conditions that provide fertile ground for transformed articulations of political demands. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Financial exclusion, poor insurer practices and consumer protection. This project aims to study financial exclusion and variations in access to general insurance, as well as insurer practices in selling insurance and handling claims. Through surveys, focus groups and interviews, the project also aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the legal protections for consumers of general insurance. The expected project outcomes include law and policy reform proposals to improve the effectiveness of these protections and maximise access to general insurance, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged consumers. This should have benefits such as an increased uptake of general insurance and improved community resilience to natural disasters and other unforeseen events. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Indonesia's refugee policies: responsibility, security and regionalism. This project aims to analyse the formulation and implementation of Indonesia’s laws and policy on refugees and asylum seekers. By utilising original empirical research the project aims to understand better the ‘Indonesian state’, its perceptions and responses to these issues nationally and regionally, and under the bilateral relationship with Australia. The project utilises concepts of responsibility, security and regionalism to generate new knowledge in the areas of refugee protection, human security and regionalism in Southeast Asia. Expected benefits are strengthened institutional collaboration with Indonesian academics and policy-makers and fresh thinking on responsible regional solutions for refugee protection. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Vulnerability and resilience in Indonesian women suffering from cancer. This project aims to investigate the social processes shaping middle-aged women’s vulnerability and resilience to cervical cancer in Indonesia. This project will generate a new interdisciplinary approach to investigating how different factors such as age, socioeconomic status and gender intersect to influence women’s vulnerability across their life course. The project will provide significant research training for Australians and Indonesians, extensive international collaboration, and a better understanding of how to reduce health disparities among vulnerable groups. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infertility and how species-specific differences in sperm form are achieved. Such insights may ultimately lead to improved agricultural efficiencies and job creation. Field of research: 0702 - Animal Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Remaking rural China. This project aims to analyse the nature and impacts of the restructuring of China’s agriculture and rural society. New data collected in three provinces will enable in-depth analysis of China’s political and administrative system, the nature of agrarian change in rural China, and the pace of agricultural restructuring. The project design will strengthen international, domestic and disciplinary collaboration on research into food security and urbanisation. The analysis and expected outcomes have the potential to inform Australia’s agricultural trade relationship with China. Field of research: 1606 - Political Science

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The colour of turbulence and the attached eddy hypothesis. This project aims to progress understanding of wall-bounded turbulence. These turbulent fluid flows are ubiquitous in nature and in engineering systems, directly affecting dispersion in the atmosphere and the energy consumption of land, sea and air vehicles. The understanding of these turbulent flows has been limited by a lack of verified theoretical models for the structure of wall turbulence. By combining unprecedented experiments with a novel dynamical systems approach, this project will enable development of effective turbulence control strategies, enhancing productivity in a wide range of applications. The findings of the research will enable models with predictive capability to design turbulence control schemes. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Vulnerabilities for environmental water outcomes in a changing climate. This project aims to assess the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems to extended droughts in a variable and changing climate. Governments around the world are investing in the restoration of regulated river systems with environmental water. However, the risks of climate change for environmental water management are seldom considered. This project will model the change in environmental and consumptive water use during extended dry periods, and couple this to models of ecological dynamics and failure thresholds. This will improve the success of Australia’s major environmental water programs in sustaining benefits through future multi-year droughts. Field of research: 0406 - Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Athletic footwear for reducing knee loads in girls and women. This project aims to develop a novel athletic shoe that can reduce harmful knee loads during sport in adolescent girls and young women. As girls reach puberty, they become less able to control the movement patterns of their knees and lower limbs - particularly in high-demand tasks like jumping. The project will develop a new ASICS shoe that will be ‘field-tested’ during sporting activity with high ACL injury risk (netball) to evaluate its effect on tibial shock (in-field surrogate measure of knee load) and player comfort compared to a conventional shoe. Expected outcomes include reduced healthcare costs associated with the treatment of serious knee injury, including surgical reconstruction and early-onset knee osteoarthritis. Field of research: 1106 - Human Movement and Sports Science

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Targeting electrical stimulation of neural tissue. This project aims to develop a platform of mathematical methods for targeting electrical stimulation of neural tissue. The proposed methods work by selecting the amplitude and polarity of each stimulating electrode in an array based on a desired pattern of neural activation. The algorithms are particularly applicable to high-density electrode arrays. The project will work with an Australian industry leader to provide significant benefits to Australia’s high-tech sector through increased knowledge and capacity. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Integrating fire and predator management to conserve threatened species. This project aims to empower land managers to better conserve Australia’s threatened native animals by developing decision-support approaches that facilitate integrated management of threatening processes. The project will use a combination of novel predictive models, field experiments and data syntheses to assist land managers to better conserve Australia’s threatened native fauna. This project will benefit biodiversity conservation by enabling more effective allocation of limited conservation resources. Field of research: 0502 - Environmental Science and Management

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Managing an ageing population for income adequacy and fiscal sustainability. This project aims to improve understanding of the impacts of existing key reforms intended to ease fiscal pressures associated with population ageing. The right mix of retirement income policies is vital to Australia's fiscal sustainability, however the effectiveness of existing policies is unknown. The project expects to identify impacts of key reforms on employment, re-training, income, savings and future retirement income and public pension receipt. The project will develop a new tax records-based dataset to facilitate future research on tax and welfare systems. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Mechanisms of antifungal resistance in blackleg disease of canola. This project aims to determine how fungicide resistance evolves in the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, the major pathogen of the oilseed crop canola. Global food production has become more reliant on the use of antifungal agents to protect crops, however these advances are now threatened by the emergence of drug-resistant microbes. The knowledge generated by this project will be used to reduce the risk of resistance evolving in populations of the blackleg fungus. This will have economic benefits through ensuring increased canola yields, while providing health and environmental benefits through minimisation of use of fungicides. Field of research: 0703 - Crop and Pasture Production

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

The structural biology of trace metal trafficking across membranes. This project aims to investigate how essential trace element nutrients are recognised and specifically acquired and expelled by bacterial cells. Cells are surrounded by biomembranes that separate and protect them from their environments. Embedded within these membranes are proteins that perform essential functions. In bacteria, membrane proteins are responsible for the uptake and elimination of trace elements that are required for survival. This project will investigate the features of integral membrane proteins that allow discrimination between cargo, by defining their three dimensional architectures using X-ray crystallography. This will contribute to the field of membrane protein structural biology and fundamental discoveries in the area of cellular trace element homeostasis and toxicity. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

ARC Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies. The ARC Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies aims to train a new generation of interdisciplinary engineers and to transform the orthopaedic and maxillofacial implant industry in Australia. In collaboration with industry, universities and hospitals, the Centre will build a dynamic training environment for interdisciplinary engineers to develop and evaluate personalised implants and surgeries. It will create new networks, international collaborations and a generation of industry-ready researchers critical for growing Australia’s industry. The advances in materials and savings in time for procedures will reduce costs. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Discovering new physics with the Large Hadron Collider. This project aims to apply and develop new methods of machine learning to particle physics beyond the Standard Model. The project will develop high-end analytical and computational techniques necessary to analyse particle physics results from the Large Hadron Collider. These techniques should enable exciting new measurements to be carried out, enhance the likelihood of discovering new phenomena in current and future particle colliders, and rule out incorrect theories. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Awaking quiescent neural stem cells. This project aims to generate new knowledge in the area of the evolutionary size of animals and plants, which is determined by intrinsic cell regulation and is constrained by nutrient availability. Brain size is perhaps the most profound example of this. Brain size regulation is underpinned by control of proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs). Using Drosophila NSCs, the project will examine how nutrients impact on NSC quiescence versus activation, a key characteristic of stem cell control throughout evolution. This will increase our understanding of how energy metabolism and nutrition influence organ size control in multicellular organisms, by determining how organs communicate with each other to convert nutrient signals to action stem cell proliferation. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2018 · 2018-01

Careers of misconduct. This project aims to understand how legal and health practitioners named in multiple misconduct allegations make changes to their practice. Regulation exists to prevent poorly performing practitioners from doing further harm, yet little is known about the extent to which this is happening. Expected outcomes of the project include a better understanding of how regulation can be used effectively as a tool to promote the interests of consumers of legal and health services. Benefits will include recommendations to legal and health practitioner regulators about how regulatory interventions can be improved to better protect the public. Field of research: 1605 - Policy and Administration