UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Understanding the robustness and plasticity of metabolite concentrations. This project aims to further the understanding of how organisms mitigate the effects of changing environment by altering metabolite concentrations, important for food quality, energetics, and health. Through this understanding, the project provides the potential to precisely tailor metabolic intervention strategies, highly beneficial for applied sciences. The expected outcome of the project is a suite of computational approaches that allow for integration of large-scale data with networks to predict metabolite concentration ranges. This will provide significant benefit with the aim of maintaining outstanding research in Australia, and has clear potential for improved human health and enhanced food quality via metabolic reprogramming. Field of research: 0102 - Applied Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Emerging technologies for enrichment in old age: A critical perspective. This project aims to generate knowledge about older adults' experiences with emerging technologies used for social and emotional enrichment. Technologies like virtual reality are said to offer social benefits for those in advanced old age, but we have limited knowledge about the issues that can impede older adults’ experiences with these technologies and even cause harm for vulnerable users. This project seeks to identify empirically informed strategies for good practice in the design and deployment of emerging technologies for enrichment in old age. This should inform the future ethical design and use of emerging technologies to benefit the social and emotional well-being of older Australians. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Epidemics in large populations: long-term and near-critical behaviour. The project aims to prove qualitative and quantitative results concerning aspects of the long-term behaviour of near-critical epidemics, including the probability and duration of a large outbreak, and the total number of people infected. This project is a theoretical study of stochastic models of epidemics in large populations. The project will focus on emerging epidemics, where the average number of contacts, infection and recovery rates are such that the basic reproduction number of the disease is near the critical value 1. The project will plan to both analyse particular epidemic models and develop new methodologies applicable in broader contexts. The mathematical predictions will be tested through simulations and comparison to real-world data. The significant outcome of the project should be the advancement in mathematical understanding of infectious disease spread, eventually leading to improved epidemic surveillance and control, and resulting in more effective protection of public health, improved quality of life, and obvious economic benefits. Field of research: 0104 - Statistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies. The ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies aims to create a workforce that is expert in developing, applying and interrogating cognitive computing technologies in data-intensive medical contexts. This will facilitate the next generation of data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies. The Centre will provide a world-class industry-driven research training environment for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. These researchers will lead the medical technology industry into a new era of data-driven personalised and precision medical devices and applications. The Centre will result in the development of capabilities in the core technologies of machine learning and the practical application of cognitive computing in the area of health. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Constitutional resilience in South Asian democracies. This project aims to find out whether constitutional design could, and should, be used to make constitutional democracies more resilient. Democratic constitutionalism is facing serious challenges, not only in new fragile democracies, but also older established ones. The project will investigate the role that the constitutional accommodation of salient ethnocultural and ideological groups, the autonomy of non-partisan constitutional watchdog institutions, and the adaptability of the constitution to changing circumstances could play in securing its resilience against serious threats. Relying on conceptual and empirical methods, using case studies from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, to answer these questions, the project will produce a better understanding of constitutional resilience, and the features that promote it to allow constitution makers and reformers to better protect democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This will provide significant national benefit for Australia as it deepens its engagement with South Asia, and the world more generally. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Bayesian analysis of individual decisions in health and labour economics. This project aims to exploit emerging Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to develop new approaches to modelling economic decision making. These methods will generate insights into two current and important policy debates. This includes (i) marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use and legalisation of marijuana use; and (ii) parental leave policies, maternity leave decisions and mothers' labour market dynamics. Although policies play an important role in observed health and labour market behaviours, their exact effects on individuals' decisions and outcomes are often difficult to quantify due to the complex nature of the decision process. Outcomes from the project will include new evidence of changes in substance uses under different legal scenarios and provide benefits such as yielding vital evidence on labour market and health behaviour impacts to support policy makers and strengthen Australia's research capacity in Bayesian analysis. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Reclaiming copyright's lost cultural value for authors and the public. This project aims to develop new empirical understandings of the cultural value lost through current approaches to copyright. Copyright rules that favour one party do necessarily need to imply losses for another. By changing the scope and division of rights it is possible to improve outcomes for multiple stakeholders. The project will result in new understanding of how this can be achieved within the confines of an unamendable treaty framework by exploring fuller protection of authorship as a mechanism for securing a fairer go for creators, unlocking new opportunities for publishers, generating new sources of arts funding and improving access for the public. The project should provide significant benefit by informing law reform debates at domestic and international levels. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

New molecular tools to study the mechanisms of bacterial metal homeostasis. This project aims to provide new insight into how metal ion uptake is regulated. It will precisely measure the cellular concentrations of metal ions, reveal the roles of metal ions in essential cellular processes, and identify the molecular targets of metal toxicity. Metal ions are essential to all forms of life and are used by up to half of all proteins to facilitate cellular chemical processes. The intended outcome of the research is to provide new fundamental knowledge of the roles of metal ions in bacterial cells; knowledge that will be key to defining the chemical biology of living systems and will provide information essential to understanding how microbes adapt to changing environments. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Statistical challenges involving indirect data. This project aims to develop statistical methodology for solving contemporary problems involving indirectly observed data whose complexity is exacerbated by factors such as incompleteness or episodic availability. Modern statistics find it difficult to analyse complex data which contain important information only in an indirect way, such as data measured with noise or aggregated data. This project considers both finite dimensional data and functional data. The expected methodology will be able to solve frontier problems, where only sophisticated methods can access information. This is expected to benefit brain studies, economics, infectious disease, nutrition and public health. Field of research: 0104 - Statistics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Algebraic invariants of singularities. This project aims to study the local and global behaviour of singularities that algebraic equations can describe via difficult algebraic invariants constructed from (algebraic) functions on the geometric object. A geometric object has a singularity at a point where its tangent directions do not behave the way they should. Examples include black holes, the vertex of a cone or a road intersection. This project is expected to contribute to fundamental research goals in pure mathematics, and increase the international competitiveness of Australian mathematics research. Field of research: 0101 - Pure Mathematics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Australia and Brazil in the Asian Century. This project aims to update a theory of trust that accounts for the growing international influence of the Chinese state. As the mining boom subsides, Australia and Brazil must expand their agriculture exports, especially to China, their leading trade partner. The Chinese government has proposed large-scale investments in both countries’ agriculture sectors, but allegations of tax evasion, hidden subsidies and neo-colonialism have fuelled distrust of Chinese investors. This project hypothesises that these tensions stem from diverging approaches to building trust. This could inform academic and policy publications and lead to more informed and productive relations with Chinese partners. Field of research: 1601 - Anthropology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Swirling turbulent pipe flow technology for drying brown coal. This project aims to understand the complex fluid mechanicalprocesses in a brown coal drying machine. Brown coal from the Latrobe Valley contains about 70 percent moisture, which must be reduced for it to be used efficiently in power stations. Utilising cutting-edge techniques in laboratory and field measurements together with advanced computational methods in fluid mechanics, the project intends to further knowledge in swirling turbulent flows, particle transport and vortex breakdown. The result of this research is expected to produce a drier brown coal, leading to a cleaner environment and an increase in Australian coal value. Field of research: 0915 - Interdisciplinary Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Intensity mapping cosmology with radio telescopes. This project aims to develop a versatile infra-structure for the data analysis of existing observations and future data. Cosmology using intensity mapping of hydrogen with radio telescopes is a key science area for the anticipated Square Kilometre Array. The results of available datasets will constrain the expansion rate of the Universe and the laws of gravity about 7 billion years ago, inaccessible by other observations. New techniques will improve the synergies between optical and radio data by measuring the gas content of optical galaxies. This is expected to advance knowledge of how the galaxy evolves. Field of research: 0201 - Astronomical and Space Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

New tastemakers and Australia's post-digital literary culture. This project aims to investigate the effect of digital technologies on taste-making in Australian literary culture. The project will examine how digital media and platforms such as eBooks, online forums, blogs and social media have changed how Australian literature is produced, distributed and consumed, and what this means for the future of Australian literature. The project expects to understand the effect of digital practices on Australian literary culture, and support the continued development and cultural significance of Australia’s book industry in a globalised market for literature. Field of research: 2005 - Literary Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A collaborative electron microscopy network for structural biology. This project aims to establish a high-throughput pipeline to determine the near-atomic-resolution structure of proteins by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Over the past five years, cryo-EM has improved the study of biological macromolecules at near-atomic resolution. This project will use two automated electron microscopes and a Titan Krios microscope to build a world-competitive integrated cryo-EM network for structural biology. This research is expected to increase the understanding of molecular events that are central for life. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Data driven decision making for complex problems. This project aims to formulate methods for using constraint solving and data mining in a complementary and holistic manner. Complex health, educational and social issues require complex decisions supported by automated analysis techniques using rich data sources and human knowledge. Constraint solving and data mining make decisions easier, but are mostly deployed independently, limiting the effectiveness of decisions. This project’s methods should lead to effective and flexible data driven decision making tools for tackling challenging multi-component problems. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Design of barriers for impact. This project aims to quantify the resistant capacity of rigid reinforced concrete barriers. These barriers can protect lives and property on hill slopes, but construction of the foundation is costly to protect against boulder impacts. Free-standing reinforced concrete barriers without a foundation could be cheaper and effective in countering impact, but need research to accurately quantify their impact resistant capacity. The expected outcome is a new technology to make the built environment safer and more sustainable and affordable. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Understanding brain mechanisms that control autonomic function. This project aims to understand the how the brain regulates sympathetic nerve activity, thereby increasing our understanding of the biology and function of nascent neurons on the adult brain stem. This challenges the current notion that new neurons are only made during development. The project will also determine how brain inflammation impacts blood-brain barrier function and affects sympathetic nerve regulation. The basic fundamental insights and conceptual advances into how autonomic function is controlled by the brain will provide a better understanding of these fundamental processes and will contribute to Australia’s priority research areas to improve health and advance product development. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Mitochondrial biogenesis in mammalian cells. This project aims to understand the inner workings of a molecular machine involved in mitochondrial protein biogenesis. Mitochondria are essential organelles that provide the bulk of cellular energy. Genesis of the organelle relies on the coordinated synthesis and transport of both proteins and lipids that make up the organelle. This project plans to define the architecture of the molecular machine, outline how its components function, and explore the relationship between proteins and lipids in mitochondrial genesis. These results are expected to provide knowledge about how mitochondrial creation is regulated. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. This Centre aims to manipulate the way light energy is absorbed, transported and transformed in advanced molecular materials. The research programme spans high-throughput computational screening, single molecule photochemistry and ultrafast spectroscopy and embraces innovative outreach and commercial translation activities. The Centre plans to capture the knowledge generated as new intellectual property, materials processing know-how, and through the creation of new employment opportunities. The expected outcomes and benefits include new Australian technologies in solar energy conversion, energy-efficient lighting and displays, security labelling and optical sensor platforms for defence. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Full scale detector system for dark matter. This project aims to complete a detector system to detect dark matter via nuclear recoil in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL). The Southern Hemisphere location and the ultra-pure crystals are a crucial advantage in the search for dark matter via direct detection. The detector system will provide the sensitivity needed to test the most persistent and enigmatic signal in the world-wide dark matter direct detection search and ensure Australian leadership in this field. The discovery of dark matter is expected to be as important as that of the Higgs boson and gravitational waves. Field of research: 0202 - Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Australian girls who leave mainstream schooling. This project aims to investigate the everyday lives and imagined futures of Australian girls who leave mainstream schooling before Year 12, a group often overlooked because of a prime concern with ‘problem boys’. Following 30 girls with disrupted transitional pathways over two years enables a micro-sociological analysis of how the girls’ (dis-)connections to people, places and institutions develop over time. Analytically, it focuses on the girls’ resources and how they draw on these. The project aims to study the micro-level of marginalisation processes and their gendered dimensions, knowledge important to educational and social policy. Field of research: 1608 - Sociology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The economic and social consequences of illicit drug markets. This project aims to understand the economic and social effects of illicit drugs. An estimated one-quarter of a billion people use illicit drugs each year. This causes major health and personal problems, while the violence and organised crime associated with illicit drug markets affect society. This project will apply econometric techniques to administrative and survey data to establish the long-term causal effects of illicit drug markets on crime, health, education and employment. The results are expected to show how illicit drug policies can improve health and well-being in communities. Field of research: 1402 - Applied Economics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Addressing age discrimination in employment. This project aims to research the effectiveness of Australian age discrimination laws. While demographic ageing necessitates extending working lives, few question the effectiveness of Australian age discrimination laws in supporting this ambition. This project draws on mixed methods and comparative UK experiences to offer empirical and theoretical insights into Australian age discrimination law. Intended outcomes include a comprehensive empirical dataset and a normative model for legal reform in Australia, to inform public policy and debate and improve responses to demographic ageing, providing economic, health and social benefits. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Neuronal origin of functional maps on the mammalian visual cortex. This project aims to study how the brain processes images. Basic features of objects in the visual scene seem to be coded on the visual cortex in an orderly way. By recording neurones’ electrical activity in a mammalian brain, this project aims to study how such organisation is determined at the neuronal level, namely how the individual nerves and synapses that form the brain and process the signals are organised to form the overall functional architecture visible at a macroscopic level. This understanding could realise the basis of normal visual perception in robotic vision and brain-machine interfaces. Field of research: 1109 - Neurosciences