UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Web-based help-seeking for intimate partner sexual violence. This project aims to understand women’s experiences of sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partner, identify their help-seeking needs, and explore the use of the internet as a means of support. Although one in ten Australian women have experienced sexual violence by a male partner, with severe effects on wellbeing and quality of life, sexually abusive behaviours such as rape, assault, coercion and threats within relationships are poorly understood. The project will provide women with an evidence-based, trauma-informed website that will help them name the abuse, provide initial support and promote help-seeking. This project expects to improve women’s safety, quality of life and connection to the community, raise awareness and reduce the costs of intimate partner sexual violence to society. Field of research: 1699 - Other Studies In Human Society

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

A study of China’s south to north water transfer project. This project aims to investigate the motives, processes, and socio-political and hydrological consequences of the South-North Water Transfer (SNWT) in China, the world’s largest inter-basin water network. It connects four major river basins, six provinces, three megacities and over 700 million people. This project will analyse the SNWT's governance regime; its effects on local and regional flows of water, money, people, pollutants, production and political authority; and the interactions between these systemic and local changes. This project expects to produce knowledge about the politics of vast technologies, and the management of inter-basin water schemes in Australia and globally. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Diamond membranes for advanced manufacturing. This project aims to unlock the potential of diamond membrane devices in research and industry, by enabling the scalable manufacture of high quality diamond membrane samples. These will be packaged in a form that is easily transportable and with properties that are optimizable and functional for a variety of end-users. This project will allow the distribution of high quality base material to the academic and start-up markets. The expected outcome includes the development of products in healthcare and security such as infra-red frequency combs for gas-based chemical sensing and nanopore devices for new DNA sequencers. Field of research: 0204 - Condensed Matter Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Optimisation of shallow geothermal systems for Australian schools. This project aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimising shallow geothermal systems in Australian schools. Shallow geothermal systems use the ground as a heat source and sink for heating and cooling. Their application to schools has the potential to harness energy from untapped resources such as sport grounds, reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and increase comfort and productivity of our children at school. An expected outcome of this project is to create a full scale physical model along advanced optimisation models which will allow better understanding of energy efficiency gains, and lead towards improving geothermal design techniques tailored to educational buildings. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Biochemical text mining for advancing chemical and pharmaceutical knowledge. The project aims to develop novel natural language processing methods to find, extract and structure complex chemical reaction information in scientific literature. The project addresses a recognised bottleneck to efficiency in the drug discovery process, by enabling biochemical research results to be turned into actionable information. This has the potential to inform and accelerate development of effective drug treatments through the linking of relevant biochemical information. By delivering new methods that improve the compilation of knowledge about chemicals and drugs from textual information resources, the project hopes to enable faster drug discovery. Field of research: 0801 - Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

The genetic basis of singing ability. This project aims to explore the heritability of music ability, focusing on singing and the contribution of genetic and environmental influences. Research suggests that deliberate practice (more than 10,000 hours) produces skilled musicianship, with minimal investigation of genetic influences. Mapping the human genome has opened up a new scientific frontier, and this project’s findings are expected to lead to the discovery of genes for singing. This will help design and deliver music education programmes that take individual differences into account, differentiating between heritable aspects of musicianship and those more influenced by training. Field of research: 1701 - Psychology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Personalised data analytics for the Internet of Me. This project aims to develop data mining methods for extracting comprehensive personalised knowledge, without breaching trust. The Internet of Things will lead to the Internet of Me. Billions of smart devices connected to the Internet record people’s lives. Companies wish to provide highly personalised services that engage their customers, while individuals wish to understand their health, lifestyle, education and personal performance. The challenge is to analyse individuals’ personal data, and discover how they differentiate from and overlap with others’. This project expects to enable businesses to deepen customer satisfaction and individuals to better understand their personal place in a connected world. Field of research: 0806 - Information Systems

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Differential roles of gene family members in development of a cell lineage. This project aims to investigate how a family of genes influence cells in the testis to become mature sperm. Testicular cells regulate gene activity via the Snail family of proteins during sperm development, and interruption of their activities reduces fertility in mice and fruit flies. The project aims to use genetic, cell biological and biochemical studies in Drosophila and mice to compare different Snail family proteins in spermatogenesis. The outcomes will define the different roles of highly similar proteins from the same family in differentiation of a single cell lineage. This is important in generating functional tissues using in vitro laboratory approaches or understanding how normal development and developmental disorders arise. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Modernism, cosmopolitanism and consumer culture. This project aims to investigate the department store as a significant site for the transnational dissemination of modernism and cosmopolitanism in the first half of the 20th century. Through a primary focus on Sydney, with comparative studies of Tokyo and New York, the project expects to advance important knowledge of the department store’s vital role in driving new forms of creative engagement, consumer knowledge and social interaction that shaped the aspiring cosmopolitan city. The expected outcomes include an understanding how the department store enhanced the public's engagement with modernism. This will benefit current initiatives using the arts to revitalise commercial and urban space. Field of research: 2103 - Historical Studies

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Random matrix products, loop equations and integrability. This project aims to research integrable structures inherent in random matrix products and loop equations. These are topics in random matrix theory, which is well known for its diverse appearances in mathematics and its applications. Integrable structures provide random matrix theory with quantitative predictions for use in these applications; link seemingly distinct theories; and are a unifying theme of fundamental and lasting importance. This project will strengthen international collaborations, provide research training, and make the footprint of Australian mathematical science more visible. Field of research: 0105 - Mathematical Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries . The ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries will foster a world-class environment of transformative innovative research in Australia’s chemical and advanced manufacturing industry through sustained partnerships with universities. The Centre establish a new industry-led HDR graduate program. The research activities of the Centre aim to improve chemical analytical and manufacturing capabilities, new biopharmaceuticals, enhanced global competitive advantages, and long-term growth and intellectual property development in the chemistry industry. Other national benefits include up-skilled, workplace-ready graduates with experience in conducting industry-focused research. Field of research: 0303 - Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

ARC Training Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies. The ARC Training Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies aims to create and develop the skills and technology to benefit from the transformative impacts that cell/organ-on-a-chip technology will have on the medtech/pharma industries. By combining microfluidics-based/real-time technologies with personalised medicine the Training Centre will provide industry growth opportunities through improved screening of potential therapeutics. The use of an individual patient’s cellular and molecular research findings will ultimately enable personalised diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Field of research: 1115 - Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

How digital on-demand mobile work is transforming Australian cities. This project aims to investigate how the rapid rise of digital on-demand mobile work is transforming Australian cities by evaluating its diverse impacts on consumers, workers and industries. Through world-first qualitative research, this project expects to generate new knowledge of the social transformations taking place using cutting-edge theories of mobilities, technologies and labour. Expected outcomes of this project include enhancing Australia’s research capacity in this area through the development of international collaborations. The project should provide significant benefits to a range of stakeholders by identifying opportunities for socially just interventions by the state, urban governance, industry and the community. Field of research: 1604 - Human Geography

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Genes, reproduction and inheritance in a microbe. The project aims to particularly explore sexual gene inheritance in Plasmodium, a representative of a large group of human and animal parasites. Plasmodium must have a sexual exchange of genes in the mosquito for the transfer of disease to a new host. This project will investigate the fate and behaviour of Plasmodium genes during reproduction; the differing chromosome states resulting from sexual genetic processes and the asymmetrical inheritance of some Plasmodium genes. The project is expected to advance Australia’s ability to understand the reproduction and survival of these parasites in their mosquito vector and develop cutting-edge genetic tools that will advance the microbial genetics discipline globally. This may ultimately lead to biotechnology and biomedical outcomes. Field of research: 0604 - Genetics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

World-pictures: Path-finding across a century of wars, 1917-2017. This project aims to redefine war art in artistic and scholarly research. Public understandings of war are significantly shaped by war art and images of war. This project will investigate the artistic potential of scholars’ methodologies –timelines and the atlas form – to revise the Australian understanding of the century-long and global aftermath of war from WW1 into the present, in major exhibitions of new art. The project will to investigate how international 21st century artists explored recent wars and will produce a systematic, art historical account of international 21st century war art. The project aims to provide a better understanding of Australia’s heritage and of war art. Field of research: 1905 - Visual Arts and Crafts

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2017 · 2017-01

Species coexistence in the real world. This project aims to discover how similar species co-exist without weaker competitors going extinct. Hypotheses offer explanations for stable coexistence in the presence of competition, but logistic barriers mean field tests are almost completely lacking. Recent research on competition and dispersal presents an opportunity to deliver tests using riverine species, leading to experiments at landscape scales. The research will quantify the role of environmental variability and dispersal in permitting stable coexistence of species, thus filling a major knowledge gap. The project expects to provide fresh avenues for research into the causes of species losses – particularly for the 70 per cent that are invertebrates. Field of research: 0602 - Ecology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Trends in polar sea ice and associated global atmospheric circulations. The project aims to analyse the trends in sea ice extent over the polar regions, and explain them in terms of changes in the local and remote atmospheric circulation. In recent decades, Arctic sea ice has decreased dramatically, while increasing in the Antarctic. The resolution of this paradox is a pressing issue in climate science, as is the broad question of how sea ice influences, and is influenced by, climate conditions in the mid-latitudes and tropics. Anticipated outcomes include a better understanding of the nature of links between Australian climate and Antarctic ice, and between United States climate extremes and Arctic ice. Field of research: 0401 - Atmospheric Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. This project aims to research the design and performance of innovative biomimetic braced battered micropile group footings. This project will test Surefoot, the new concrete free footing, in the laboratory, in the field, and through numerical and analytical modelling. Surefoot’s mechanisms of action are poorly understood but clearly more complex than current micropile theory; this project will research the mechanism of load transfer from micropiles to the soil and soil response. Field of research: 0905 - Civil Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Improving thiocyanate bioremediation with meta-genomics/transcriptomics. Improving thiocyanate bioremediation with meta-genomics/transcriptomics. This project aims to elucidate the roles of thiocyanate-degrading microbial consortium members involved in sulphur and nitrogen oxidation, using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. The gold mining industry generates environmentally toxic thiocyanate as a waste by-product, for which the most cost-effective remediation strategy is degradation by natural microbes. Efforts to bioremediate, however, suffer from a lack of understanding of the full metabolic potential of the microbes involved. The intended outcome of this project is the improved design and operation of thiocyanate bioremediation reactor systems. Field of research: 1002 - Environmental Biotechnology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Nano-optics: Colour matching on-a-chip. Nano-optics: Colour matching on-a-chip. This project aims to develop a small, lightweight and low cost chip for accurate spectral measurements, using recent advances in nano-optics. Optical spectrometers are widely used in science and industry but are large, heavy and expensive. The new chip could enable hand-held devices with performance comparable to large laboratory instruments. It could be revolutionary for colour matching, i.e. determining the colours of materials, offering unprecedented accuracy and robustness to illumination conditions given the size, weight and cost of the device. This technology is anticipated to foster the development of new products using the chip; and make Australia a leader in nano-optics research. Field of research: 0205 - Optical Physics

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Laser powered miniature bionic devices. Laser powered miniature bionic devices. This project aims to develop a laser-based system to wirelessly power and control implantable medical micro-devices. Very-large-scale integration technology has miniaturised microelectronic medical implants, but energy systems have not shrunk; the wireless power/data interface is most of the implant’s volume. This project intends to develop an optical power/data interface to achieve high power density transfer to a miniaturised retinal implant housed entirely within a single self-contained transparent diamond capsule without any external lead wires. This safe and robust power/data delivery will exploit the outstanding transparency, biocompatibility and biostability of diamond encapsulation, thus enhancing the international competitiveness of the Australian medical device sector. Field of research: 0903 - Biomedical Engineering

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Balancing diversity and social cohesion in democratic constitutions. Balancing diversity and social cohesion in democratic constitutions. This fellowship project aims to address the need to reconcile the tensions between the pursuit of diversity and the promotion of social cohesion. This critical problem becomes increasingly urgent as nations grapple with the challenges of highly diverse multi-cultural societies. The project aims to build a team of researchers who draw on the experience of constitutionalism throughout the world to investigate how Constitutions, in their design and in their application, can unify while nurturing the diversity appropriate for a complex, modern society. This project is intended to help governments, judiciaries and the public resolve intense controversies over ideals. Field of research: 1801 - Law

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Optimising the efficacy of mycoplasma vaccines in the field. Optimising the efficacy of mycoplasma vaccines in the field. This project intends to examine the effect of antibiotic treatment, killed vaccines and immunosuppressive viruses on the protective immunity induced by a model novel vaccine against the important poultry pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The continued circulation of pathogenic mycoplasmas in intensively managed animals is a major animal health problem. Live attenuated vaccines could reduce disease, but we have limited understanding of the best conditions for their use. This project will generate data to guide both use and development of live mycoplasma vaccines. It is expected to have significant impacts on animal health, welfare and production, and public health by reducing the use of antibiotics to control mycoplasmoses. Field of research: 0707 - Veterinary Sciences

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Soil microbial indicators for efficient use of nitrification inhibitors. Soil microbial indicators for efficient use of nitrification inhibitors. This project aims to improve understanding of the efficiency and governing factors of nitrification inhibitors in different agricultural soils. Nitrification inhibitors are widely used to improve nitrogen fertiliser efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas nitrous oxide emissions. However, their effectiveness varies across soil types. One possible reason is the different microbial communities in these soils. The project will address the key knowledge gaps of interactions between the nitrification inhibitors and the soil functional microbial communities. Anticipated outcomes are sound management strategies to improve fertiliser nitrogen use efficiency in Australian agricultural soils. Field of research: 0605 - Microbiology

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2016 · 2016-01

Scaling in biology: size control at the cell, organelle and organism level. This project aims to decipher the universal mechanisms that coordinate growth with division and thereby dictate the size of the cell. It would investigate this question from the triangulating perspective of evolution using yeast and animal models. It plans to interrogate the complex sub-networks that govern cell size using novel genome-scale reagent sets for systematic genetics and other approaches. It would integrate this data in predictive mathematical models of size control that illuminate how the cell processes size-related information, and how size mechanisms evolve to impact form and function in biology. This research is expected to have commercial applications in biotechnology processes and bioengineering. Field of research: 0601 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology