University of Technology Sydney

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Intelligent and Reliable Monitoring and Prediction of Battery Health State. This project aims to address the challenges of data quality and AI model interpretability in battery health monitoring by developing advanced techniques for estimating battery state of health and predicting remaining useful life. This project expects to generate new knowledge in battery health assessments using physics-assisted models, data-driven models, and machine learning algorithms. Expected outcomes include a novel, explainable AI-based monitoring framework to enhance the reliability and broad applicability of battery management systems. This should provide significant benefits to Australia's renewable energy industry by ensuring accurate battery health predictions to improve safety, grid stability, and environmental sustainability. Field of research: 4017 - Mechanical Engineering Australia’s transition to renewable energy depends on safe, reliable and long-lasting batteries. By 2030, battery demand is expected to grow more than sevenfold, creating a $21.5 billion market. But current battery health monitoring systems often fail, leading to early replacements, safety risks and higher costs. This project will develop a smarter way to monitor battery condition and predict service life, using new methods that combine scientific modelling and intelligent data analysis. Safer and longer-lasting batteries will not only deliver cost benefits for Australian households, businesses and energy providers, but also reduce the risk of battery fires and power outages, improve grid stability, and support better peak demand planning. The research will help to reduce waste and support Australia’s net-zero emission goals. The project will enable the growth of local battery testing, reuse and recycling industries, creating jobs and building sovereign capability. Two Australian companies, UNSW and UTS will jointly develop tools and systems for real-world use in energy storage and electric vehicles. To encourage early adoption, these will be tested in commercial settings, including virtual power plants. We will also prepare technical guides and policy briefings to inform future standards and regulations. The training of future engineers and researchers will also help to build a skilled workforce and strengthen Australia’s leadership in clean energy and battery innovation.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Creating A "Learning Health System" For Eating Disorder Treatment Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Macrophyte biozones to control cyanobacterial blooms in water bodies. Toxic cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) blooms are a common feature of many freshwater environments, impacting drinking water supplies, recreation and ecosystem health. Solutions, ideally nature based, are required to address this significant issue. Water plants (macrophytes) have the ability to combat algal blooms through chemicals they produce. This project will develop a macrophyte biozone, a novel approach where specific plants are utilised to their optimum capacity using hydraulic engineering to control blooms, their toxins and reduce nutrient pollution. This will provide water managers with another approach to reduce algal blooms while improving the environment and allow the application of this system across Australia and wider. Field of research: 4104 - Environmental Management Toxic algal (cyanobacterial) blooms are a major problem across Australia’s freshwater resources. They impact the health of people through drinking water, recreational use of water, via agricultural production and cause serious economic, environmental and social issues. While several management interventions have been trialled, cyanobacterial blooms continue to be a serious problem. Existing management interventions are typically costly, reactive and are not always successful. New approaches are urgently required that are low cost, ecologically sensitive and ideally nature based. Some water plants (macrophytes) have shown promise as they can kill or reduce cyanobacteria through release of natural allelopathic chemicals. However, their effectiveness is limited due to contact time with water containing cyanobacteria. To overcome this limitation, we will develop a new macrophyte biozone system where water will pass through specific plants at optimised flow rates to reduce cyanobacterial blooms, their toxins and the nutrients that fuel them. If implemented broadly this can improve safety for drinking water, recreation and ecosystems across Australia and could be used in locations/countries where the supply of clean drinking water is a major health problem (i.e. developing nations). The project also addresses the Australian governments priorities; Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment; Supporting healthy and thriving communities; Building a secure and resilient nation.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Sustainable Future Railways Built with Recycled Tyres and Mine Waste Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Large Language Model-based Client Agents for Psychotherapy Simulation Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Scalable Passive WiFi Sensing for Multi-Occupant Smart Homes. This project aims to enable scalable and robust multi-occupant passive WiFi sensing by addressing key system and hardware limitations. It will advance WiFi sensing toward meeting the growing demand for privacy-preserving, device-free, and cost-effective human activity awareness across diverse real-world settings. Expected outcomes include architectural and integration innovations, advanced signal processing techniques, and a standards-compatible prototype capable of high-resolution, multi-room, multi-person sensing using existing WiFi infrastructure. The resulting technology will support transformative applications in aged care, as well as broader domains such as health, safety, security, energy-efficient housing, and smart environments. Field of research: 4006 - Communications Engineering This project will develop innovative technologies that use existing WiFi signals in homes to detect and monitor one or more people, with improved scalability across rooms and environments. Unlike wearable devices or cameras, WiFi sensing is contact-free and privacy-preserving, making it ideal for real-time monitoring in smart homes. Current solutions are typically limited to single-person sensing and lack scalability. This project addresses these gaps through system-level design and advanced signal processing techniques. The research meets an immediate need of the partner organisation in the home care sector. The developed technologies and prototype will be translated into a commercial product, enabling the partner organisation to expand its offerings, enhance competitiveness, and accelerate adoption in aged care, energy-efficient housing, and home security. This will support social and economic impact by promoting safe, independent living and reducing care costs. The outcomes align with the national priority of supporting healthy and thriving communities, and NRFC’s enabling capability of sensing technologies. To maximise uptake, the project will engage with healthcare providers, technology companies, and standards bodies, while disseminating results through public demonstrations, media outreach, and industry collaborations. It will also provide training opportunities for future researchers and contribute to Australia’s leadership in smart sensing innovation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Active Load-Pull Facility for Device, Circuit and System Characterisation . This project will establish advanced characterisation capabilities for the semiconductor industries by acquiring a state-of-the-art load-pull system. The system will support cutting-edge technologies, particularly in wireless integrated circuit design, enabling local businesses and research institutions to conduct essential development in Australia. By reducing reliance on overseas facilities, this facility will foster innovation, enhance economic growth, and support workforce development. It will help maintain Australia's competitive edge globally, create high-tech jobs, and encourage public-private collaborations. Expected outcomes include new intellectual property, stronger industry engagement, and enhanced research capabilities. Field of research: 4009 - Electronics, Sensors and Digital Hardware The dependency of local businesses and research institutes on expensive foreign facilities hinders local innovation, economic growth and workforce development. This project proposes a mixed-signal active load-pull facility that directly supports the goals of fostering innovation in advanced technologies such as 5G, IoT, and automotive electronics. By providing local, high-precision testing and measurement capabilities, it will reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure, safeguarding national security and promoting technological self-sufficiency. The facility will drive economic growth by enabling domestic businesses to stay competitive in the global semiconductor market, create high-tech jobs, and attract investment. The project is expected to contribute to strengthening research and development capabilities in both the public and private sectors, supporting Australia’s leadership in emerging technologies. It will benefit the Australian public by providing strategic importance to Australia’s economic, technological, and security interests and enabling the nation to stay competitive globally, create high-tech jobs, and support public-private collaborations. Expected outcomes include the creation of new intellectual property and enhanced engagement with industry.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Next-generation geotechnologies for high-speed and heavy-haul rail Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Pioneering Next-Generation Coronary Stents Through Auxetic Metamaterial... Category: Medical Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

AI Model Security Assessment and Safeguards. This project will develop practical tools and methods to help organisations assess the security risks of artificial intelligence systems and protect them from cyber threats. As more businesses use AI to support their operations, there is growing concern about privacy, misuse and targeted attacks. Working closely with industry partner Content Security, the project will create a framework to evaluate AI systems before deployment and monitor them in real time. The outcomes will support safer use of AI, strengthen Australia’s cybersecurity capability and provide valuable training for future technology and security professionals. Field of research: 4604 - Cybersecurity and Privacy Artificial intelligence (AI) is being rapidly adopted across industries in Australia, from finance and healthcare to education and customer service. However, these powerful technologies come with serious risks, including data breaches, privacy violations, and targeted cyberattacks. This research will help Australian businesses and government sectors better understand and manage the security risks of AI systems. By working with local cybersecurity company Content Security, we will create practical tools that allow organisations to test their AI systems before deployment and monitor them for misuse or attack in real time. The project will help protect sensitive data, reduce the risk of AI misuse, and build public trust in AI technologies. It will also support compliance with privacy laws and emerging AI regulations, helping Australian organisations remain competitive, trusted and responsible. Industry-academia collaboration and participation in trade exhibitions will ensure awareness for wide adoption and enable an upskilling of Australia's workforce in AI security, and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By ensuring that AI technologies are used safely and ethically, this project will strengthen Australia’s digital resilience and support long-term social and economic benefits for the nation.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Next-generation geotechnologies for high-speed and heavy-haul rail Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Develop Solid-state Sodium-Sulfur Batteries for Renewable Energy Storage. This project aims to develop solid-state sodium-sulfur batteries for large-scale energy storage. Sodium-sulfur batteries are widely regarded as a promising technology due to the low cost and the abundance of sodium and sulfur. However, their development is hindered by challenges such as short cycle life and limited capacity. This project will address these challenges by innovating solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and enhancing the stability of interfaces between solid electrolyte and electrodes. The ultimate goal is to manufacture all-solid-state sodium-sulfur batteries to support Australia’s renewable energy. This initiative will support the Australian Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Field of research: 4008 - Electrical Engineering Global warming and climate change present significant challenges to humanity. In response, the Australian Government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, necessitating a large-scale transition to renewable energy. Batteries are essential to this clean energy shift, providing reliable storage solutions for sustainable power generation and supply. This project aims to develop a cost-effective, sustainable, all-solid-state sodium-sulfur battery technology capable of safely storing energy at the scale required for Australian households and the electricity grid. A key innovation of this project is the replacement of conventional flammable liquid electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes, significantly enhancing the safety and practicality of sodium-sulfur batteries in real-world applications. Beyond improving battery safety, the project will advance fundamental knowledge of solid-state sodium-sulfur batteries and contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage systems. By positioning Australia at the forefront of advanced battery research, this initiative will drive innovation, support the long-term viability of the country’s renewable energy sector, and generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Innovate Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage. This project aims to develop a new strategy for stabilizing aqueous zinc metal batteries using natural biological molecules. Aqueous Zinc metal batteries are a safer, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, but their practical use is hindered by instability, dendrite formation, and side reactions. By leveraging bio-based materials, this research will enhance battery lifespan, efficiency, and safety while reducing environmental impact. The outcomes will support Australia’s transition to clean energy by advancing battery storage solutions for renewable energy integration. This project will also foster innovation in sustainable materials and strengthen Australia’s global leadership in battery technology. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project supports Australia’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy by developing next-generation metal batteries using biological macromolecules. Advanced energy storage is critical for integrating renewable energy into the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, current battery technologies face challenges such as instability, dendrite growth, and environmental concerns due to toxic and resource-intensive materials. By utilizing biomolecules, this research introduces a cost-effective, eco-friendly approach to metal anode protection, improving battery performance, safety and lifespan. The outcomes will enhance Australia’s battery manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on imported materials, and support the National Battery Strategy and Net Zero Plan. Additionally, the project aligns with national priorities in clean energy and sustainable manufacturing, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030. Furthermore, this research will foster collaborations between academia and industry, accelerating the commercialization of sustainable battery technologies. It will also train the next generation of researchers in renewable energy and electrochemistry, strengthening Australia’s innovation pipeline. By positioning Australia as a leader in green battery technology, this project will drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and reinforce the country’s global competitiveness in clean energy solutions.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Nano-Graphitic Carbon from Biomass for High-Performance Hybrid Capacitors. Hybrid capacitors emerge as a promising energy storage technology, combining the high energy density of batteries with the rapid charge-discharge capability of supercapacitors, but lack high-performance, cost-effective electrode materials. This project will revolutionise the hybrid capacitor technology by engineering a functional material platform based on nano-graphitic carbons derived from Australia’s biomass. Expected outcomes include new insights into process-structure-property correlations of biomass-derived carbon materials and advances in fabricating reliable, high-performance hybrid capacitors. This project will enhance national manufacturing capabilities and support Australia’s transition to a sustainable, energy-resilient future. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The development of efficient and reliable energy storage systems is critical to supporting Australia’s transition to widespread renewable energy adoption. High-power and high-energy hybrid energy storage devices represent a promising solution for grid-scale storage due to their low cost, high efficiency, and suitability for renewable energy integration. This project seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, directly contributing to the reduction of Australia’s carbon footprint. Successful outcomes are expected to deliver significant energy savings for renewable energy systems and enhance Australia’s standing in key research fields such materials science and engineering, and electrical energy storage technologies. By enabling local production of sustainable technologies and fostering nationwide job creation, the project aligns with and supports the Future Made in Australia initiative. It also contributes to achieving the national target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Project outcomes will be disseminated through media releases, public forums, and industry conferences to enhance public awareness and stakeholder engagement.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Nanoscale interfacial ozone peroxide reaction to degrade forever chemicals. This project will develop and validate a novel treatment process using ozone nanobubbles and hydrogen peroxide to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence to degradation, in semiconductor wastewater and drinking water sources. By enriching hydroxyl radical production at the gas–water interface, the process enables rapid, energy-efficient PFAS destruction. The project will optimise operating conditions, identify degradation by-products, and construct a pilot system for field deployment. Outcomes will support commercialisation efforts by IWI Australia and South East Water. The project results will also contribute to solving global PFAS contamination challenges. Field of research: 4004 - Chemical Engineering Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic pollutants known as “forever chemicals” that pose a growing threat to Australia’s water security, public health, and the environment. This threat stems from both legacy contamination - such as from firefighting foams used at airbases nationwide - and current sources including semiconductor manufacturing, where PFAS are essential and currently irreplaceable in microchip fabrication. Australia has identified over 90 PFAS-contaminated sites, and recent detections in major drinking reservoirs highlight the urgent need for solutions. Existing technologies only transfer PFAS to more concentrated streams, creating disposal challenges and long-term liabilities. This project will develop a scalable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective method for actual PFAS destruction using ozone nanobubbles and hydrogen peroxide. The research will advance understanding of hydroxyl radical chemistry, gas–liquid interfacial reactions, and PFAS degradation pathways. It will also support Australia’s emerging role in the global semiconductor supply chain by enabling water reuse and reducing environmental risk. In partnership with IWI Australia and South East Water, the project will translate research into commercially viable technologies. A pilot-scale demonstration and techno-economic evaluation will accelerate deployment, delivering real-world environmental and industrial benefits to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Flow field perception for unleashing robots in the wild. Autonomous navigation of robots in structured and known environments is no longer science fiction. Many examples exist today of autonomous systems operating on highways and in our homes, hospitals and warehouses. Completely unfamiliar, unstructured and changing environments, however, require solutions to fundamental research questions in robotics perception. This project aims to develop the theory and algorithms to sense and estimate dynamic conditions, such as crowds or fire spread, in unknown and unstructured environments. This will lead to a new paradigm in robotic navigation. The outcomes of this research have the potential to mitigate life-threatening situations by producing the next generation of autonomous systems in the field. Field of research: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics Millions of acres, thousands of homes, tens of people's lives and uncountable animal lives were lost in Australia's floods and bushfires of recent years. Autonomous robots will play an increasingly essential role in providing situational awareness and intelligence gathering for natural disasters and accident situations. Understanding in situ the changing conditions while these situations are developing, however, is still an open research problem. This project will lead to new and improved solutions by developing methods to interpret and predict changing environmental conditions using robots' onboard sensing, enabling the next generation of robots to be effectively developed and deployed in the field. Once adopted and commercialised by the fast-growing Australian field robotics start-up sector, this robotic technology has the potential to transform Australia’s emergency services and bring significant benefits to society by greatly improving the efficiency of first responders, reducing risks to the workforce and, more importantly, saving lives, homes, land and infrastructure.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Circular Silicon: from Photovoltaic Waste to Rechargeable Battery. This project aims to recycle silicon from end-of-life solar panels to repurpose it as an anode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. By advancing recovery and processing techniques, it expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of energy storage and materials recycling by using innovative methods to transform recovered silicon into a high-performance battery component. The novel silicon-based anode materials are anticipated to boost energy density and reduce the price of next-generation lithium batteries. This project is expected to reduce solar panel waste, lower battery production costs, and contribute to Australia’s leadership in sustainable energy technologies. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering The project aims to develop advanced silicon-based anodes from solar wastes for high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries, addressing the limitations of current lithium-ion technologies, which are approaching their maximum energy density. By leveraging high-performance silicon-based anodes, the project not only reduces waste from the solar industry but also tackles key issues in existing batteries, such as limited cycle life and low efficiency. This innovation offers a more powerful and efficient energy storage solution for electric vehicles and large-scale renewable energy systems. In addition to its technological contributions, the project enhances Australia’s global competitiveness in the energy sector, supporting long-term economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and energy security. It delivers broad benefits by addressing critical energy storage challenges, lowering costs, and promoting cleaner energy solutions. By improving the cost-effectiveness and performance of batteries, the project helps make renewable energy a more viable alternative to fossil fuels. Environmentally, the initiative supports Australia’s emissions reduction targets by enabling cleaner energy storage. It has the potential to attract investment, generate employment, and drive innovation in the clean energy sector. Furthermore, the project will generate commercially valuable intellectual property, with plans to secure patents to accelerate industrial adoption and commercialization.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

A Reliable Knowledge Discovery System on Dynamic Academic Graphs. This project develops a reliable knowledge discovery system that analyses dynamic academic data to reveal novel knowledge insights, for example, predicting emerging research topics, novel gene-disease associations, and impactful scientific collaborations. By advancing these techniques, the system focuses on underrepresented knowledge of less frequent but emerging data patterns and instantly detects anomalies that indicate novel or noisy data. Expected outcomes are a hierarchical graph representation model, a robust anomaly detection framework, and a dynamic knowledge discovery system to provide reliable predictive results. Benefits include early access to reliable predictions, supporting informed policymaking and strategic management. Field of research: 4610 - Library and Information Studies This project will create a reliable, AI-powered system that overcomes biases and data noise, hence identifying new insights from dynamic academic data. It addresses a critical gap in Australia’s ability to build a secure, resilient national knowledge base by dynamically detecting emerging trends and novel findings, which are underrepresented in the current knowledge system. The developed system will benefit Australia.  For example, it can highlight fast-growing research areas in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy, guiding local companies to invest strategically and gain a competitive edge. By detecting novel links - such as new gene-disease relationships - it can also help Australian biotech firms and research institutions pioneer fresh treatments and diagnostic tools. Government agencies can also use this foresight to shape evidence-based policies that boost industry development, create jobs, and strengthen national competitiveness. To maximise impact beyond academia, the project team will collaborate closely with industry partners, ensuring results are translated into practical applications. Project findings will be shared through public workshops and roadshows, giving local communities and businesses clear insights into how they can adopt and benefit from these breakthroughs. This project will help Australia remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Extra Robotic Limb and Eye to Augment Human Capability Beyond Natural Limit. This project aims to revolutionise human augmentation by developing an innovative extra robotic limb with an integrated extra eye, designed to enhance human visual and motor capabilities. The proposal targets seamless brain and artificial intelligence integration using a novel advanced brain computer interface. Anticipated outcomes include new knowledge about how the brain would allocate workload to the augmentations, a new computational model and the first robotic system combining an extra limb and eye. This system would enhance workplace productivity and safety by expanding workspace, improving multitasking and reducing injuries, with resulting economic and social benefits, and would be a unique offering for growing robotics markets. Field of research: 4602 - Artificial Intelligence This project aims to develop a robotic limb with an integrated camera as an extra eye to enhance human visual and motor functions. It is currently unknown how the human brain would adapt to the challenge of coordinating and controlling such a system. The AI models and the robotic prototype developed in this project have the potential to be revolutionary for Australian workplace productivity and safety, particularly in hazardous environments. The system will allow a person to be seamlessly assisted by a wearable robotic limb&eye, enabling even challenging, manual tasks to be completed by a single person. The global market for assistive, robotic technologies is fast-growing and global, including in areas such as manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, space and defence. The team’s existing partnerships with the Australian robotics and AI industries will provide real-world environments for future product development, refinement and commercialisation of this critical technology area, resulting in domestic job creation and export opportunities. One postdoctoral fellow and three doctoral candidates will allow the project to build much needed future capacity in areas with foreseeable skills shortages in Australia, and intensify collaboration with international experts. Engagement with industry partners and the general public are built into the project through appropriate strategies, e.g. demonstrations of its effectiveness, practical applications and public activities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Australia's Path to Net Zero: Capitalising on Carbon Markets. This project aims to assist Australia’s efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by identifying the most effective, low-cost market mechanisms to incentivise the largest polluters to reduce their emissions. Using the novel approach of game theory modelling to analyse key elements of the carbon market, the research is expected to generate new knowledge on auction theory and market mechanisms and design. Its anticipated outcomes include guidance for policy-makers drafting the carbon market rules that will be crucial to achieving the 2050 goal. Given the urgency of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 C, the project is expected to deliver potentially far-reaching environmental and social benefits in Australia and beyond. Field of research: 3801 - Applied Economics This project will develop and test a “game-theoretic” framework, a strategic approach that reveals how firms respond to incentives and policy rules in carbon markets. Supported by laboratory experiments, this approach is especially effective at accounting for the complex behaviour of market participants—an area where conventional models often fall short. By focusing on key policies—the Safeguard Mechanism (the federal scheme capping large-facility emissions), Emissions Reduction Fund auctions, and the emerging Australian Carbon Exchange—our research will identify ways to reduce compliance costs for major emitters and deliver meaningful, cost-effective emissions cuts. We will share our results through policy briefs and workshops with government, industry, and community stakeholders, ensuring broad adoption beyond the project’s funded period. Our model could also be adapted internationally, allowing Australia to showcase global leadership in sustainable technologies. Ultimately, this work fosters low-emissions industries, drives green innovation, and helps safeguard a healthy environment—all while contributing to the country’s net-zero by 2050 goal and aligning with two of Australia’s Science and Research Priorities (Energy and Environmental Change). By providing robust, evidence-based strategies, the project will help protect both our economy and our environment for future generations.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Mobility-Aware Digital Twin-Empowered Services in Edge Computing. This project aims to develop a suite of innovative solutions to digital twin-empowered Internet of Things (IoT) services in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) by advanced algorithm design, tackling the mobility of both users and physical objects of digital twins. Expected outcomes include novel frameworks, algorithms and prediction mechanisms for digital twin-empowered services by enhancing service accuracy and shortening service latency. The success of this project will advance knowledge in digital twin technology and its integration with IoT, MEC and artificial intelligence, fostering national economic growth and environmental sustainability, improving public services, and maintaining Australia's leadership in the global digital transformation. Field of research: 4606 - Distributed Computing and Systems Software This project focuses on enhancing Internet of Things (IoT) devices to share information quickly and efficiently in edge environments, addressing the explosive need for such technologies in Australia and worldwide. By leveraging the virtual replicas (digital twins) of physical objects, this research aims to transform how and where collected data is being reliably stored, effectively shared and rapidly utilized for behavior emulation, prediction, optimization and decision-making. This helps Australia maintain its leadership in the global digital economy by optimising services like traffic management and industrial monitoring, as articulated in the “Digital Economy Strategy”. Economically, businesses can save time and money by making better decisions. Socially, it can enhance the quality of public services like smart healthcare and transportation. Environmentally, it promotes sustainability by monitoring resources more effectively, and commercially, it supports the growth of innovative businesses. To promote the research beyond academia, businesses, the public sector and the general public would be aware of its applications and benefits through media, trade fairs and forums. The project outcomes would be of interest to industry partners by offering digital solutions for Smart Cities, Manufacturing and Telecommunications. This would see a rapid adoption of IoT and digital twin technologies in real-world settings and lead to lower cost, more reliability and improved services.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Social housing tenants navigating relocation . This pioneering study examines the impacts of relocation on social housing tenants over the medium and long-term using in-depth interviews and surveys with relocated tenants. It aims to examine why some tenants have been able to (re)establish themselves in their new home and area whilst others have not and the role services play in shaping the impacts of relocation. The study is highly significant as state governments are planning to relocate thousands of social housing tenants. The intended outcome of the project is to deliver an in-depth understanding of the varying impacts of relocation. This will create actionable evidence to guide government policy that will be of value to government, community housing providers and tenants. Field of research: 4407 - Policy and Administration The study aims to develop a deep understanding of the impacts of relocation on social housing tenants. The project will provide new evidence about what factors contribute to a successful relocation and why some relocated tenants may find it difficult to adjust to their new surroundings, whilst others fare well. The role that services play in facilitating a good outcome will be a key focus. It is a pioneering study - there has been minimal examination in Australia of the impacts of relocation on this highly vulnerable group. The research will have economic and social benefits. A failure to adjust to their new situation could have implications for tenants' health and wellbeing and employment prospects. A better understanding of what makes for a successful or unsuccessful relocation will give state governments and relevant organisations the tools to direct policy interventions towards identifying what service provision is required to optimise successful relocation of tenants. Successful relocation will lessen pressure on service providers and the health sector. The research will be promoted via workshops with state government housing authorities, relevant agencies and community housing providers. We will also use The Conversation and the media to communicate our research findings.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Measuring the quality of climate reporting. Assessing the determinants and consequences of climate reporting requires a robust measure of reporting quality. Using a novel mixed methods approach beginning with interviews and surveys to inform subsequent textual analysis, the project will create and subsequently validate a standardized measure of the quality of climate reporting by Australian firms. Such a measure is a fundamental input to any evaluation of the potential causes and consequences of climate reporting quality, including characteristics of assurance. Expected outcomes include a validated empirical measure for evaluating climate reporting quality, and initial assessment of whether mandatory climate reporting by Australian firms has resulted in better quality information. Field of research: 3501 - Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Reliable and clear climate information is essential for moving towards a net-zero economy. However, current corporate climate reports are often inconsistent and hard to compare, which doesn't meet the needs of investors, regulators, and the public. From 2025, large Australian firms will face mandatory climate reporting under the new Australian Sustainability Reporting Standard. This marks a significant change in how firms report, going beyond statutory financial information. This project aims to fill a crucial gap by developing the first evidence-based, stakeholder-informed benchmark—grounded in stakeholder interviews and powered by natural language processing and machine learning—to evaluate the quality of climate disclosures. Without this benchmark, it's impossible to know if disclosures meet regulatory goals, support investment decisions, or need further reform. By encouraging credible and useful climate reports, this project will support corporate accountability, guide informed climate actions, and strengthen the information base for national decarbonisation strategies. It will also improve market efficiency by making climate reports more transparent, reliable and comparable. The framework will help Australia meet its climate goals and influence global sustainability reporting standards. Research findings will be shared via policy briefings, consultation submissions, media commentary and practical toolkits, positioning Australia as a global leader in climate reporting.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Powering the future: next generation power converters for electric vehicles. A key limitation of electric vehicles (EVs) is the inefficiency of the battery charging and power delivery system, which translates directly into a vehicle’s range, charging time, and cost. This project aims to fundamentally advance power electronics technologies for next-generation EVs by leveraging the latest developments in electronics through modelling, simulation, optimisation, and prototypes. Expected outcomes include significant improvements in efficiency, reliability and form factor of modular bidirectional power systems. This will benefit the advanced manufacturing sector through industry partners & global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved EV performance and accelerated transition from fossil fuel sources. Field of research: 4009 - Electronics, Sensors and Digital Hardware This project aims to develop next-generation power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs) that are ultra-efficient, compact, & reliable, addressing a key research gap in Australia’s EV and clean energy landscape. Existing EV power electronics struggle to meet increasing demands for high power density, efficiency, thermal performance, and bidirectional energy flow. Australia also lacks sovereign capability in power converter technologies, essential for scaling EV infrastructure and supporting local manufacturing. This project will address these challenges by developing underpinning power electronics technologies for next-generation EVs through a multidisciplinary approach, innovative control strategies, and advanced packaging, aiming to improve size, cost, efficiency, and lifespan. The research aligns with national priorities in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and advanced manufacturing, fostering industry collaboration and local expertise. These innovations will boost Australia's global EV competitiveness, enhance energy security, and deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits, including lower emissions and greater energy efficiency. Through collaboration with leading industry and research partners, the project will foster knowledge transfer, upskill the future workforce, and accelerate commercial impact. Results will be shared through open-access publications, technology demonstrations, & industry engagement to promote adoption beyond the academic sphere.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2026 · 2026-01

Solo Agers and Decision-making: Promoting Choice and Control. A growing number of older Australians are solo agers without close family or friends. They face the serious problem of decisional isolation – the lack of people to appoint into legal roles to support and, if needed, make decisions in the event of impaired capacity. This project aims to investigate expanded options for statutory decision roles for older people that fill the gap between absent family or friends and state-appointed guardians. It will generate multidisciplinary insights into stakeholders’ views, experiences and preferences. Expected outcomes include evidence-based recommendations for legal, policy, and practice changes to enhance choices for older Australians, ultimately reducing reliance on public guardianship systems. Field of research: 4804 - Law In Context A growing number of older Australians are solo agers. They do not have close family and friends to help them through ill health and the end of life. Laws across Australia give older people rights to appoint individuals to support and, if needed, make decisions for them in important area of their lives – finances, services, housing and care. Yet solo agers often have no one to appoint into these roles. They risk having strangers appointed as public guardians or trustees to take legal control over them. This project will be the first national study of solo agers in Australia. It will hear directly from solo agers about who they prefer to take on legal decision roles and explore options such as solo agers connecting with peers, volunteers and professionals. The research will engage with key organisations in Australia, including the Older Person's Advocacy Network, COTA and Dementia Australia. International legal models will also be studied. Ultimately, the project aims to benefit solo agers by giving them more choice and control to appoint trusted people into legal decision roles. It will also benefit older people whose family are not available or suited to taking on these roles. Following nation-wide consultation, the research will produce practical recommendations for action by community groups, service organisations, professions and government. The research will offer economic benefits in reducing reliance on resource-constrained public guardian and administration systems.