University of Technology Sydney

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-03

ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-03

ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Rubberised Concrete Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Rubberised Concrete Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-03

Ultrahigh Performance Batteries to Empower the Renewable Energy... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-02

MetaSteering Antenna Systems for Covert Intelligence Collection and... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-02

MetaSteering Antenna Systems for Covert Intelligence Collection and... Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Rubberised Concrete Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Regulating Interfacial Chemistry for High-Energy Zinc-Air Batteries Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Measure subcellular structure changes with axial super resolution . This project aims to provide a facile approach to axial super-resolution, assisted by a metasurface. This scheme will provide a generalized strategy for quantitatively measuring sub-diffraction limit conformational changes in live cells, as demonstrated through the measurement of immune response in macrophages. With simultaneous control of surface morphology at the nanoscale, this project will generate new knowledge for the design of an optically responsive metasurface that is highly sensitive to distance and topography. Expected outcomes include a universal platform for the precise study of membrane conformation, mechanosensing, and cell migration, making substantial contributions to the progress of cell biological research. Field of research: 4003 - Biomedical Engineering Macrophages are a type of immune cell that play a key role in the immune system as the first line of defence against pathogens and infections. However, how they function in the immune response is not fully understood. Understanding the process of macrophage endocytosis - a regulated process of engulfing extracellular materials used by macrophages to initiate their immune and inflammatory responses - can revolutionise our approach to immune modulation, therapeutic interventions, and drug development. The project, which aims to develop and utilize cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy technology to visualize the immune response in macrophage cells, holds long-term significance for Australia's national interests. By enabling a more quantitative understanding of immune mechanisms, this technological advancement is expected to subsequently enhance survival rates and health outcomes for immune-related diseases across the country. The insights and methodologies of this project are exclusive to our laboratory and help to quantify and measure conformational changes in macrophage cells at levels of detail that are not currently achievable. This is crucial for understanding how the immune response is stimulated and develops. The project results can be further used to guide the development of analytical platforms with diverse applications in food safety, environmental sciences and agriculture, contributing to the development of next-generation imaging and bioassay technologies.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Taking the next step to understand natural perception Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Labour market expectations, job search and migration of young graduates. Graduate unemployment is widespread in low-income countries and a policy priority for African and Asian governments. This project aims to ascertain why high school and university graduates face high unemployment rates in Cote d’Ivoire. It expects to generate new knowledge on graduates’ labour market expectations and their job search, by creating the region’s first comprehensive dataset on graduate jobseekers as well as two novel theoretical frameworks for evaluating root causes of unemployment. Expected outcomes include policy advice that will reduce unemployment, providing significant benefits for young Ivoirians and the economy, while also stemming the jobs-related migration that is causing a brain drain at home and problems in Europe. Field of research: 3801 - Applied Economics Educational attainment has risen in Sub-Saharan Africa over recent decades, but remains the world’s lowest. Development assistance for education is often motivated by improving labour market opportunities and earnings for youth. Australia provides over $80m annually in official development assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa, of which about 40% is invested in education. However, this well-intentioned support contrasts sharply with the phenomenon of high graduate unemployment observed in the region, where graduates take months, or even years, to find stable work. This project, focused on Côte d’Ivoire, will contribute to ensuring that Australia’s development assistance spending is sustainable, economically viable and relevant, by addressing a gap in knowledge as to why educational qualifications do not necessarily translate into jobs. This investigation into the root causes of graduate unemployment and its consequences for international migration will directly shape policy advice to assist governments in the region and international institutions seeking to address graduate unemployment. The project outcomes will be disseminated to stakeholders such as DFAT, African Development Bank, World Bank, International Labor Organisation, and others. It can help Australia re-evaluate its allocation of development assistance and will also contribute to Australia’s efforts towards UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality education, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Regulating Interfacial Chemistry for High-Energy Zinc-Air Batteries. This project aims to develop advanced zinc-air battery technology to address the growing demand for sustainable energy storage. The project is expected to generate advanced knowledge in the area of materials science and energy technology, and to advance the development of renewable zinc-air batteries. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of a cut-edge zinc anode protection scheme, innovative electrocatalyst design concepts and synthesis protocols, and enhanced capacity to build interdisciplinary collaborations. This should provide significant benefits, such as tackling Australia’s energy crisis and cementing its global leadership in the field of energy storage. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering Lithium-ion batteries are a greener alternative to fossil fuels, playing a critical role in storing energy generated by wind and solar power. However, they are costly to produce due to a limited supply of lithium, are prone to overheating (so raise safety concerns), and are unable to store a huge amount of energy. This project will develop a low-cost, high-energy, and safe zinc-air battery alternative to substitute for lithium-ion as the next-generation energy technology. The outcomes of this project will advance our understanding of zinc-air batteries and contribute to the development of greener, energy storage systems. This will position Australia as a global leader in renewable energy and support our national plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through workshops and reports presented during industry roadshows, this project will equip Australia’s energy sector with the essential information needed to comprehend and implement this cutting-edge technology.

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants) · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Delivering sustainable and quality aged care in home environments. Category: Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) Research

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Taking the next step to understand natural perception. A recent discovery showed that the simple act of walking produces cyclical modulations of perception and behaviour with every step. This project will uncover the fundamental links between movement and cognitive function, specifically changes in the perception of vision, sound, and attention to the environment. This will be achieved through the simultaneous recording of neural activity, movement patterns, and physiological signals in an immersive 3D virtual reality environment. This project will develop a new multidisciplinary research platform positioning Australia at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience research, and enable breakthroughs that will establish the optimal timing for cognitive performance during active behaviour. Field of research: 5204 - Cognitive and Computational Psychology Movement is a hallmark of natural behaviour, yet the influence of movement on our cognitive function is often overlooked. My recent work has shown that the ability to perceive and attend to the world is impacted by the common act of walking, which produces brief periods of good and bad performance within each step. This project will quantify these step-related changes to determine how the ability to see, hear, and attend to an environment are modulated by the act of walking. The project will develop a multidisciplinary research platform combining psychology, movement science, neuroscience, and virtual reality. This will position Australia at the forefront of new initiatives to conduct ecologically valid research in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. This will provide exceptional training opportunities for Australian researchers, and fundamentally advance scientific understanding by unveiling the link between the body and the brain during an everyday behaviour. By establishing the timing of peak cognitive performance within each step, the outcomes of this project have clear applications in various defence and training contexts such as education settings, workplaces, sports and rehabilitation environments where optimal cognitive performance and timing are required in a dynamic environment.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Delivering sustainable and quality aged care in home environments. . This project aims to investigate the role of housing in the delivery of quality, sustainable home care by exploring the perspectives of older people, aged care staff and aged care organisations. It expects to generate new knowledge about the relationship between care and built environments using techniques including walk-along interviews and surveys. Expected outcomes include an evidence base describing the relationship between care delivery (equity of access, effectiveness, safety and sustainability) and housing features (housing type, design, tenure and condition). Outcomes are expected to provide significant benefits including building Australia’s capacity to deliver quality home care and support a sustainable aged care workforce. Field of research: 4205 - Nursing The unique and diverse types of homes people live in are the main setting for Australia's aged care delivery, whether that home be a free-standing house or apartment, privately owned or rented, old or new. Increasing demand for home care services for older Australians has resulted in care systems operating in unregulated environments and under increasing financial pressure. Despite evidence that housing (design, location and condition) plays a direct role in independence, quality of life, and reduced care need, this has not been fully explored in an aged care context. This relationship is worthy of exploring because homes are also workplaces for carers, and the project will lead to better quality care, job quality and address ways to retain quality carers in the workforce. Aligning with the National Aged Care Reform Agenda the project benefits Australia economically by maximising the value of Government investment in aged care. The project’s translation of the findings for community, providers and policymakers will ensure that the research contributes to supporting the preference of Australians to receive care at home in their local community. It will also equip aged care providers with innovative approaches to delivering services safely, equitably and efficiently in Australian homes.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Thermoelectric Building Modules: Turning Urban Heat into Energy. This project aims to create high-efficiency thermoelectric building modules for thermal energy harvesting. This initiative is poised to bring forth new knowledge in the development and application of thermoelectric materials for construction. The anticipated outcomes include understanding the thermoelectric mechanisms of building materials caused by temperature differences, refining design methodologies, and enhancing application techniques for such materials. This will help to significantly decrease the energy consumption of buildings and alleviate the urban heat island effect, presenting substantial benefits for the nation's urban and built environments. Field of research: 4005 - Civil Engineering This project is a world-first systematic study of thermoelectric (TE) building modules that convert thermal energy to electricity, addressing Australia's escalating climate challenges (including excessive urban heat) and advancing technology for Zero-energy buildings – buildings with net zero energy consumption. Although TE technology has been successfully applied in various fields such as microelectronics, aerospace, and medicine, it has not been used much in the building sector, due to high costs and insufficient durability. This project will develop TE building modules that will have high TE efficiency, mechanical performance, and durability characteristics. The TE building modules designed here will repurpose urban heat into electrical energy. This not only helps alleviate the ‘urban heat island’ effect but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, offering significant economic and environmental value. By integrating these modules, buildings can change from passive energy consumers to active energy providers, becoming energy-harvesting buildings. Aligning with Australia's needs for high value-added materials and clean energy, this project promises substantial commercial returns and societal benefits.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Next-generation resilient concrete for wastewater infrastructure. This project aims to develop a novel corrosion-resistant concrete to provide cost-effective, long-lasting, and eco-friendly corrosion control in wastewater infrastructure. In Australia, concrete corrosion in wastewater infrastructure costs over $1 billion/year. By advancing underpinning science and developing a novel concrete that innovatively inhibits corrosion-causing microbes, the project expects to extend service life, enhance structural integrity, and minimize maintenance cost and service disruption in wastewater infrastructure. Expected outcomes will contribute to sustainable and resilient next-generation wastewater infrastructure. This should provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits to Australia’s water sector. Field of research: 4011 - Environmental Engineering Australia's wastewater infrastructure has long grappled with concrete corrosion, resulting in substantial economic burden exceeding $1 billion annually and service disruptions. Moreover, a majority of Australia's existing wastewater facilities are approaching the end of their lifespan, requiring extensive replacement. Australia's water industries urgently need a corrosion-resistant concrete to establish resilient next-generation wastewater infrastructure. This project aims to create a corrosion-resistant concrete that innovatively inhibits corrosion-causing microbes by using cost-effective and eco-friendly admixtures. The project outcomes directly address the pressing needs and significant challenges faced by Australian water sectors. The findings can be translated into guidelines for designing and operating resilient wastewater infrastructure, aiming to extend service life while minimizing maintenance costs and service disruptions. This will assist Australia's water sector in achieving sustainable and resilient next-generation urban wastewater infrastructure and preventing inadvertent public exposure to wastewater-borne pollutants. Further, the outcomes can find a multi-billion-dollar global market, positioning Australia as a leader in corrosion control. This will enable the development of commercial products by Australian start-ups and advanced manufacturing companies, ultimately delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits to the entire Australian population.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Uncovering the colonisation of newly-recognised 'trojan horses' of bacteria. This project aims to investigate the basic biological mechanisms of the enhanced colonisation of host cells by a newly discovered vector for transmission of bacteria. The vector consists of packages of live bacteria enveloped in a membrane made by natural bacterial predators. The colonisation mechanisms of bacteria carried in these vectors are unknown. This project seeks to reveal these mechanisms using innovative molecular techniques. Anticipated outcomes include new knowledge about pathogen transmission and the potential for further research into pathogen control. This should provide significant benefits such as fundamental knowledge that may revolutionise the study of opportunistic pathogens transmitted from the environment. Field of research: 3107 - Microbiology Bacterial gut infections are a persistent and increasing problem in Australia and globally. The lack of effective control measures underscores the urgent need for a better understanding of how they are transmitted. I have discovered a new transmission vehicle for gut-infectious bacteria that occurs naturally in the environment. The vehicle comprises of packages of bacteria enveloped in a membrane that enhances their infectivity. This project aims to reveal the unknown mechanisms behind this behaviour using advanced molecular technologies. The findings have the potential to revolutionise the approach to intestinal infection research globally. The insights obtained will enhance our understanding of the true transmission pathways of intestinal pathogens and raise public awareness to accelerate preventative strategies to track these vehicles in the environment. They will serve as a robust foundation for the development of targeted treatment strategies, offering a more effective and nuanced approach. Innovative strategies for controlling gut infections, particularly targeted interventions, can provide substantial economic benefits by reducing costs associated with treating gastroenteritis. It can also unlock commercial potential by driving new product development, creating employment and investment opportunities. Importantly, by advocating for the use of targeted technologies as alternatives to antibiotics, this project addresses the global concern of antimicrobial resistance.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Empowering Millimetre-wave Communications with Magneto-electric Surfaces. This project aims to pioneer intelligent filtering magneto-electric surface technology, paving the way for 5G and beyond 5G millimetre-wave (mmWave) communications systems. This project marks a substantial advancement in the field of antennas and wireless communications technologies. The expected outcome of the project is to develop an intelligent filtering magneto-electric surface system with beamforming capabilities to enable the effective management of signal interference and overcome the coverage limitations for mmWave systems. The intended intelligent system supports the Australian Government’s vision for robust and future-proof connectivity, embodying a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the current communications systems. Field of research: 4006 - Communications Engineering Due to Australia’s vast size and dispersed population, we face many challenges in providing high-quality communications services across the country. This project is at the forefront of pioneering advanced antenna sciences and technologies for 5G and beyond-5G millimetre-wave (mmWave) wireless communications. It aims to overcome critical challenges in signal coverage and interference management to support fast and reliable mmWave communications access to all Australians, irrespective of their location, to support economic growth, education, healthcare, and overall societal development. This project’s core innovation lies in the intelligent filtering magneto-electric surface technology and stands out for its adaptability and electromagnetic friendly approach, enabling the practical and effective deployment of mmWave communications technology. Collaboration with leading telecommunications companies, including Telstra, has validated the technology's practical relevance and potential for widespread adoption. The development and implementation of this technology will directly contribute to the Critical Technologies in the National Interest, as we move to a digital economy. This project also promises substantial enhancements in communications connectivity and services, enabling economic and social benefits to Australian industries and businesses to be more productive and competitive - while also laying the groundwork for Australia’s future in global telecommunications innovation.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Mid-infrared imaging with visible detectors at room temperature. The project aims to develop a compact device platform for broadband mid-infrared (MIR) imaging by integrating material science, nanotechnology, imaging algorithms, and photonics. This project addresses challenges in low MIR radiation detection efficiency at room temperature by exploiting the lanthanide nanocrystal to convert the MIR radiation into visible light, which is detectable by the standard silicon-based photodetectors. The expected outcomes include advanced energy looping-based MIR detection mechanisms and nano-fabrication techniques, enabling an integrated chip-based laser-free platform for next-generation MIR imaging systems. Anticipated benefits stem from improved sensing, imaging, and communication for various applications. Field of research: 4018 - Nanotechnology The advancement of infrared sensing and imaging technologies that use emerging nanomaterials represents a pivotal breakthrough for Australia, addressing limitations in current commercial infrared cameras, which are based on toxic materials, require cooling, and incur high costs. Aligned with Australia's long-term research strategy, this project focuses on creating novel lanthanide nanocrystals that convert infrared light to visible light, detectable with existing commercially available silicon-based detectors. When incorporated into devices, these nanomaterials provide a universal infrared technological platform with higher detection efficiency and improved imaging resolution. The research aims to substantially reduce the cost of infrared sensors and cameras, thereby increasing accessibility across various sectors. The resulting technology has broad applications in analytical biochemistry, disease diagnostics, environmental sciences, food safety, and agriculture. The technology's compatibility with existing detectors ensures seamless adoption. With an estimated global infrared imagining market of $11.15 billion by 2030, the commercialisation potential of this technology will escalate the Australian surveillance and monitoring companies on the international level.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Transfer Learning for Reliable Data Detection in Open-set Environments. There is an urgent need to develop a new machine learning scheme in open-set environments to enhance the reliability of machine learning models. This project aims to use transfer learning to enhance the reliability of machine learning models when encountering unfamiliar objects, which are known as out-of-distribution data. The project involves: developing novel machine learning theories to guide method design; novel frameworks that are distribution-robust to transfer knowledge from available related datasets; and novel compatibility-aware frameworks to transfer knowledge from available models. The outcomes are expected to enhance the reliability of machine learning, yielding benefits for responsible artificial intelligence. Field of research: 4605 - Data Management and Data Science The project explores a frontier in responsible artificial intelligence (AI): how to enhance the reliability of machine learning when the labelled data are limited. Aligning with Australia's AI Ethics Principles, this pioneering direction in responsible AI will enhance Australia's research impact and reputation in the field. It will support our nation's cybersecurity efforts by developing reliable out-of-distribution intrusion detection systems that can identify new cyberattacks. This improved cyber infrastructure will benefit the entire knowledge economy, including government, businesses, and emergency services. The project will also support Australian small-to-medium-sized enterprises by developing out-of-distribution detection systems to increase the reliability of business intelligence systems. Ultimately, better decision support for small-to-medium-sized enterprises will benefit the entire Australian economy. The project will also contribute to enhancing the reliability of decision-making systems for government. To enhance the impact of this project’s research outcomes beyond academia, it is crucial to showcase how the knowledge generated can be translated into practical future applications. The research will be conducted through direct engagement with industry stakeholders. Such interaction is key to demonstrating the real-world applicability and advantages of the research and to encourage its broader implementation and use.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Learning to see latent variables: Robotic state estimation made scalable. This project aims to develop a novel optimisation-based framework to ensure computationally efficient and resilient real-time estimation of latent variables. Robots have numerous unmeasurable latent states crucial for decision-making, monitoring, prediction, and for designing controllers that interact with the real world. However, challenges in computational scalability and long-term performance in current estimation methods are not well understood. This research will lead to new knowledge, approaches, and algorithms that achieve high-performance robotic estimation. Such advancements will benefit robotics, industrial automation, control engineering, and other fields that demand state estimation within the broader Australian communities. Field of research: 4007 - Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics The realm of robotics and intelligent systems is currently undergoing rapid transformation, exerting profound impacts on various industries, labor markets, and daily life. Their indispensable roles span across applications such as smart power grids, self-driving cars, mining robots, and critical infrastructure. This project will provide advanced knowledge in the area of nonlinear estimation theory, leading to the development of high-performance and computationally scalable estimation algorithms for industrial applications. These applications will have a significant impact in robots and intelligent systems that heavily rely on real-time access to latent variables derived from data and models, instrumental for effective decision-making, monitoring, and control. The outcomes of the project will enhance Australia's international standing in autonomous systems, intelligent robotics, and industrial automation, to "build new industries and accelerate productivity by having sovereign knowledge" in all areas related to real-time estimation techniques. Aligned with several of Australia's National Science and Research Priorities (draft 2023), including "Advanced Manufacturing" outlined in the 2015 version and "Priority 3 - Enabling a productive and innovative economy" (specifically in the field of robotics), the project will ultimately have a broad impact on Australian society through economic and social benefits, and attract overseas investment to Australia.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Neuro-AI for Personalised Image Generation . This project aims to develop an AI model integrating neuro features from human affective states to generate emotion-eliciting images and incorporate them into machine learning models. Expected outcomes include new knowledge on human affective states evoked due to image properties and new models and algorithms. This research is a significant step towards creating a personalised and effective approach to the generation of images that can positively affect human emotions, with potential benefits in training and education, while advancing scientific knowledge about the relationship of image features and cognitive processes and machine learning. Field of research: 4611 - Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) image generation has experienced an exponential boom recently. However, while its use is increasingly prevalent, limitations still exist. This project proposes a significant advancement to address the capacity of existing models to elicit emotions successfully. This project incorporates a novel approach using brain signals and feedback to show how humans respond emotionally to images, with the aim to develop a new AI model that could positively influence human cognition, mood, behaviour and performance. This advancement has applications for technology in various industries including education, training, advertising, entertainment and mental health. The development of this new technology would contribute to Australia’s position in AI research and innovation, an area of increasing national importance. The knowledge, methods and algorithms developed in the project offer commercialisation opportunities for innovative Australian companies, and broader social benefits. The project, in its current stage, is a collaboration between a university-based team focused on AI and an Australian company that currently provides a tool that uses curated visual content to invoke positivity among users. They have more than 40,000 subscribers globally, indicating significant potential for further product development opportunities.

ARC National Competitive Grants · FY 2025 · 2025-01

Operando Monitor of Gas Evolution in Renewable Energy Systems. The gas evolution reactions are critically important in renewable energy systems. However, the gas evolution mechanisms in many energy systems have not been well investigated due to the fast reaction dynamics and trace of gaseous byproducts. In this project, we will combine the technology of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry with in-situ Raman/FTIR investigation to collect information on adsorbed species, reaction products, and intermediates on a short timescale. By characterising the changes in product distribution in various systems, the reaction mechanism can be revealed, and relevant information for specific reactions can be obtained. This will provide guidelines for fundamental knowledge in renewable energy systems. Field of research: 4016 - Materials Engineering This project establishes an Australian first analytical technique to accurately detect and measure gases that develop after electrochemical reactions, particularly in renewable energy and storage systems. The signal detected using traditional techniques is often compromised by residual gases and other interfering factors and our proposed method allows for real-time tracking of gas distribution and yield while detecting changes in reaction conditions. As an integrated facility consisting of Mass, Raman and Infrared spectrometers, it can simultaneously collect the gaseous consumption/generation along with the bonding evolution of electrodes, thereby providing the opportunity to reveal the reaction mechanism and solve the practical challenge in many energy storage and conversion systems. This information can also serve as a critical experimental and theoretical basis for guiding the design and optimisation of reaction conditions, improving the development and manufacturing of renewable energy storage and conversion products and equipment. The outcomes of the cross-field investigations will not only create a number of high impact academic publications, but also has the potential to generate patentable technologies which might bring benefits to Australia and attract collaborations from industry to meet the practical demands. This directly aligns with Australia’s aim to become a leader in renewable energy and meet its emission targets.